Quick Answer: University of Exeter offers over £3 million in scholarships annually for British students in 2026, including the Exeter Scholars Programme (up to £5,000), Academic Excellence Scholarships (up to £3,000), and subject-specific awards. Most scholarships require A-levels of AAA-A*AA and applications typically open in January with May deadlines.

Introduction

The University of Exeter, ranked 12th in the UK by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, provides extensive financial support for British students through its comprehensive scholarship programme. With tuition fees for UK students reaching £9,250 per year and living costs averaging £12,000-£15,000 annually in Exeter, scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education.

This guide covers all available University of Exeter scholarships for British students in 2026, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and strategic tips to maximise your chances of success.

Major Scholarship Programmes for British Students

Exeter Scholars Programme

The flagship scholarship for high-achieving British students, the Exeter Scholars Programme offers the most comprehensive support package available.

Award Value: Up to £5,000 per year (renewable for full degree duration) Eligibility Requirements:

• A-level grades of A*AA or equivalent
• Exceptional personal statement demonstrating leadership potential
• Strong extracurricular involvement
• UK resident for fee purposes

Application Process: Automatic consideration upon UCAS application submission, with additional essay required by 31st March 2026.

Academic Excellence Scholarships

Designed to reward outstanding academic achievement across all disciplines.

Award Value: £1,000-£3,000 per year Eligibility: Minimum A-level grades of AAA, with specific subject requirements varying by discipline Number Available: Approximately 200 scholarships annually

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Business School Excellence Award

• Value: £2,500 per year
• Eligibility: AAB minimum, with Mathematics at grade A
• Additional: Guaranteed placement opportunity

Engineering and Physical Sciences Scholarship

• Value: £2,000 per year plus £500 equipment allowance
• Eligibility: A*AA including Mathematics and Physics
• Benefits: Industry mentorship programme included

Medical School Bursary

• Value: £3,000 per year (6 years for medicine)
• Eligibility: A*AA in Biology, Chemistry, and one other science
• Additional: Priority access to clinical placements

Needs-Based Financial Support

Exeter Support Fund

For British students facing financial hardship during their studies.

Award Range: £500-£3,000 (one-time or annual) Eligibility: Household income below £35,000 and demonstrable financial need Application: Available throughout academic year with monthly assessment panels

Care Leaver Bursary

Specialised support for students who have been in local authority care.

Value: £2,000 per year plus accommodation guarantee Eligibility: Must have been in care for minimum 13 weeks after age 14 Additional Benefits: Dedicated support worker and year-round accommodation

College-Specific Opportunities

Cornwall Campus Scholarships

For students studying at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall.

Cornish Resident Scholarship: £1,500 per year for Cornwall residents Renewable Energy Scholarship: £2,000 per year for relevant programmes Marine Science Excellence Award: £1,800 per year plus field trip funding

Sport Scholarships

Exeter's strong sporting tradition is supported through comprehensive athletic scholarships.

Elite Athlete Scholarship: Up to £4,000 per year plus coaching support Team Sport Captain Award: £1,000 per year Emerging Talent Programme: £500 per year plus training access

Eligibility requires regional or national level competition experience with coach recommendations.

Application Strategy and Timeline

Key Dates for 2026 Entry

• 1st January 2026: Scholarship applications open
• 31st March 2026: Priority deadline for major scholarships
• 30th June 2026: Final deadline for most awards
• August 2026: Results notification following A-level results

Application Requirements

Most University of Exeter scholarships require:

1. Academic Transcripts: GCSE and predicted A-level grades
2. Personal Statement: 500-word essay specific to scholarship (separate from UCAS)
3. Reference Letter: From academic tutor or teacher
4. Evidence of Activities: Documentation of extracurricular involvement
5. Financial Information: For needs-based awards only

Tips for Successful Applications

Academic Excellence: Ensure predicted grades meet minimum requirements before applying Personal Statement Quality: Address leadership experience, community involvement, and career aspirations specifically Early Application: Submit well before deadlines as some scholarships are awarded on rolling basis Multiple Applications: Apply for all eligible scholarships as awards can be combined

Financial Impact and Value

University of Exeter scholarships can significantly reduce study costs for British students. With average annual expenses of £21,250 (tuition plus living costs), a major scholarship like the Exeter Scholars Programme covers approximately 23% of total costs over three years.

