The University of Nottingham offers the Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship, a flagship funding programme established in 2001 to support outstanding students from Africa, South Asia, and selected Commonwealth countries. The scholarship is designed for individuals committed to driving sustainable development and long-term transformation within their home countries.
For the 2026/27 academic year, the university is providing 50% and 100% tuition fee scholarships for one-year full-time master’s programmes. The initiative supports innovative and socially driven students who demonstrate clear, practical strategies for addressing economic, environmental, structural, social, or political challenges in their nations.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Scholarship Overview
The Developing Solutions Scholarship targets future leaders who:
- Demonstrate strong academic merit
- Present a clear and actionable development proposal
- Show commitment to returning to and contributing to their home country
- Align their chosen course with real-world impact goals
Scholarships are available for eligible students enrolling in full-time master’s programmes (including MRes) within the following faculties:
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences
The award applies to one year only. For students enrolled in a two-year master’s programme, the scholarship will cover tuition fees for the first year only.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be domiciled in Africa, India, or one of the listed eligible Commonwealth countries
- Be classified as an overseas student for fee purposes
- Hold an offer to begin a full-time master’s (including MRes) in September 2026 at the University of Nottingham (UK campus)
- Study within one of the eligible faculties
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- Are current students or graduates of the University of Nottingham
- Have previously studied outside their home country (subject to case-by-case consideration if studied in an eligible country)
- Are currently studying in the UK
Eligible Countries
The scholarship is open to applicants from:
- All African nations
- India
- Bangladesh, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
- Caribbean nations including Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, and others
- Selected Commonwealth territories including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and additional listed states
Applicants are advised to confirm eligibility based on their domicile status before applying.
Application Process
The scholarship application process involves two key steps:
- Apply for a Master’s Programme
- Submit an application for a full-time master’s (including MRes) for 2026/27.
- Receive an offer from the University of Nottingham.
- Apply for the Scholarship
- Submit the scholarship application through the NottinghamHub portal.
- MRes applicants must contact the scholarships team directly for application instructions.
Applicants do not need to accept their course offer before applying for the scholarship; however, awards are only granted to students who accept their offer.
Successful candidates will be notified by the end of May 2026.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated primarily on the strength and clarity of the candidate’s development proposal. Strong candidates will:
- Present a tangible and realistic solution to a specific national challenge
- Demonstrate how their chosen course supports their proposed solution
- Show long-term commitment to contributing to their home country
- Provide compelling reasons for choosing the University of Nottingham
- Highlight notable academic and professional achievements
Applicants must adhere strictly to the word limits specified in the application form. Responses exceeding the stated word count may not be reviewed.
Scholarship Terms
Key conditions include:
- Awards cover 50% or 100% of tuition fees only
- Scholarship funds are deducted directly from tuition fees
- Payments are not made directly to recipients
- Scholarships cannot be combined with other University of Nottingham awards
- If multiple awards are granted, only the highest-value scholarship will apply
Applicants are encouraged to review scholarship guidance notes, FAQs, and full terms and conditions before submission.
Impact and Vision
The Developing Solutions Scholarship reflects the University of Nottingham’s commitment to global equity in education and sustainable international development. By supporting talented students from underrepresented regions, the programme fosters:
- Leadership in emerging economies
- Innovation in sustainable development
- International collaboration
- Long-term community impact
Past scholars have highlighted the scholarship as transformative in enabling access to world-class education and empowering them to pursue impactful careers in their home countries.
Why Apply?
This scholarship offers more than financial support. It provides:
- Access to a globally recognised UK university
- Academic mentorship and research excellence
- A diverse international network
- A platform to turn ideas into actionable national solutions
For driven students with a clear vision for change, the Developing Solutions Scholarship represents a powerful opportunity to gain expertise while building capacity for sustainable development at home.
