Quick Answer: Queen Mary University of London offers various scholarships for British students in 2026, including merit-based awards up to £5,000, subject-specific bursaries, and hardship funds. UK students can access undergraduate scholarships starting at £1,500 and postgraduate awards up to £10,000, with applications typically due by March 2026 for September entry.

Introduction

Queen Mary University of London, ranked among the UK's top 50 universities and part of the prestigious Russell Group, offers numerous scholarship opportunities specifically designed for British students. As education costs continue to rise, these financial support options can significantly reduce the burden of university expenses for UK students pursuing their academic goals.

Whether you're considering undergraduate study or advancing to postgraduate level, understanding the scholarship landscape at Queen Mary can help you secure the funding needed to excel in your chosen field. This comprehensive guide covers all available scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application strategies for British students in 2026.

Overview of Queen Mary University of London

Queen Mary University of London stands as one of the UK's leading research-intensive institutions, consistently ranking in the top 50 British universities. Located in the vibrant East London borough of Mile End, the university serves over 20,000 students across four campuses. The institution is particularly renowned for its medical and dental schools, engineering programs, and humanities departments.

As a Russell Group member, Queen Mary maintains exceptional academic standards while fostering an inclusive environment that supports students from diverse backgrounds. The university's commitment to accessibility extends beyond academics into financial support, with over £2 million annually dedicated to scholarships and bursaries for UK students.

Undergraduate Scholarships for British Students

Queen Mary Excellence Scholarships

The flagship undergraduate scholarship program awards £3,000 annually to high-achieving British students. Recipients are selected based on A-level performance, with typical requirements including AAA grades or equivalent. The scholarship is renewable for the full duration of study, provided students maintain a minimum 2:1 average.

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Queen Mary offers targeted scholarships across various disciplines:

• Engineering and Materials Science Scholarships: £2,500 per year for students entering engineering programs
• Humanities and Social Sciences Bursaries: £1,500 annually for students from underrepresented backgrounds
• Business and Management Awards: £2,000 per year for high-achieving business students
• Science and Medicine Scholarships: £3,500 annually for students entering STEM fields

Widening Participation Scholarships

Designed to support students from underrepresented communities, these scholarships provide £2,000 annually plus additional support services. Eligibility criteria include being the first in your family to attend university, coming from areas with low higher education participation, or meeting specific socioeconomic indicators.

Postgraduate Scholarships for British Students

Queen Mary Principal's Postgraduate Scholarships

The most prestigious postgraduate awards offer up to £10,000 towards tuition fees for exceptional British students. Available across all faculties, these scholarships target students with first-class honours degrees or equivalent qualifications.

Research Council Funding

Queen Mary participates in various UK Research Council programs, providing full funding packages for doctoral students. These typically cover tuition fees plus a tax-free stipend of approximately £18,622 per year for 2026-27.

Faculty-Specific Postgraduate Awards

• Law School Scholarships: £5,000 towards LLM programs for outstanding law graduates
• Medical and Dental Research Scholarships: Full funding packages for PhD students in medical research
• Economics and Finance Awards: £7,500 for MSc programs in economics and related fields

Need-Based Financial Support

Queen Mary Hardship Fund

This emergency fund provides financial assistance to British students facing unexpected financial difficulties during their studies. Awards range from £500 to £3,000 and are assessed on individual circumstances.

Care Leaver Bursaries

Students who have been in local authority care receive comprehensive support including:

• £2,000 annual bursary
• Guaranteed accommodation for the first year
• Additional pastoral support services
• Priority access to internship programs

Student Parent Support

British students with dependents can access additional financial assistance through childcare grants and emergency support funds, with awards typically ranging from £1,000 to £4,000 annually.

Application Process and Deadlines

Key Dates for 2026 Entry

• Early Applications: December 1, 2025
• Standard Deadline: March 15, 2026
• Late Applications: May 1, 2026 (limited scholarships available)
• Results Notification: June 2026

Application Requirements

Most scholarships require:

• Completed UCAS application (for undergraduate) or direct application (for postgraduate)
• Academic transcripts
• Personal statement specifically addressing scholarship criteria
• Two academic references
• Evidence of financial need (where applicable)

Tips for Successful Applications

1. Start Early: Begin your scholarship research and applications at least six months before deadlines
2. Tailor Your Application: Customize personal statements for each scholarship
3. Demonstrate Impact: Show how the scholarship will enable you to achieve your goals
4. Seek Support: Utilize Queen Mary's scholarship advisory services
5. Consider Multiple Options: Apply for several scholarships to maximize your chances

When exploring your options, remember to find your perfect university by considering both academic fit and available financial support.