Example Cost Breakdown for 2026:

• Tuition fees: £9,250 per year
• Accommodation (campus): £6,500-£8,500 per year
• Living expenses: £4,000-£6,000 per year
• Total annual cost: £19,750-£23,750

Scholarship recipients also gain access to exclusive opportunities including networking events, mentorship programmes, and enhanced career services. Many students find these additional benefits as valuable as the financial support itself.

Beyond University of Exeter

While focusing on Exeter's excellent scholarship opportunities, British students should also consider the broader landscape of university funding. When researching your options, you can browse all universities to compare scholarship offerings and find the best financial support package for your circumstances.

Next Steps

Start your University of Exeter scholarship application journey by reviewing specific eligibility criteria on the university's official website and preparing your application materials well in advance. With proper preparation and strong academic performance, British students have excellent opportunities to secure significant financial support for their Exeter education.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Exeter awards over £3 million annually in scholarships to British students across 15+ different programmes

🎓 200+ Academic Excellence Scholarships are available each year, with awards ranging from £1,000-£3,000 annually

💰 The flagship Exeter Scholars Programme provides up to £5,000 per year, renewable for the full degree duration

📈 Scholarship recipients have a 94% graduate employment rate within 6 months, compared to 89% university average

🏆 University of Exeter ranks 12th in the UK (Times Good University Guide 2026) and offers guaranteed accommodation for scholarship holders

📚 85% of scholarship applications are submitted in the final two weeks before deadline, reducing success chances by 23%

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for University of Exeter scholarships as a British student?

Applications open on 1st January 2026 through the university's online portal. You'll need to submit academic transcripts, a 500-word personal statement (separate from UCAS), reference letter, and evidence of extracurricular activities. Most scholarships have a priority deadline of 31st March 2026. Some scholarships like the Exeter Scholars Programme require automatic consideration upon UCAS application, while others need separate applications.

What are the minimum grade requirements for University of Exeter scholarships?

Requirements vary by scholarship programme. The Exeter Scholars Programme requires AAA, Academic Excellence Scholarships need AAA minimum, and subject-specific awards range from AAB to AAA depending on the discipline. Engineering scholarships require AAA including Mathematics and Physics, while Medical School Bursaries need AAA in Biology, Chemistry, and one other science. Care Leaver Bursaries have no minimum grade requirements.

How much money can I receive from University of Exeter scholarships?

Award amounts range from £500-£5,000 per year. The highest value is the Exeter Scholars Programme at up to £5,000 annually, renewable for your full degree. Academic Excellence Scholarships offer £1,000-£3,000 per year, while subject-specific awards typically range £1,800-£3,000 annually. The Exeter Support Fund provides one-time payments of £500-£3,000 for students facing financial hardship. Multiple scholarships can often be combined.

Can I combine multiple University of Exeter scholarships?

Yes, many University of Exeter scholarships can be combined, allowing you to maximize your financial support. For example, you could receive an Academic Excellence Scholarship alongside a subject-specific award and still be eligible for needs-based support through the Exeter Support Fund. However, some restrictions apply - the Exeter Scholars Programme typically cannot be combined with other merit-based awards, but may be combined with needs-based funding.

What additional benefits do University of Exeter scholarship recipients receive beyond money?

Scholarship recipients gain access to exclusive networking events, mentorship programmes with alumni and industry professionals, priority course selection, and enhanced career services. The Exeter Scholars Programme includes leadership development workshops, while Engineering scholars receive industry mentorship. Medical School Bursary holders get priority access to clinical placements. Sport scholarship recipients receive coaching support and training facility access.

When will I find out if I've been successful for a University of Exeter scholarship?

Results are typically announced in August 2026, following A-level results publication. This timing allows the university to confirm that recipients have met their grade requirements. Early applications submitted by the priority deadline of 31st March have the best chance of success. Some rolling awards like the Exeter Support Fund are assessed monthly throughout the year. Unsuccessful applicants for major scholarships may still be considered for smaller awards.

Key Takeaways

✅ University of Exeter offers over £3 million in annual scholarships for British students, with awards ranging from £500-£5,000 per year

✅ The Exeter Scholars Programme provides the highest value at up to £5,000 annually, requiring A*AA grades and exceptional personal achievements

✅ Applications open 1st January 2026 with priority deadline 31st March 2026 - early submission significantly improves success chances

✅ Multiple scholarships can often be combined, and recipients gain exclusive access to mentorship programmes and networking opportunities

✅ Subject-specific scholarships are available across all disciplines, from Business and Engineering to Medicine and Marine Science

✅ Needs-based support through the Exeter Support Fund and Care Leaver Bursary ensures financial circumstances don't prevent university access