Staffordshire University, located in the heart of the United Kingdom, is celebrated for its commitment to fostering an inclusive international academic environment. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the university is proud to introduce the SMART Scholarships, a remarkable initiative aimed at empowering international students interested in pursuing undergraduate, master’s or doctoral degrees in a wide range of disciplines. This innovative scholarship program not only provides significant financial assistance, but also opens the door for exceptional students from diverse backgrounds to benefit from a high-quality education.
Description of the scholarship:
- Host university: Staffordshire University
- Host country: United Kingdom;
- Level of study: Bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral level;
- Type of scholarship: Full financing;
- Scholarship value: Check the details below;
- Eligible countries: International students;
- Available topics: All subjects;
- Application deadline: The stock market is open.
The Staffordshire University SMART Scholarship Program is open to students at all academic levels, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral studies. Exclusively available to international students, this scholarship encompasses a wide range of subjects available at the University’s Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and London campuses. However, it does not apply to certain areas such as nursing, allied health, operational service practice, social work, midwifery or programs offered as blended or distance learning.
This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial challenges faced by talented individuals, by automatically considering applicants’ eligibility once they are accepted into a qualifying course. This streamlined approach means that prospective students do not need to submit a separate scholarship application, making the process more accessible and simpler.
The core mission of the SMART Scholarship is to attract exceptional international talent, enabling students to realize their academic and professional aspirations at one of the UK’s leading institutions. It embodies Staffordshire University’s commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion and academic excellence across a global educational landscape.
Scholarship Benefits:
The SMART Scholarship features an impressive £3,000 reduction on tuition fees for each year of study at Staffordshire University, enabling students to take control of their educational finances and focus on achieving their academic goals . Below is an overview of the main benefits of the scholarship:
- Annual tuition fee reduction: The scholarship provides a reduction of £3,000 each year, ensuring that students receive this financial support throughout their full-time study. It is important to note that this reduction does not extend to any year of placement.
- Seamless exchange activation: Eligible students will have the scholarship automatically applied upon acceptance into an eligible program, eliminating the need for a separate application process and simplifying the experience.
- Transparent financial planning: The scholarship reduction is directly included in the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), providing students with a clear overview of their financial commitments and helping them plan effectively.
The SMART Scholarship not only eases the financial pressure but also enhances the educational experiences of students by giving them access to prestigious education in the UK at a more affordable cost.
Eligibility conditions:
To be considered for the SMART Scholarship, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. Below you will find a detailed overview of the main conditions and limitations:
- International student status: This scholarship is exclusively available to students classified as international (non-UK) who are required to pay tuition fees.
- Full-time program registration: Applicants must have received an offer to enroll on a full-time teaching program at one of Staffordshire University’s campuses, including Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford or London.
- Exclusions for specific courses: Some programs are not eligible for this scholarship, including nursing, allied health, operational service practice, social work, midwifery and courses offered as blended or distance learning.
- Limitations of other financial aid: Students who receive full or partial funding from other scholarship providers or sponsors are not eligible for the SMART Scholarship. Additionally, applicants seeking admission through a Staffordshire University partner institution are excluded from consideration.
- Restrictions on competing exchanges: Students who benefit from other Staffordshire University scholarships or discounts cannot combine these benefits. If multiple Staffordshire University scholarships are available, only the one with the highest value will be awarded.
- Ineligibility for postgraduate research programs: The SMART Scholarship is not applicable to students enrolled in postgraduate research programs.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review these eligibility criteria to ensure they understand the specific conditions under which the SMART Scholarship may be awarded.
Application process:
The SMART Scholarship application process is designed to be simple, eliminating the need for a separate application. Instead, Staffordshire University assesses eligibility based on the applicant’s application course. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Choose a qualifying course
Start by selecting an eligible program at Staffordshire University, with options available at the Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford or London campuses. Prospective students are advised to submit their course application early to ensure that they have sufficient time to complete all program requirements. Please remember that assessment of scholarship eligibility will only take place after acceptance into a full-time program.
Step 2: Receive your scholarship offer and notification
Upon receipt of an offer of admission from Staffordshire University, the International Admissions team will automatically assess the applicant’s eligibility for the SMART Scholarship. If eligible, students will find their scholarship details included in their offer letter, with the £3,000 tuition fee reduction applied accordingly.
Step 3: Planning the visa application (if necessary)
For those who require a student visa to study in the UK, it is crucial to initiate the visa process immediately after receiving confirmation of the offer and scholarship. This ensures that students can arrive on time for Welcome Week and begin their registration smoothly. The reduction on the scholarship will be reflected in the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), necessary for the visa application.
Step 4: Arrival and confirmation
Once students have obtained their visa and made the necessary arrangements, they are encouraged to arrive in the UK well in advance of Welcome Week. This orientation period provides new students with a valuable opportunity to adapt to university life, connect with other students and settle into their accommodation.
Additional information and key dates
A notable feature of the SMART Scholarship is its flexible application timeline. Unlike many scholarships with rigid deadlines, the SMART scholarship operates on an open deadline basis. However, students are still advised to submit their applications for qualifying courses promptly to allow sufficient time to complete all requirements, including visa arrangements, thereby ensuring an on-time start to the academic year.
The Staffordshire University International Admissions team undertakes the assessment of all eligible student applications for the SMART Scholarship. So, once students receive their offer of admission and meet the scholarship criteria, they will be informed of their scholarship status directly in the offer letter. The £3,000 reduction will then be automatically deducted from their tuition fees for the first year and for each subsequent eligible year of study.
Official website:
For more information, please visit the official university website: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/international/your-application-journey/scholarships-fees/scholarships/smart-scholarship
