Loughborough University — Global Impact Scholarship

Comprehensive guide — what it covers, who’s eligible, how to apply, timeline, selection tips, and a sample personal-statement structure.

Quick snapshot (fast facts)

• What it is: A merit-based scholarship that can cover 100% of tuition fees for one year for selected postgraduate taught (master’s) students at Loughborough University (including Loughborough University London in some variants). Loughborough University+1

• Who it’s for: International applicants with strong academic records and demonstrable commitment to making a positive impact in their home communities or globally; some awards target applicants from low-income countries. Loughborough University+1

• How many / how competitive: Limited number of awards (highly competitive; some pages reference multiple awards and up to ~25 in some summaries — number can vary by year and campus). Masters Portal+1

• What it pays: Tuition fees for one year (covers taught master’s tuition; does not automatically cover living costs, travel, visa fees). Masters Portal+1

Who should apply (detailed eligibility)

Eligibility can vary slightly by year and campus (Loughborough UK campus vs Loughborough University London). Common eligibility elements from Loughborough’s own pages:

• International applicants (non-UK) are the main target for the Global Impact Scholarship. Loughborough University

• Academic excellence: Generally applicants will need a strong undergraduate result (first class or equivalent is often stated as typical for successful candidates). The giving / scholarship pages mention successful candidates often hold a first-class degree. Loughborough University

• Commitment to impact: The selection looks for applicants who can demonstrate how they will use their degree to positively impact communities, especially in lower-income settings or in areas of development. Loughborough University

• Course level and mode: Usually for postgraduate taught (master’s) full-time courses. Some variants (e.g., London Global Impact Scholarship) apply specifically to London-campus intakes. Loughborough University+1

Note: Always check the specific year/page for the intake you want (deadlines and slight eligibility differences are announced per intake). The official Loughborough webpages are the primary source for exact, up-to-date criteria. Loughborough University+1

What the scholarship covers (and what it doesn’t)

• Covers: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver for one academic year (one taught master’s programme). This replaces other university fee scholarships you may hold. Masters Portal+1

• Does not normally cover: Living / maintenance costs, flights, visa fees, health surcharge, or second-year tuition (if your programme is longer than one academic year) unless otherwise stated in a specific award description. Always read the award letter for precise coverage. Masters Portal

Typical number of awards & competitiveness

• The programme is highly competitive. Some third-party summaries reference the University awarding a limited number (e.g., up to ~25 across programmes in some years) while the London campus sometimes advertises up to four full scholarships for particular intakes — numbers vary by year and campus. Expect to compete with strong academic and impact-focused applicants worldwide. Masters Portal+1

Important deadlines & timeline (examples from recent cycles)

Deadlines vary by intake (e.g., September entry vs January entry, Loughborough vs London campus). Examples from Loughborough official pages:

• For courses starting September 2026, the site shows: latest application to study by 15 April 2026, and the deadline to apply for the Global Impact Scholarship by 6 May 2026; scholarship announcements by 1 June 2026 (this demonstrates how the university staggers study application vs scholarship application windows). Applications for that cycle open 10 December 2025. Loughborough University

• For January 2026 (London campus), a London Global Impact Scholarship deadline was listed as 30 November 2025, with awards announced later in December (this is an example of a different intake with its own dates). Loughborough University+1

Action: Always use the official Loughborough scholarship page for the intake you’re applying to — deadlines change by cohort and campus. Loughborough University+1

How to apply — step by step (practical)

1. Choose your course & check you meet entry requirements. Apply for the taught master’s programme you want on the Loughborough course page and complete the normal course application. You often must hold an offer (conditional or unconditional) to be eligible for the scholarship form. Loughborough University

2. Watch scholarship opening dates. The Global Impact Scholarship normally has a specific application form or portal and dates different from the course application deadline — note both timelines. Loughborough University+1

3. Complete the scholarship application form (the university will indicate how to apply — some intakes use an online form). The application asks for evidence of academic achievement and a clear impact statement (see below). Loughborough University+1

4. Submit supporting documents: transcripts, degree certificate (or proof of expected graduation), English language test (if required), CV, ID/passport details, and any evidence of community or professional impact projects. Loughborough University

5. Wait for decision & follow instructions. If awarded, scholarship offers typically require deposit payment within a set time (e.g., 14 days) and may carry conditions. Announcements are made on scheduled dates (see the scholarship page for the year). Loughborough University

What selection panels look for (how to make your application stand out)

Loughborough’s messaging and donors’ statements emphasize applicants who will use their degree to create real-world change. Typical selection priorities:

1. Clear, concrete impact plan: Show how the master’s will enable you to solve a specific problem or scale an initiative in your home country/community. Concrete milestones, beneficiaries, and measurable outcomes are persuasive. Loughborough University

