The University of Exeter Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 help international students reduce the cost of an undergraduate or postgraduate-taught degree in the United Kingdom. For September 2027 entry, the university offers 150 undergraduate awards and 150 postgraduate-taught awards, each worth £15,000.
The two schemes have different funding arrangements. Undergraduate students can receive the award for each eligible year of study, while postgraduate-taught students receive a tuition-fee reduction for their first year only.
This guide covers the award values, eligibility requirements, excluded courses, application procedures and deadlines to help you decide whether the scholarship suits your study plans.
University of Exeter Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 at a Glance
| Feature | Undergraduate | Postgraduate-taught |
|---|---|---|
| Academic level | Bachelor’s degree | Taught master’s degree |
| Number of awards | 150 | 150 |
| Scholarship value | £15,000 | £15,000 |
| Duration | Each eligible year of study | First year only |
| Entry period | September 2027 | September 2027 |
| Academic benchmark | A-level AAB or equivalent | UK 2:1 or equivalent |
| Fee status | International | International |
| Application requirement | Separate scholarship application | Separate scholarship application |
| Personal statement | Maximum 300 words | Maximum 300 words |
| First-round deadline | 4 March 2027 | 28 January 2027 |
Both schemes reduce tuition fees. Neither covers the full cost of studying, including living expenses, accommodation and travel.
Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships 2027/28
What does the scholarship cover?
The undergraduate scheme offers 150 awards worth £15,000 each to students starting eligible bachelor’s degrees in September 2027.
The university applies the award to international tuition fees for each eligible year in which you pay full tuition fees. However, the award does not cover study-abroad years, placement years or repeat years.
For example, a student who completes a three-year degree with three eligible fee-paying years could receive a total tuition reduction of £45,000, provided they meet the scholarship conditions throughout the eligible period.
Who is eligible?
You must meet these requirements:
- Hold international fee status for the 2027/28 academic year.
- Have a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible undergraduate degree at the University of Exeter.
- Plan to enter the first year of the programme directly in September 2027.
- Demonstrate academic merit equivalent to GCE A-level grades AAB.
- Apply as a self-funded student.
- Submit the separate scholarship application and required personal statement.
The university assesses your academic merit using the information in your UCAS application. However, meeting the academic benchmark does not guarantee an award. The selection team also considers your ambitions, plans for using the opportunity and willingness to contribute to the Exeter community.
Students who progress from the University of Exeter International Study Centre International Foundation programme cannot apply.
Which undergraduate courses are excluded?
The scheme covers eligible UK campus-based bachelor’s degrees in participating academic departments. However, the university excludes:
- BMBS Medicine
- BSc Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography)
- The dual LLB/Juris Doctor programme with the Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Brickfields Asia College LLB Law
- Degree apprenticeships
Before applying, check the official award page to confirm that your intended programme qualifies.
How do you apply?
First, apply for admission to an eligible undergraduate degree through the appropriate admissions process. After Exeter offers you a place, complete the separate Excellence Scholarship application.
You must submit a personal statement of no more than 300 words that answers two questions:
- What are your personal aspirations, and how will studying at Exeter help you achieve them? Use no more than 150 words.
- How will you contribute to the university community and represent Exeter through your learning, connections and actions? Use no more than 150 words.
Undergraduate application deadline: 4 March 2027 at 11:59 GMT for Round 1. The university expects to notify applicants of its decisions by 6 April 2027.
Exeter also plans a second round with a deadline of 29 April 2027 and expected decisions by 27 May 2027. Check the official award page for confirmation of this round and any later updates.
Postgraduate-Taught Excellence Scholarships 2027/28
What does the scholarship cover?
The postgraduate-taught scheme offers 150 awards worth £15,000 to eligible international students starting a taught master’s degree in September 2027.
The university applies this award to your first-year tuition fees only. You must arrange separate funding for any remaining tuition fees, subsequent years of study, accommodation, flights, living expenses and other costs.
Exeter seeks academically strong applicants who can explain their future ambitions and show how they will contribute to the university community.
Who can apply?
You must meet these requirements:
- Hold international fee status for 2027/28.
- Have a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible postgraduate-taught degree beginning in September 2027.
- Demonstrate academic achievement equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1).
- Apply as a self-funded student.
- Submit the separate scholarship application and personal statement.
The university assesses your academic merit using the information in your master’s application. The selection team also considers your academic and career ambitions, plans for making the most of the opportunity, social responsibility and willingness to engage with the Exeter community.
Which postgraduate courses qualify?
The scholarship covers eligible campus-based postgraduate-taught master’s degrees in participating departments. Relevant academic areas include:
- Computer science, engineering, mathematics and physics
- Economics, finance, accounting and management
- Earth and environmental sciences, ecology and conservation
- Biosciences, psychology and public health
- Law, education, humanities, languages and social sciences
This list is not exhaustive. Your specific programme and department determine whether you qualify.
