Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship 2026 – Nottingham

Unlock funding for your UK master’s! The University of Nottingham’s Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship 2026 awards 50% or 100% tuition support to passionate students who can propose development solutions for their home countries. Designed for one-year Master’s (incl. MRes) programs, it targets innovative minds from Africa, India and selected Commonwealth nations. If you dream of tackling economic, environmental or social challenges back home, this scholarship in the UK could be your ticket – but you must apply by 15 April 2026.

The scholarship has a strong track record of empowering global leaders. For example, Nottingham’s Developing Solutions scholars often meet to celebrate their achievements – as seen in the photo below – after receiving their awards. Founded in 2001, this is Nottingham’s flagship international scholarship. It supports bright students from across Africa, South Asia and the Commonwealth who want to drive positive change (economic, environmental or social) in their countries. Each scholarship provides a large tuition grant (a financial aid covering either half or all fees) for the one-year Master’s program.

Founded in 2001, Nottingham’s Developing Solutions is a flagship scholarship for international change-makers. The program awards 50% or 100% tuition waivers to outstanding masters students who plan to solve key development challenges at home. The group above shows past recipients celebrating together; Nottingham has funded students from Kenya, India, Ghana and beyond to pursue studies in engineering, science, business and more while working on innovative development projects. This community of scholars embodies the scholarship’s mission: to support bold projects that can transform economies and societies.

Overview

The Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship at the University of Nottingham (UK) is a prestigious award for international postgraduate students. It covers 50% or 100% of full-time, one-year Master’s tuition fees. Eligible candidates will pursue a one-year master’s degree (including MRes) in fields like Engineering, Science, Medicine & Health, or Social Sciences. Nottingham, a renowned Russell Group university, launched this program in 2001. Its goal is to fund students with clear plans to make a difference – for example, by addressing development issues (economic, environmental or social) in their home countries.

In practice, successful applicants receive a tuition fee scholarship (like a tuition grant) that pays for half or all of their one-year master’s fees. If a student is enrolled in a two-year program, the scholarship applies only to the first year’s tuition. Recipients must cover any remaining costs (including living expenses) on their own. Nottingham’s scholarship is a form of financial aid specifically for fees; it is not a living stipend or cash grant. Because this is an international award, it cannot be combined with other Nottingham scholarships – only the highest-value award applies. In sum, the Developing Solutions Scholarship provides major funding support to help eligible students afford their UK education.

Scholarship Highlights

• Funding: Up to 100% of one-year Master’s tuition (partial tuition grant).
• Degree Level: Full-time Master’s (MSc or MRes) at Nottingham University in England.
• Program Duration: One academic year (e.g., 2026/27 intake).
• Eligible Fields: Engineering, Medicine & Health Sciences, Science, or Social Sciences.
• Aim: Support innovative solutions that address development challenges (economic, environmental, structural or social) in applicants’ home countries.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all requirements to qualify:

• Country of origin: Domiciled in Africa, India or a specified Commonwealth country. Eligible countries include all African nations and many Commonwealth countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, etc.).
• Student status: Classified as an overseas student for fee purposes.
• Offer: Hold an offer (conditional or unconditional) for a 2026/27 full-time Master’s (including MRes) at the University of Nottingham (UK) in one of the eligible faculties.
• Current studies: You must not already be a student or graduate of the University of Nottinghamn. You also must not have obtained a degree from outside your home country if that country is not an eligible Developing Solutions country (details below).
• Residency: You cannot currently be studying in the UK on another program.

Not eligible if: Current Nottingham students/graduates or those with a non-home-country degree (unless exceptions apply). In other words, first apply in your home country, then apply for this scholarship.

Coverage / Benefits

Recipients of the Developing Solutions Scholarship receive significant financial support:

• Tuition waiver: Awards cover 50% or 100% of one-year Master’s tuition fees at Nottingham (a large tuition grant).
• Amount: You may be offered either a 50% scholarship or a full (100%) scholarship. Either way, you pay only the reduced tuition – the scholarship amount is deducted from your fees.
• Duration: The scholarship funds one year of study. If your chosen course is two years long, the scholarship will only cover the first year’s fees. (You must cover any second-year fees yourself.)
• Financial aid: This award is exclusively for tuition – it does not include a stipend or living allowance. You must fund accommodation, food and other expenses separately (the scholarship is applied directly against tuition).
• No stacking: Cannot be combined with other Nottingham scholarships. If you receive multiple awards, only the single highest-value scholarship will apply.

In short, the Developing Solutions Scholarship provides tuition support (a major financial aid grant for fees) that can make a Nottingham master’s degree attainable.

Host Country & University Info

Country – United Kingdom: The UK is a world leader in higher education, known for its high-quality universities and global outlook. Studying in the UK offers internationally recognized degrees and research opportunities. In fact, one out of four world leaders studied in the UK, highlighting its influence. As the host nation, the UK provides a safe and diverse environment for international scholars, with excellent facilities and support for overseas students.

