Quick Answer: University of Nottingham offers multiple scholarships for British students in 2026, including Excellence Awards up to £4,000, subject-specific scholarships, and hardship funds. Home students can access maintenance grants, sports scholarships, and departmental awards with applications typically opening in January for September intake.

Introduction

The University of Nottingham, ranked 114th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, provides extensive scholarship opportunities for British students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. With tuition fees for home students at £9,250 per year for undergraduate courses and varying fees for postgraduate programs, scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education.

This comprehensive guide outlines all available University of Nottingham scholarships for UK students, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and funding amounts to help you secure financial support for your studies.

Types of University of Nottingham Scholarships for British Students

Academic Excellence Scholarships

The University of Nottingham Excellence Awards represent the institution's flagship scholarship program for high-achieving British students. These merit-based scholarships recognize outstanding academic performance and potential.

Undergraduate Excellence Awards:

• Award amount: Up to £4,000 per year
• Duration: Throughout the degree program
• Eligibility: A-level grades of AAA or equivalent
• Additional requirement: Demonstrated leadership or community involvement

Postgraduate Excellence Awards:

• Award amount: £2,000-£5,000
• Eligibility: First-class honors degree or equivalent
• Application deadline: March 31, 2026, for September intake

Subject-Specific Scholarships

The university offers targeted funding for students in specific academic disciplines, reflecting industry demand and research priorities.

Engineering Scholarships:

• Available for all engineering disciplines
• Award amount: £3,000 per year
• Partnership with major UK engineering firms
• Includes mentorship opportunities

Business School Scholarships:

• MBA Excellence Award: Up to £10,000
• Undergraduate Business Award: £2,500 annually
• Criteria include academic merit and professional potential

Science and Medicine Scholarships:

• STEM Progression Award: £2,000 per year
• Medical School Bursary: £3,500 annually
• Research placement opportunities included

Hardship and Access Scholarships

Recognizing that financial circumstances shouldn't prevent academic achievement, Nottingham provides comprehensive support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Access Scholarship Programme:

• Award amount: Up to £3,000 per year
• Target: Students from households earning less than £35,000
• Automatic consideration based on Student Finance assessment
• No separate application required

Care Leavers Support:

• Full tuition fee waiver consideration
• Annual bursary of £2,000
• Accommodation support and mentoring
• Extended support throughout studies

Sports and Extracurricular Scholarships

Sports Excellence Programme

The University of Nottingham maintains strong sporting traditions and offers substantial support for athletic talent.

Elite Athlete Scholarship:

• Award amount: Up to £5,000 per year
• Performance-based coaching and training support
• Flexible study arrangements for competitions
• Access to high-performance facilities

Team Sports Scholarships:

• Available for football, rugby, hockey, and other team sports
• Award amount: £1,000-£2,500 annually
• Equipment and training support included

Arts and Culture Scholarships

Music Performance Awards:

• Classical and contemporary music support
• Award amount: £1,500 per year
• Performance opportunities and professional development

Drama and Theatre Scholarships:

• Support for exceptional theatrical talent
• Access to professional training and productions

Application Process and Deadlines

Timeline for 2026 Entry

Undergraduate Applications:

• UCAS application deadline: January 15, 2026
• Scholarship applications open: January 2026
• Final scholarship deadline: March 31, 2026
• Results notification: May-June 2026

Postgraduate Applications:

• Rolling admissions throughout 2026
• Early application recommended (by February 2026)
• Scholarship decisions within 6-8 weeks

Required Documentation

Successful scholarship applications require comprehensive supporting materials:

1. Academic Transcripts: Official records from all previous institutions
2. Personal Statement: 500-750 words addressing scholarship criteria
3. References: Two academic references for undergraduate, professional references accepted for postgraduate
4. Additional Evidence: Certificates for achievements, volunteer work, or leadership roles

Application Tips for Success

Research Thoroughly: Each scholarship has specific criteria and values. Tailor applications to demonstrate alignment with scholarship objectives.

Start Early: Popular scholarships receive hundreds of applications. Beginning the process in November 2025 allows adequate preparation time.

Demonstrate Impact: Beyond academic grades, show how you've contributed to your community or field of interest.

Seek Feedback: Have teachers, mentors, or career advisors review applications before submission.

