The University of Southampton has announced the prestigious Southampton Presidential International Scholarship for the 2026 academic year, offering substantial financial support to exceptional international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.
Scholarship Overview
The Southampton Presidential International Scholarship is a competitive award designed to recognize academic excellence among international students. For the 2026 entry, the university will offer 25 scholarships distributed as follows:
10 full tuition scholarships - covering 100% of tuition fees
15 partial scholarships - worth £10,000 towards tuition fees
For undergraduate recipients, the scholarship will cover each year of study, while postgraduate recipients will receive funding for their first year of study.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must:
Apply for a University of Southampton course before applying for the scholarship
Receive a course offer before the scholarship closing date
Be classified as an international student paying overseas fees
Not be studying an undergraduate course in the Faculty of Medicine
Not be receiving any external sponsorship that covers 100% of tuition fees
Ineligible Programs
The scholarship is not available for students enrolled in:
PGCert, PGDip, Foundation, PGR, or distance learning courses
Programs at partner institutions
Courses at the Malaysia campus
Continuing professional development (CPD) courses
Pre-sessional English only (though students with pre-sessional English and an offer for undergraduate or postgraduate study are eligible)
Application Process
The application process involves two main steps:
Apply for an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate course at the University of Southampton
Complete and submit the online scholarship application form before the deadline of April 22, 2026, 5pm (UK time)
Late applications will not be considered. Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email with an attached award letter.
Supporting Your Application
As part of your application, you will need to demonstrate how your studies at Southampton can contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. You should also explain how you might serve as an ambassador for the University if awarded the scholarship.
This is your opportunity to showcase your potential impact and alignment with global sustainability initiatives, so take time to craft thoughtful, specific responses.
Selection Process
The scholarship selection involves a rigorous five-stage process:
Eligibility verification
Scoring and ranking of application responses
Shortlisting across all departments to recognize academic excellence in all areas
Evaluation of academic qualifications from UCAS or postgraduate application forms
Final assessment by a scholarship panel chaired by the Vice President International
The 10 highest-scoring applicants will receive full tuition coverage, while the next 15 highest-scoring applicants will receive £10,000 towards their tuition fees.
The university may also give special consideration to applicants from least developed countries, low-income, or lower-middle-income countries. The scholarship panel's decision is final, and no feedback will be provided on the selection process.
Important Dates
The application deadline for the 2026 Southampton Presidential International Scholarship is April 22, 2026, 5pm (UK time). The university will update their website with complete information for 2026 entry in October 2025.
This prestigious scholarship represents an excellent opportunity for international students to pursue their academic goals at one of the UK's leading research universities while receiving substantial financial support.
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