The university excludes the following programmes and course types:
- One Planet MBA
- MRes Economics
- MRes Finance (Pathway to PhD)
- MSc Island Biodiversity and Conservation
- Clinical Psychology programmes delivered by Clinical Education, Development and Research (CEDAR)
- DEdPsych Educational Child and Community Psychology
- MA International Film Business
- Master of Public Administration with Applied Study
- Specified University of Law programmes, including MA Law (SQE1), MA Law (Conversion) and LLM Legal Practice (SQE 1&2), as well as SQE preparation courses
- MiPDAL Dual Masters in Intellectual Property Law
- Postgraduate certificates and diplomas
- Degree apprenticeships
- Fully online and distance-learning programmes
Do not assume that every master’s degree qualifies. Check the official award page for the university’s complete list of eligible and excluded courses.
How do you apply?
Apply for admission to an eligible master’s programme first. Once Exeter offers you a place, complete the separate Excellence Scholarship application.
Your personal statement must not exceed 300 words. Answer the same two questions as undergraduate applicants: explain how studying at Exeter will support your aspirations and how you intend to contribute to and represent the university community.
The university lists these application rounds for 2027/28:
| Round | Application deadline | Expected decision |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 28 January 2027 | 25 February 2027 |
| Round 2 | 29 April 2027 | 27 May 2027 |
| Round 3 | 17 June 2027 | 15 July 2027 |
| Round 4, for eligible January 2028 programmes | 28 October 2027 | 18 November 2027 |
The university lists the deadlines and decision dates at 11:59 GMT. Round 4 applies only to eligible programmes beginning in January 2028. Confirm that your intended programme accepts January entry and that the round remains available before relying on this deadline.
How to Prepare a Strong Scholarship Statement
Both schemes require a personal statement of up to 300 words. Make every sentence count by showing the selection team your ambitions, preparation and potential contribution.
Explain your aspirations and why Exeter
Identify a clear academic or career goal, then explain how your chosen degree will help you pursue it. Refer to relevant features of the programme, such as its curriculum, research strengths or practical learning opportunities, when they genuinely support your plans.
Avoid filling your statement with praise for Exeter without explaining why the opportunity matters to you.
Explain the contribution you would make
Show how your experience, interests or future plans could benefit the university community. You might draw on academic projects, leadership, volunteering, professional experience or initiatives you hope to pursue.
Use concrete examples rather than broad claims about being hardworking or passionate.
Keep the statement focused and authentic
Stay within the 150-word limit for each question. Remove repeated points, unsupported claims and generic statements that could apply to any university.
Before submitting, check that each answer addresses its question directly and that the combined statement stays within 300 words.
Is the Exeter Excellence Scholarship Fully Funded?
No. The Exeter Excellence Scholarships reduce tuition fees but do not cover the full cost of studying in the UK.
Undergraduate recipients can receive the £15,000 reduction in eligible years, subject to the scholarship conditions. Postgraduate-taught recipients receive the reduction for their first year only.
You must budget for any remaining tuition fees and living expenses, including accommodation, food, transport, visa-related costs and travel. Before accepting an offer, calculate your remaining costs after deducting the scholarship.
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Can the award be combined with other funding?
The published terms state that you cannot combine an Excellence award with another University of Exeter scholarship. Read the applicable terms and conditions carefully, and disclose any relevant sponsorship or external funding when required.
An admission offer does not guarantee a scholarship. Exeter assesses scholarship applications separately and awards funding to applicants who meet its selection criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Exeter Excellence Scholarships are available for 2027/28?
The university offers 150 undergraduate awards and 150 postgraduate-taught awards, each worth £15,000.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Both schemes target eligible international-fee-paying students who hold an offer for a qualifying programme and meet the academic and application requirements.
Is the £15,000 scholarship paid directly to the student?
No. The university applies the award as a reduction to eligible international tuition fees. Do not treat it as cash funding for accommodation or everyday expenses.
Do I need an admission offer before applying?
Yes. You must hold a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible programme before submitting your separate scholarship application.
Does meeting the academic requirement guarantee an award?
No. The scholarships are competitive. Exeter considers academic merit alongside your application, ambitions and potential contribution to the university community.
Can I apply for both the undergraduate and postgraduate-taught awards?
Choose the scheme that matches your intended level of study and entry route. Each scheme has its own eligibility requirements and application timetable.
What happens if I defer my admission?
Deferring your admission may affect your scholarship. Check the applicable terms and conditions and ask the university to confirm your position before changing your entry plans. Do not assume that Exeter will transfer the award to a later intake.
Final Advice for Applicants
The University of Exeter Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 can significantly reduce tuition costs for academically strong international students. However, your programme, fee status, entry date and application quality determine your eligibility.
First, confirm that your intended degree qualifies. Then secure your admission offer, prepare concise answers to the two scholarship questions and submit your application before the relevant deadline.
Finally, read the official award terms and calculate your remaining study costs. A £15,000 tuition reduction can make a meaningful difference, but you still need a realistic financial plan before committing to study in the UK.
Official Scholarship Links
Use these official university sources to confirm course eligibility, deadlines and award conditions before applying.
- Exeter Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 – Undergraduate
- Exeter Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 – Postgraduate-Taught