Alternative Funding Sources

Government Support

British students should also explore:

• Student Loans Company maintenance loans
• NHS bursaries for healthcare students
• Teacher training bursaries
• Disabled Students' Allowances

External Scholarships

Numerous organizations offer scholarships to UK students, including:

• The British Council
• Professional bodies in your field of study
• Charitable foundations
• Local authority grants

Part-Time Work Opportunities

Queen Mary's central London location provides excellent part-time employment prospects, with the university's careers service helping students find suitable positions that complement their studies.

Maintaining Your Scholarship

Most Queen Mary scholarships require students to maintain specific academic standards. Typical requirements include:

• Minimum 2:1 average for undergraduate scholarships
• Satisfactory progress reviews for postgraduate awards
• Regular engagement with scholarship program activities
• Annual financial reassessment for need-based awards

Conclusion

Queen Mary University of London's comprehensive scholarship program demonstrates the institution's commitment to supporting British students in achieving their educational aspirations. With awards ranging from £1,500 to full funding packages, there are opportunities available for students across all academic levels and financial backgrounds. Start your application process early and explore multiple funding sources to maximize your chances of securing financial support for your studies at this prestigious Russell Group university.

Key Statistics

📊 Over £2 million annually dedicated to scholarships and bursaries for UK students at Queen Mary University

🎓 Queen Mary ranks in the top 50 UK universities and is a Russell Group member with over 20,000 students

💰 Undergraduate scholarships range from £1,500 to £3,500 per year, with postgraduate awards up to £10,000

📈 Research Council PhD funding provides approximately £18,622 annual stipend plus full tuition coverage for 2026-27

🏆 Principal's Postgraduate Scholarships offer the highest awards at £10,000 for exceptional British graduates

📚 Care leavers receive comprehensive support including £2,000 annual bursary plus guaranteed accommodation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Queen Mary University scholarships as a British student?

British students apply through the university's online scholarship portal, typically requiring a completed UCAS application, academic transcripts, personal statement, and two references. Most scholarship applications have a deadline of March 15, 2026, for September entry. Start early as some scholarships have rolling admissions or earlier deadlines.

What is the Queen Mary Excellence Scholarship and who is eligible?

The Queen Mary Excellence Scholarship is the flagship undergraduate award providing £3,000 annually to high-achieving British students. Eligibility requires AAA grades at A-level or equivalent qualifications. The scholarship is renewable throughout your degree program provided you maintain a minimum 2:1 average.

How much financial support can British students receive at Queen Mary University?

British students can receive between £1,500 to £10,000 annually depending on the scholarship type. Undergraduate awards typically range from £1,500-£3,500 per year, while postgraduate scholarships can reach £10,000. Additional support includes hardship funds (£500-£3,000) and care leaver bursaries (£2,000 plus accommodation).

What postgraduate scholarships are available for British students at Queen Mary?

Queen Mary offers Principal's Postgraduate Scholarships up to £10,000, faculty-specific awards like Law School scholarships (£5,000), and Research Council funding for PhD students. Full doctoral funding packages include tuition fees plus approximately £18,622 annual stipend. Most require first-class honours or equivalent qualifications.

Are Queen Mary scholarships renewable for multiple years?

Yes, most Queen Mary scholarships are renewable throughout your degree program. Undergraduate scholarships like the Excellence Award and subject-specific scholarships renew annually provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress, typically a 2:1 average. Students must also continue meeting eligibility criteria for need-based awards.

What support is available for British students facing financial hardship?

Queen Mary provides a Hardship Fund offering £500-£3,000 for students facing unexpected financial difficulties. Care leavers receive £2,000 annual bursaries plus guaranteed accommodation and pastoral support. Student parents can access childcare grants and emergency support funds ranging from £1,000-£4,000 annually.

When should I apply for Queen Mary scholarships for 2026 entry?

Early applications are due December 1, 2025, with standard deadlines of March 15, 2026. Late applications until May 1, 2026, have limited scholarships available. Results are typically announced in June 2026. Start your application process at least six months before deadlines to ensure you have time for all required documentation.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at Queen Mary University?

Yes, British students are encouraged to apply for multiple scholarships to maximize funding opportunities. You can combine different types of awards, such as academic merit scholarships with need-based support. However, some scholarships may have restrictions on concurrent awards, so check individual terms and conditions carefully.

Key Takeaways

✅ Queen Mary offers over £2 million annually in scholarships specifically for British students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels

✅ Application deadlines are typically March 15, 2026, for September entry, with early applications encouraged by December 2025

✅ Scholarship amounts range from £1,500 for subject-specific bursaries to £10,000 for prestigious postgraduate awards

✅ Multiple funding sources are available including merit-based, need-based, and specialized support for care leavers and student parents

✅ Most scholarships are renewable throughout your degree program with satisfactory academic progress requirements

✅ Students can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously to maximize their funding potential