Sheffield Hallam University is among the largest and friendliest universities in the UK and has a range of scholarships to help ease the financial burden of studying here. Sheffield Hallam University Scholarships for Local UK Students and International Students from Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan and Other Countries If you’re planning to study at Sheffield Hallam University, knowing the scholarship system can save you thousands of pounds in tuition fees. In this guide we will cover all you need to know about three major Sheffield Hallam University scholarships: The Transform Together Scholarship, The GREAT Scholarship and The Student Success Scholarship. We will discuss eligibility criteria, the value of each award, how to apply as a local and an international student, required documents, and some practical tips that will increase your chances.
About Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University was founded in 1843 as the Sheffield School of Design and became a fully accredited university in 1992. Today, it is one of the largest institutions in the UK, with tens of thousands of undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled. The institution is noted for its practical approach to learning, strong industry linkages, and a varied student body that includes thousands of foreign students from all over the world.
Because Sheffield Hallam receives so many applications each year, the institution offers a variety of scholarship programs to recognize academic distinction, assist students from low-income families, and encourage exceptional students from certain partner countries to attend the university. The three scholarships discussed in this article benefit various student groups, so it is important to know which one applies to your situation.
Quick Overview: Transform Together, GREAT, and Student Success Scholarships
Before going into the details, here is a simple comparison table showing who each scholarship is for, how much it is worth, and the study level it applies to. This table gives you a snapshot before you read the full explanation of each programme below.
| Scholarship | Who Can Apply | Study Level | Value of Award | Typical Intake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transform Together Scholarship | Self funded international fee paying students | Undergraduate and postgraduate taught courses | 50 percent tuition fee waiver for the first year of study | September intake each year |
| GREAT Scholarship | International students from a small list of eligible countries that changes yearly | Postgraduate taught courses only | 10,000 pounds tuition fee waiver | September intake each year, limited number of awards |
| Student Success Scholarship | Home or UK based undergraduate students who are means tested | Full time and part time undergraduate courses | Between 600 and 2,100 pounds per year depending on household circumstances | Available each academic year for enrolled home students |
Now let us look at each scholarship in detail, starting with the Transform Together Scholarship, which is the option most international students search for.
Transform Together Scholarship: Full Details for International Students
The Transform Together Scholarship is Sheffield Hallam University's flagship award for high achieving international students. It is available to students starting a full time taught undergraduate or postgraduate course, and it comes as a 50 percent reduction in tuition fees for the first year of study only. This means if you are admitted for an undergraduate programme, the discount applies to your first year fee, while for postgraduate taught courses, it applies to the fee for that single year of study since most master's programmes only run for one year.
Who Can Apply for the Transform Together Scholarship
To be eligible for this scholarship, you generally need to meet the following conditions.
- You must have been offered a place on a full time taught undergraduate or postgraduate course at Sheffield Hallam University for the relevant September intake.
- You must be an international fee paying student, meaning you pay the overseas tuition fee rate rather than the UK home fee rate.
- You must be fully self financing your studies. This means you are not receiving funding from a government body, a company, an employer, or another scholarship provider. If a family member or friend is paying for you, you are still considered self funded.
- You must be able to pay any remaining tuition fees and additional course costs, such as field trips or specialist equipment.
- You must meet the academic and English language entry requirements for your chosen course.
If you are applying at postgraduate level, there are two extra conditions worth noting. First, you need at least a 2:1 or its equivalent in your undergraduate honours degree. Second, this scholarship is strictly for students moving from undergraduate to postgraduate study for the first time. If you already hold a postgraduate qualification from the UK or from any other country, you will not qualify.
Who Cannot Apply
You are not eligible if you are already enrolled on the course you are applying for a scholarship on, if you have previously received a Transform Together Scholarship at the same level of study, if you are studying a Sheffield Hallam course at a partner institution outside the UK, or if you are applying while still on a foundation programme. Foundation year students can only apply once they progress into the actual undergraduate degree course.
How to Apply for the Transform Together Scholarship
The application process follows three simple steps.
- Apply for and receive an offer on your chosen course through the official course application system. You must have applied before the scholarship deadline for your application to be considered.
- Complete the online scholarship application form. This form will ask about your academic achievements and how you plan to represent the university as a student ambassador during and after your studies.
- Send your academic transcripts to the university's global scholarship transcripts email address before the closing date so your results can be verified.
One detail that trips up many applicants is the eight digit Student Identifier number, often shortened to the SI number. This number is issued once your course application has been processed, and you must include it on your scholarship form. Applications without this number are not considered, so make sure you have received your offer and your SI number before you submit the scholarship form.
You can start your Transform Together Scholarship application using this official Transform Together Scholarship application form.
GREAT Scholarship: Details for Eligible International Students
The GREAT Scholarship is a joint initiative between Sheffield Hallam University, the British Council, and the GREAT Britain Campaign. It is part of a wider annual programme that supports postgraduate students from a small, rotating list of countries in accessing UK higher education. Each award is worth 10,000 pounds off tuition fees for the first year of a full time taught postgraduate course.
