Overview / About the Scholarship
The International Merit Scholarship is the highest level of academic recognition offered to incoming international students at the University of Sussex. For students from Bangladesh, this award serves as a bridge to one of the UK’s most prestigious research institutions. It is specifically designed for excellent students who have achieved a GPA of 3.5/4.0 or higher in their four-year Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Bangladeshi university. This scholarship is highly competitive and is not awarded automatically. To be successful, Bangladeshi applicants must demonstrate not only academic brilliance but also the potential to contribute to the Sussex community and their home country.
The selection committee looks for future leaders who can articulate how their specific course, whether in Business, Engineering, or the Social Sciences, will help them drive progress in Bangladesh. By offering a substantial tuition waiver, Sussex ensures that financial constraints do not prevent top-tier Bangladeshi talent from studying in Brighton. Recipients join an elite group of scholars and gain access to a global network of alumni who are making significant impacts in their respective fields worldwide.
Scholarship Value / Benefits
- Substantial Fee Waiver: Direct deduction of up to £10,000 from the first-year tuition fees.
- Scholar Recognition: Awardees are officially recognised as Chancellor’s International Scholars.
- Visa Support: The high value of the award is reflected in the CAS, lowering the personal funds required for a UK Student Visa.
- Networking Opportunities: Exclusive invitations to high-level university events and workshops.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, a candidate must:
National and resident of Bangladesh.
- Assessed as an Overseas fee payer.
- Have achieved a GPA of 3.5/4.0 or higher (First Class equivalent) in their undergraduate studies.
- Hold an offer for an eligible full-time Master’s degree (MA or MSc) starting in September 2026.
- self-funded (not receiving full funding from an external sponsor).
Level & Field of Study
Level: Postgraduate Taught (Master's level MA, MSc only).
Field of Study: Available for most full-time Master's courses.
Exclusions: Online/Distance learning courses.
- PhD or Research-based degrees (MPhil).
- Certificates/Diplomas (including PGCE).
- Courses at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS).
- Specific Development Studies programs (IDS-led courses).
Host University / Provider Info
The University of Sussex is a top-tier, research-led university located near the vibrant city of Brighton, UK.
- Global Excellence: Consistently ranked in the top 150 globally and #1 in the world for Development Studies.
- Campus Environment: A safe and inspiring campus located in a National Park, just minutes from the beach and one hour from London.
- Bangladeshi Community: Sussex has a long history of welcoming Bangladeshi students and offers a specialised South Asian student support network.
Required Documents
- Sussex Application ID: Obtained after applying for your course.
- Final Transcripts: Official records from your university in Bangladesh.
- Merit Statement: A 500-word personal statement highlighting your academic success and leadership potential.
- Offer Letter: Proof of admission to Sussex for 2026.
- Bangladeshi Passport: To verify nationality.
How to Apply
- Course Application: Submit your Master’s application to the University of Sussex.
- Scholarship Portal: Once you have your applicant ID, log in to the Sussex Scholarship Application system.
- Statement Submission: Write and upload your personal statement specifically for the Merit award.
- Deadline: Submit the scholarship application by April 30, 2026 (23:59 GMT).
- Selection: All applicants will be notified of the decision by the end of July 2026.