2. Academic excellence and preparedness: Strong undergraduate results and evidence you can handle the course academically. Include grades, projects, research experience, or professional roles related to your course. Loughborough University

3. Leadership & community engagement: Document volunteer projects, social enterprises, internships, leadership roles, or initiatives you’ve led — especially those that produced measurable outcomes. Loughborough University

4. Feasibility & sustainability: Funders like to see that your plans are feasible and that the benefits will continue after you finish the programme. Explain resources, partnerships, and next steps post-graduation. Loughborough University

Document checklist (recommended)

• Completed course application (offer letter or application reference) — required before/with scholarship form. Loughborough University

• Scholarship application form (online) — answered fully. Loughborough University

• CV (2 pages max, focused on impact/professional achievements). Loughborough University

• Degree transcripts & certificates (or statement of expected award). Loughborough University

• English language test results (if applicable). Loughborough University

• Statement of impact / personal statement for scholarship (see structure below). Loughborough University

Sample scholarship personal-statement structure (impact focus)

Aim: 500–800 words (adapt to the form’s word limit). Be specific, concise, and evidence-driven.

1. Opening (25–40 words): One clear sentence: who you are, your course, and a one-line purpose (“to use X skills to solve Y problem in Z community”).

2. Academic & professional foundation (80–120 words): Key achievements that prepare you for the programme (degree classification, relevant modules, projects, internships).

3. Demonstrated impact (150–220 words): Concrete examples of community projects, leadership, or work where you made measurable change (numbers, timelines, roles, outcomes).

4. Proposed change from this master’s (150–220 words): What you will study, the skills you need, how the course at Loughborough is uniquely placed to help, and a realistic plan (3–5 outcomes) for the 2 years after graduation.

5. Sustainability & beneficiaries (80–120 words): Who benefits, how you’ll sustain the project, partnerships, scaling plan, and measures of success.

6. Closing (25–40 words): Reiterate commitment and how the scholarship will catalyse lasting change.

Use active verbs, quantifiable outcomes, and evidence (links, short refs to projects) where permitted.

Practical tips & common pitfalls

• Apply early and follow both course & scholarship timelines. Missing the scholarship form deadline is the most common avoidable rejection. Loughborough University

• Tailor every sentence to “impact.” The scholarship is called Global Impact for a reason — generic academic statements won’t be as persuasive as impact evidence. Loughborough University

• Be honest and evidence-based. Use numbers, beneficiaries, and timelines where possible. Avoid vague phrases like “help people” without specifics. Loughborough University

• Get referees who speak to impact. Choose referees who can attest to your leadership, project outcomes, or community contributions. Loughborough University

• Don’t assume living costs are covered. Plan finances for visa, housing, food, and travel unless you have other funding. Masters Portal

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the scholarship open to UK students?
A: The Global Impact Scholarship primarily targets international students; check the specific page for any UK-student or campus-specific variants. Loughborough University

Q: Will I be automatically considered if I apply to the course?
A: Not always. Loughborough often requires a separate scholarship application form or expression of interest — check the scholarship page and the intake instructions. Loughborough University+1

Q: If I get a scholarship, will I still need to pay a deposit?
A: Scholarship offers can require deposits to secure a place, with deadlines to pay once the scholarship offer is issued (e.g., some cycles require deposits within 14 days). Read the offer letter carefully. Loughborough University

Useful official pages (start here)

• Global Impact Scholarship (main scholarship page) — check this for the exact application form, opening date, and scholarship deadline for your intake. Loughborough University

• Master’s degree funding (Loughborough University funding overview) — lists Global Impact Scholarship among other awards and indicates which campuses / intakes are covered. Loughborough University

• Giving / Global Impact Scholarships (donor information & aims) — explains the scholarship’s purpose and who the fund aims to help. Loughborough University

• London campus scholarships (if applying to Loughborough University London) — note separate deadlines and variants like the London Global Impact Scholarship. Loughborough University+1

Final checklist before you submit

• Course application submitted (and you have an application or offer reference). Loughborough University

• Scholarship form completed by the scholarship deadline for your intake. Loughborough University

• CV, transcripts, English test, and referees ready and uploaded. Loughborough University

• Personal statement/impact statement proofread for clarity, metrics, and feasibility. Loughborough University

Closing note

The Loughborough Global Impact Scholarship is a powerful route for high-achieving international students who want their postgraduate study to be a catalyst for measurable social or economic change. Because the scholarship is competitive and the application windows vary by campus and intake, plan your course application and scholarship application as a coordinated process (use the official pages above to confirm dates for your intended start). Loughborough University+1