Loughborough University International Excellence Scholarships 2026 – All You Need to Know
Every year, the International Excellence Scholarships at Loughborough University stand out as a valuable funding opportunity for international students aiming to study undergraduate programmes in the UK. Designed to reward exceptional academic achievement, these awards provide clear financial relief early in your degree. For the 2026 cycle, here’s a student-friendly guide covering eligibility, application process, tips, and everything you’d expect as an international applicant.
What Are the International Excellence Scholarships?
The International Excellence Scholarships are merit-based awards offered by Loughborough University to international tuition-fee paying students who have received an offer for an undergraduate degree. The scholarship is a one-off award valued at £3,000 and is applied in the first year of study (excluding a placement or study abroad year). It demonstrates Loughborough’s commitment to attracting high-calibre global students.
Unlike many complex scholarship schemes, the Loughborough International Excellence Scholarship benefits from being automatically considered when you apply through UCAS and receive an offer. You don’t normally need to submit a separate scholarship application — simplifying the process.
Which Courses & Subject Areas Qualify?
The great news is that this scholarship is broadly available across nearly all undergraduate programmes at Loughborough — exceptions mainly include Foundation programmes. This means whether you’re studying Engineering, Business, Sciences, Arts, or Social Sciences, you could be eligible — as long as your programme is a standard undergraduate degree and not a foundation year.
Eligibility Criteria for International Students
To be eligible for the International Excellence Scholarship, international applicants must meet the following core conditions:
- Hold an undergraduate offer (conditional or unconditional) from Loughborough University via UCAS.
- Be a self-funded, tuition-fee paying international student.
- Select Loughborough as your firm (first) choice in your UCAS application.
- Meet the academic requirements: typically AAA at A-level (or equivalent). Some competitive courses require A AA.
- Complete your qualifications in one sitting (no re-sits).
- The scholarship is awarded to first-year students only — it does not apply for placement or study abroad years.
- Be in compliance with the conditions of your offer and have all required admissions criteria fulfilled.
How Much Is the Award & How It Is Applied?
The International Excellence Scholarship offers a £3,000 award, and it is applied as a tuition fee deduction in the student’s first year. It is not a cash stipend, but it reduces the cost burden at the start of your degree.
Because the award is only for the first year (excluding placement or study abroad), it is important to consider your funding plan for subsequent years. Loughborough also offers other scholarships and bursaries which might support you beyond year one.
Application Process — What You Need to Do
One of the strong advantages of this scholarship is simplicity. Here’s what your workflow should look like:
- Submit your UCAS application to Loughborough and receive your offer (conditional or unconditional).
- You will be automatically considered for the International Excellence Scholarship — no separate form is required in most cases.
- If successful, the university will notify you soon after your offer is issued, typically through the Admissions Office.
- Meet all academic and enrolment conditions of your offer to activate the scholarship.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Ensure your academic record is strong — A-levels or equivalent with high grades (AAA or A AA where required).
- Select Loughborough as your firm choice in UCAS (not an insurance choice).
- Avoid re-sits; complete your qualifications in one sitting.
- Be very clear and accurate in your UCAS application — it impacts both admission and scholarship consideration.
- Meet all the conditions of your offer early, submit documents without delay.
- Investigate additional scholarships and bursaries to cover subsequent years’ costs.
Other Scholarship Opportunities at Loughborough
While the International Excellence Scholarship applies at entry (undergraduate), Loughborough also offers a variety of scholarships for international students, including:
- General International Scholarships — up to 25% off the first-year tuition for some programmes.
- Global Impact Scholarship (Postgraduate) — 100% tuition fee waiver for one year, open to international applicants with a strong purpose.
- Excellence Scholarships (Postgraduate) — up to £6,000 off tuition for international students with top-class degrees.
- Other bursaries and awards — departmental awards, sports scholarships, hardship funds, etc.
Important Notes & Limitations
While this scholarship is attractive, keep in mind:
- The award is non-deferrable in most cases — if you defer your entry, the scholarship may not automatically transfer.
- It only applies to the first year (excluding placement/study abroad).
- You cannot hold this and other major university awards — the university may decide which is higher value.
- Always confirm your eligibility and terms as scholarship policies can change.
Why This Scholarship Matters for International Students
As an international student, studying in the UK carries extra costs: higher tuition rates, visa, travel, living expenses, and sometimes additional compliance costs. Receiving a £3,000 scholarship in year one reduces the financial burden significantly, giving breathing room while you settle into university life.
Although the award doesn’t cover all costs, it’s meaningful — combined with other bursaries, part-time work (if allowed), or external funding, it makes your journey more manageable. Plus, having the scholarship on your academic record enhances your profile.
FAQ — Your Questions Answered
Do I need to apply separately for this scholarship?
No, if you are an eligible international applicant and receive an undergraduate offer from Loughborough, you will be automatically considered.
When will I know if I have the scholarship?
Notifications typically come shortly after your offer letter is issued. The Admissions team will inform you of the scholarship award.
Can I defer the scholarship if I defer my course?
Generally, no. The scholarship often doesn’t transfer to a later year without special approval—so confirm with the Admissions Office.
Does the scholarship cover multiple years?
No — it is a one-off award applied to your first year only (excluding placement or study abroad years).
Is this scholarship compatible with other awards?
Possibly, but check the terms. Loughborough may combine or substitute the higher value award.
What academic grades do I need?
Typically, AAA at A-level or equivalent is expected. Certain courses require A*AA.
Is the scholarship guaranteed if I meet all conditions?
No — meeting the criteria gives eligibility, but awards are competitive. Strong academic profile increases your chance.
Final Thoughts for International Applicants
The International Excellence Scholarships at Loughborough offer an accessible and meaningful support to exceptional international undergraduates. While it may not cover all costs, it provides critical financial ease in year one and strengthens your application profile.
To maximize your opportunity: ensure your UCAS application is strong and submitted on time, meet the academic conditions in one go, and explore additional funding streams for years two and beyond.
Best of luck with your application — and welcome to your journey toward studying in the UK!
Official Link
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to Loughborough University’s official site:
Loughborough University International Excellence Scholarships
