Overview / About the Scholarship
The Dean's Postgraduate Scholarship is an elite award personally championed by the Deans of various university faculties. It is aimed at building a community of high-achieving international scholars who demonstrate not only strong academic records but also the potential for leadership and professional excellence. Unlike general bursaries, these are merit-driven awards that often involve a competitive selection process.
Scholarship Value / Benefits
Significant Tuition Reductions: Many institutions, such as Bangor University, offer flat-rate awards of £6,000 specifically for postgraduate taught courses.
Tiered Award Amounts: Some universities, like the University of Exeter, offer tiered Excellence scholarships worth £3,000, £5,000, or £10,000, applied as a reduction in international tuition fees.
Direct Fee Deduction: The award is typically applied directly to the recipient's tuition account, lowering the total financial burden upon registration.
Prestige & Recognition: Scholars earn a prestigious title that enhances their global professional profile and academic standing.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, Nigerian applicants must generally meet the following requirements:
Nationality & Domicile: Be a citizen and permanent resident of Nigeria.
Academic Performance: Demonstrate high academic achievement, often requiring the equivalent of a UK Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) degree or higher.
Fee Status: Be classified as an International or Overseas student for fee-paying purposes.
Self-Funding Status: These awards are primarily for self-funded students; candidates fully sponsored by third parties are typically ineligible.
Level & Field of Study
Level: Primarily available for one-year, full-time taught Master's (Postgraduate) degrees.
Field: Generally open to all academic faculties, including Business, Humanities, Science, and Engineering, though some specialised or clinical courses may be excluded by individual institutions.
Host University / Provider Info
For the 2026/27 academic cycle, several prominent UK universities offer Dean's or high-level Excellence scholarships for Nigerian students:
Required Documents
Academic Credentials: Certified copies of university transcripts and degree certificates.
Personal Statement: A well-crafted motivation letter detailing your academic background and reasons for choosing the specific university.
Offer Letter: Proof of a conditional or unconditional offer from the host university.
Evidence of English Language Skills: Results from a recognised test like IELTS or evidence of high grades in Nigerian English qualifications.
How to Apply
Secure an Admission Offer: You must first apply for and receive an offer for an eligible postgraduate course.
Check Application Type: Determine whether the scholarship is automatic (e.g., at Bangor University) or requires a separate application.
Submit Timely: Submit your scholarship application promptly once you have your program offer, as funding is often limited.
Confirm and Pay Deposit: Successful candidates must often pay their tuition fee deposit by a specific deadline to secure the award.
