The Brittan Scholarship offers a generous £10,000 award to support talented students beginning their undergraduate journey at Teesside University. This scholarship, generously donated by Lady Diana Brittan DBE in memory of her late husband Lord Leon Brittan (the first Chancellor of Teesside University from 1993 to 2005), helps remove financial barriers so students can focus on their education and personal growth. With only 2 scholarships available each year, it recognizes both academic potential and genuine financial need, making higher education more accessible for those who might otherwise struggle.
This opportunity is designed for students who have demonstrated strong academic ability and are facing financial difficulties that could impact their ability to study fully. It particularly supports those who have resided in the UK for a continuous period and are committed to Teesside University as their top choice. The award celebrates the belief that education fosters intellectual curiosity and can transform lives, communities, and even nations.
This post provides everything you need to know in one place: from eligibility details and benefits to a step-by-step application guide, selection insights, practical tips, and answers to common questions. Whether you are planning your UCAS choices or preparing your application, this guide will help you put your strongest case forward.
Scholarship Overview
| Field | Information |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate (first year of a three-year degree) |
| Funding Type | Cash award / grant |
| Deadline | 21 October 2026 |
| Who Can Apply | Students who have lived in the UK continuously for two years prior to course start, choose Teesside University as firm UCAS choice, achieve AAB or equivalent, and demonstrate financial difficulty |
| Benefits Summary | £10,000 to support studies (can help with tuition, living costs, or other expenses related to financial need) |
ELIGIBILITY
To be considered for the Brittan Scholarship, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Citizenship / Residency: You must have lived in the UK for a continuous period of two years immediately before starting your course of study. This residency requirement is key and suggests the scholarship is aimed at home (UK) students or those with settled status meeting this criterion. International students without this UK residency are unlikely to qualify (confirm your status carefully).
- Academic qualifications: Achieve AAB in A-levels or an equivalent tariff / qualification. This demonstrates strong academic performance and potential.
- Work experience: Not required.
- Language requirements: Not specifically mentioned beyond standard university entry requirements for the course.
- Other requirements: Choose Teesside University as your firm choice via UCAS. Apply for the first year of a three-year undergraduate degree (not a foundation year or other entry routes). Clearly outline your financial circumstances in your application statement and explain how the £10,000 would enable or support your studies. The scholarship is intended for those facing genuine financial difficulty.
ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES
This scholarship is primarily for students meeting the UK residency requirement (lived continuously in the UK for two years before course start). It is not open based on citizenship alone but on residency status. The provided information does not list specific countries, as eligibility ties to UK residency rather than nationality.
ELIGIBLE FIELDS OF STUDY
This scholarship is open to all fields of study. You can apply for any three-year undergraduate degree offered at Teesside University, as long as you meet the other eligibility criteria.
BENEFITS
The scholarship provides the following key benefit:
- Cash award: £10,000 paid to support your studies. This can be used toward tuition fees, living expenses, books, travel, or other costs related to your financial difficulties. The exact payment method and timing will be confirmed upon award.
Other potential benefits (such as health insurance, visa support, or additional stipends) are not mentioned.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
While the raw information does not provide a detailed official list, the following documents are typically required or implied for this type of scholarship application at UK universities:
- Valid passport or proof of identity and residency status (to confirm two-year UK residency).
- Academic transcripts and certificates (showing predicted or achieved AAB or equivalent).
- UCAS application confirmation (showing Teesside University as firm choice).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or personal statement outlining your background.
- Statement of financial circumstances (a key part of the application explaining your financial difficulty and how the funds would help).
- Any additional supporting evidence of financial need (e.g., household income details, benefits statements, or letters explaining circumstances).
- References or recommendation letters (if requested by the panel).
- Proof of English language proficiency (if not covered by academic qualifications).
Submit clear, organized scans or copies where required.
HOW TO APPLY
Follow these actionable steps to submit a strong application for the Brittan Scholarship:
Step 1: Research and select a three-year undergraduate degree at Teesside University that matches your interests and career goals.
Step 2: Apply through UCAS and make sure to list Teesside University as your firm choice (this is mandatory for eligibility).
Step 3: Achieve or be predicted to achieve AAB (or equivalent) in your qualifications to meet the academic threshold.
Step 4: Confirm you have lived in the UK continuously for the two years immediately before your course start date.
Step 5: Prepare a strong personal statement or dedicated application statement that clearly explains your financial circumstances, the challenges you face, and exactly how the £10,000 would make a difference to your ability to study and succeed.
Step 6: Gather any supporting evidence of your financial situation (such as income details or explanations of hardship).
Step 7: Monitor the Teesside University scholarships page or your UCAS portal for the application opening on 1 January 2026 and submit your scholarship application before the deadline.
Step 8: Submit your complete scholarship application by 21 October 2026, ensuring all details are accurate and your statement is compelling.
Step 9: Await review by the Scholarships Panel, who may request an interview or additional information.
Step 10: If awarded, accept the offer promptly and meet any conditions (such as firm enrollment).
KEY DATES AND TIMELINE
| Milestone | Date |
| Application Opens | 1 January 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 21 October 2026 |
| Shortlisting | To be Determined |
| Interviews | May occur if required by panel |
| Final Results | To be Determined |
| Programme Begins | September 2026 / 2026-27 academic year (typical UK undergraduate start) |
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The application deadline is 21 October 2026. Applications submitted after this time will NOT be accepted. Submit early to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Beyond meeting the basic eligibility requirements, the Scholarships Panel looks for:
- Genuine financial need demonstrated through your application statement and any available applicant data.
- Strong academic performance and potential (evidenced by AAB achievement or prediction).
- Clear explanation of how the scholarship funds will enable your studies and remove barriers.
- Overall quality of your application, including any prior academic record or personal circumstances shared.
Awards are made at the panel’s discretion, so a compelling, honest narrative about your situation is essential.
IMPORTANT TIPS
Here are actionable tips to strengthen your Brittan Scholarship application:
- Be completely honest and specific about your financial difficulties. Use real examples, such as family income constraints or unexpected costs, rather than general statements.
- Clearly link the £10,000 to tangible outcomes, like covering living expenses so you can focus on studies without part-time work overload.
- Highlight your academic strengths and enthusiasm for your chosen course to show you will make the most of the opportunity.
- Proofread your statement multiple times for clarity, grammar, and impact. Ask a teacher or mentor for feedback.
- Submit as early as possible after applications open to allow time for any follow-up requests.
- Ensure your UCAS firm choice is confirmed early, as this is non-negotiable.
- Prepare for a possible interview by practicing how to discuss your circumstances confidently and positively.
- Keep copies of everything you submit and check your email regularly for updates from the university.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the Brittan Scholarship open to international students?
Can I apply if my grades are predicted rather than achieved?
What counts as financial difficulty?
Is the £10,000 paid in one lump sum or installments?
Do I need to apply separately from my UCAS application?
Can the scholarship be combined with other funding?
No information provided on stacking with other awards or loans.
OFFICIAL LINK
Visit the official Brittan Scholarship page at Teesside University for the most up-to-date details and application access: https://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/fulltime/scholarships_brittan.cfm
This scholarship can be a life-changing support for your education. If you meet the criteria, take the time to craft a thoughtful application that truly reflects your circumstances and potential. Good luck!
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