University – Nottingham, England: The University of Nottingham is a prestigious research university and member of the UK’s Russell Group. It is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026: #97). Over 40,000 students from more than 150 countries study at Nottingham, making it truly global. The campus is known for its strong research in engineering, environmental science, medicine and more. Nottingham consistently ranks in the top 20 UK universities (both QS and Times Higher Education). A degree from Nottingham (UK) is highly regarded by employers worldwide. The city of Nottingham itself is vibrant and historic (think Robin Hood!), with a lively student culture and numerous extracurricular opportunities.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose and apply to your course: Identify an eligible full-time Master’s (MSc/MRes) program at the University of Nottingham (in Engineering, Science, Medicine & Health, or Social Sciences). Apply via Nottingham’s official admissions portal and pay any required application fee. (Your program application must be for the 2026/27 academic year.)
2. Receive and accept your offer: Once your academic application is reviewed and an offer is issued, accept your place at Nottingham. You must have an active offer at Nottingham to qualify, since scholarships are only awarded to students who accept their study offer.
3. Prepare the scholarship application: After you have an offer, log into Nottingham’s scholarship portal (NottinghamHub) and locate the Developing Solutions scholarship application. Complete the online form carefully, providing all required details. You will need to answer questions about your development project idea – plan to outline your vision and how it will benefit your home country. (Strong applications clearly link the project to your chosen degree.)
4. Submit your scholarship application: Gather any needed documents (transcripts, offer letter, etc.) and submit the scholarship form by the deadline (15 April 2026). Double-check that you’ve followed all instructions and kept within word limits for each answer (exceeding the word count may invalidate responses).
5. Await the decision: The scholarship committee reviews all submissions and selects awardees. Decisions will be communicated by late May 2026. If you receive the award, Nottingham will automatically deduct the scholarship amount from your tuition fees.

Make sure to track your application timeline closely. Paying the course application fee early and applying for the course first are critical steps. For MRes applicants, Nottingham’s team will provide specific instructions via email.

Important Deadlines

• Scholarship Application Deadline: 15 April 2026 (Wednesday). No late applications are accepted.
• Notification of Awards: By the end of May 2026, Nottingham will inform you of the scholarship decision.
• Course Acceptance: You must have accepted your University offer (usually by May/June) to be eligible for the scholarship.
• Program Start: The funded Master’s program begins in Autumn 2026 (2026/27 academic year).

Plan ahead: course application deadlines may be earlier in 2026, so apply for your Master’s program well before the scholarship deadline to ensure your eligibility.

Tips for Applicants

To strengthen your application and stand out:

• Clarify your vision: Clearly describe the development solution you plan to implement in your home country. Demonstrate a tangible plan and vision – Nottingham will assess how your project can address specific challenges.
• Align with your course: Explain how the chosen master’s program will equip you with skills for your project. Show that your project and degree choice are well-connected.
• Highlight achievements: Include any relevant experience (projects, community work, leadership roles or awards) that demonstrate your passion and capability. Past accomplishments help prove you can turn plans into action.
• Be concise: Answer every question fully but within the word limits. Nottingham strictly enforces the word count, so proofread carefully. Clear, well-structured responses make a strong impression.
• Show genuine commitment: Convey your long-term goals and why you’re passionate about making a difference at home. Authentic motivation can set you apart.
• Start early: Give yourself enough time to research, draft and refine your answers. Seek feedback from mentors or peers. A polished, thoughtful application takes planning.

Staying organized and demonstrating both passion and planning will help your application shine. Treat this like a job application: show professionalism, clarity, and enthusiasm.

Apply now for the Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship here and take a major step toward making a difference!

Conclusion

The Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for students from developing countries. With up to 100% tuition support, it opens doors to world-class education in the UK. If you have a bold idea to improve your community and meet the eligibility, start preparing your application today. Remember to meet the deadline (April 15, 2026) and highlight your vision and achievements in your application. We encourage you to apply and to share this opportunity with peers who might benefit – good ideas and ambitious students are welcome. Your innovative project could help shape a better future. Take the chance, believe in your potential, and apply!

Your vision can change the world – seize this scholarship and make it happen!

FAQ

What is the Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship?
A Nottingham University scholarship offering a 50% or 100% tuition fee waiver (grant) for one-year full-time master’s students from eligible African, South Asian and Commonwealth countries.

Who can apply for this scholarship?
Students domiciled in an eligible African, Indian or other Commonwealth country (overseas fee status) with an offer to start a 2026/27 full-time Nottingham Master’s program qualify.

How much funding does it provide?
It covers either 50% or 100% of tuition fees for your first year at Nottingham. (If your course lasts two years, only the first year’s fees are covered.)

What is the application deadline?
The scholarship application closes on 15 April 2026. You must submit your complete application by this date.

Which programs are eligible?
One-year full-time Master’s programs (including MRes) in Nottingham’s Engineering, Medicine & Health Sciences, Science or Social Sciences faculties.

Does the scholarship include living costs?
No – this award is a tuition fee waiver. Living and travel expenses are not covered; recipients must fund those separately. The scholarship amount is applied directly against your tuition fees.