University of Nottingham Campus Options

British students can access scholarships across all University of Nottingham campuses, each offering unique advantages:

University Park Campus (Main):

• Historic parkland setting
• Comprehensive scholarship programs
• Full range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses

Jubilee Campus:

• Modern facilities with focus on business and engineering
• Specialized scholarships for these disciplines
• Sustainable technology research opportunities

Sutton Bonington Campus:

• Dedicated to agricultural and environmental sciences
• Industry-partnership scholarships available
• Rural setting with specialized facilities

When exploring your options, you can explore UK universities to compare Nottingham's offerings with other institutions, ensuring you find the perfect match for your academic and financial needs.

Financial Impact and Value

Cost-Benefit Analysis

For British students, University of Nottingham scholarships provide substantial financial relief:

Typical Undergraduate Costs (2026):

• Tuition fees: £9,250 per year
• Accommodation: £5,500-£8,500 per year
• Living expenses: £8,000-£12,000 per year
• Total annual cost: £22,750-£29,750

Scholarship Impact:

• Excellence Award (£4,000) reduces total cost by 13-18%
• Combined scholarships can cover up to 25% of total expenses
• Reduced student loan requirements and future debt burden

Return on Investment

University of Nottingham graduates demonstrate strong employment outcomes:

• 94% of graduates employed or in further study within 15 months
• Average starting salary: £28,500 for UK graduates
• Strong alumni network across major UK employers

Alternative Funding Sources

While University of Nottingham scholarships provide excellent support, British students should also consider:

Government Support:

• Tuition fee loans up to £9,250
• Maintenance loans based on household income
• Additional support for students with children or disabilities

External Scholarships:

• Local authority grants and bursaries
• Professional association scholarships
• Charitable foundation awards
• Employer sponsorship programs

Conclusion

University of Nottingham scholarships for British students in 2026 offer comprehensive financial support across academic, sporting, and extracurricular achievements. With awards ranging from £1,000 to £10,000 annually, these scholarships make quality higher education more accessible while recognizing student excellence and potential.

Key Statistics

📊 94% of University of Nottingham graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation

💰 Excellence Awards provide up to £4,000 per year for undergraduate students with AAA grades

🎓 Over £2.5 million in scholarships awarded annually to UK students at University of Nottingham

📈 Scholarship recipients show 15% higher completion rates compared to non-scholarship students

🏆 Elite Athlete Scholarships worth up to £5,000 annually support high-performance sports training

🎯 Access Scholarships automatically awarded to students from households earning less than £35,000

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Applications open in January 2026 through the university's online portal. Submit your scholarship application alongside your UCAS application, including academic transcripts, personal statement, and references. Most scholarship deadlines are March 31, 2026, though some sports scholarships have earlier deadlines in February.

What is the maximum scholarship amount available for UK students at University of Nottingham?

The maximum single scholarship is the MBA Excellence Award worth up to £10,000. For undergraduate students, Excellence Awards provide up to £4,000 annually. Students may be eligible for multiple scholarships, potentially combining awards for greater financial support throughout their studies.

How much can I expect to receive from University of Nottingham Access Scholarships?

Access Scholarships provide up to £3,000 per year for students from households earning less than £35,000 annually. These scholarships are automatically considered based on your Student Finance assessment, with no separate application required. The exact amount depends on your household income and circumstances.

Can I combine multiple University of Nottingham scholarships?

Yes, students can often combine scholarships if they meet multiple criteria. For example, you might receive an Excellence Award for academic merit plus a sports scholarship for athletic achievement. However, total combined awards typically cannot exceed 75% of tuition fees, and some scholarship combinations have specific restrictions.

What are the minimum academic requirements for University of Nottingham Excellence Awards?

Undergraduate Excellence Awards require A-level grades of AAA or equivalent, plus demonstrated leadership or community involvement. Postgraduate Excellence Awards require a first-class honors degree or equivalent. All applicants must maintain these academic standards throughout their studies to retain the scholarship.

When will I know if I've been awarded a University of Nottingham scholarship?

Scholarship results are typically announced between May and June 2026 for September intake. Elite sports scholarships may have earlier notification in April, while some departmental scholarships announce results on a rolling basis. You'll receive notification via email and through the university's student portal.

Key Takeaways

✅ University of Nottingham offers scholarships worth up to £10,000 for British students with various eligibility criteria

✅ Excellence Awards require AAA grades and provide £4,000 annually for undergraduate students

✅ Access Scholarships are automatically considered for students from low-income households earning under £35,000

✅ Applications open January 2026 with most deadlines on March 31, 2026 for September intake

✅ Multiple scholarships can often be combined to maximize financial support throughout your degree

✅ Sports scholarships up to £5,000 annually are available for elite athletes with flexible study arrangements