The important thing to understand about the GREAT Scholarship is that the list of eligible countries changes every year, and only one or two scholarships are usually available per country, so competition is extremely high. In past years, students from Nigeria, Ghana, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan have been included in this programme. However, the list is decided fresh each year by the British Council, so it is essential to check the current year's list of participating countries on the official scholarship page before you start preparing your application, because your country of domicile may or may not be included in the current cycle.
General Eligibility Requirements for the GREAT Scholarship
- You must be domiciled in one of the countries selected for that year's GREAT Scholarship programme.
- You must have applied for a full time taught postgraduate course at Sheffield Hallam University starting in the relevant September intake.
- You must have achieved at least a 2:1 or equivalent in your undergraduate honours degree.
- You must meet the English language and academic entry requirements for your chosen course.
- You must be a fully self financing, international fee paying student who is not receiving funding from an external source.
- You must be able to cover the remaining tuition fee and any additional course costs.
You cannot apply if you are already enrolled on the course you are seeking a scholarship for, if you have previously received a GREAT Scholarship, or if you are applying to study at a partner institution outside the UK rather than on the main Sheffield Hallam campus.
How to Apply for the GREAT Scholarship
The application steps mirror those of the Transform Together Scholarship.
- Secure an offer of admission for a full time postgraduate taught course at Sheffield Hallam University.
- Wait for your eight digit Student Identifier number, which is generated once your course application is processed.
- Complete the online GREAT Scholarship application form, using your SI number and describing your academic achievements clearly.
- Send your transcripts or certificates to the university before the stated closing date so your academic record can be confirmed.
Because only a small number of GREAT Scholarships are awarded each year, your personal statement matters a great deal. Focus on concrete achievements such as academic distinctions, leadership positions, published work, or professional accomplishments rather than generic statements about wanting to study abroad.
Student Success Scholarship: Details for Home and UK Based Students
Unlike the previous two awards, the Student Success Scholarship is aimed at UK, or home fee status, students rather than international applicants. It is designed to reduce the cost of living and studying pressures that many undergraduate students face, particularly those from lower income households.
Successful applicants typically receive an award of between 600 and 2,100 pounds per academic year. Most students receive an amount toward the lower end of this range, while the highest amount is reserved for students who fall into several priority groups at once, such as those who are estranged from their family, care leavers, or from households with a very low income. Part time students receive a proportional award based on the number of credits they are studying, and the scholarship can be received once per academic year, meaning you need to reapply every year you are enrolled.
Who Can Apply for the Student Success Scholarship
- You must be enrolled on a full time or part time undergraduate, PGCE, or integrated master's course at Sheffield Hallam University.
- You must be paying the UK home tuition fee rate, whether that is self funded or through a student loan.
- You must have been means tested by a UK student funding body, such as Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales, Student Finance Northern Ireland, or the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.
- You must have consented to share your household income information with the university as part of the means testing process. You do not need to actually take out a maintenance loan to qualify, but you do need to have gone through means testing.
If for some reason you cannot be means tested through the usual channels, you are advised to contact the university's student funding support team, known as Hallam Help, to explain your situation.
How to Apply for the Student Success Scholarship
Once you are enrolled and eligible, the application form appears in your student record portal, in the scholarships section. You will be asked to select which priority groups apply to you, such as being a care leaver, being estranged from your family, having caring responsibilities, or coming from a low income household, and to upload supporting evidence for each group you select. It is important to read the official guidance document carefully before submitting, since incomplete evidence is one of the most common reasons applications are delayed or rejected. You must also submit your bank details when requested, since a missing or incorrect bank detail submission can delay or cancel your payment.
Step by Step Application Process Summary
For international students applying for the Transform Together Scholarship or the GREAT Scholarship, the process generally looks like this.
- Choose your course and submit your course application through the university's admissions system.
- Wait to receive your offer letter and your eight digit Student Identifier number.
- Confirm which scholarship, or scholarships, you are eligible for based on your course level, country of domicile, and funding status.
- Complete the relevant online scholarship application form before the closing date, making sure to include your SI number.
- Send your academic transcripts or final year certificate to the university's designated scholarship email address.
- Accept your course offer as early as possible, since scholarship decisions can depend on you having formally accepted your place.
- Wait for the university's decision, which is typically communicated by email a few weeks after the application deadline.
For local UK students applying for the Student Success Scholarship, the process is slightly different since it happens after enrolment.
- Enrol on your undergraduate, PGCE, or integrated master's course at Sheffield Hallam University.
- Complete means testing through a UK student funding body such as Student Finance England.
- Consent to share your household income information with the university.
- Log in to your student record portal and locate the Student Success Scholarship application in the scholarships section.
- Select your priority groups and upload the required supporting evidence.
- Submit your bank account details so payment can be processed if you are successful.
Documents You Will Likely Need
Regardless of which scholarship you are applying for, it helps to gather these documents in advance so you are not rushing before a deadline.
- Your course offer letter and Student Identifier number, for international scholarship applicants.
- Academic transcripts or a final degree certificate showing your grades, percentage, GPA, or CGPA.
- A valid English language proficiency result, such as IELTS, if your course requires one.
- A well written personal statement describing your achievements and future goals.
- Proof of means testing outcome, for Student Success Scholarship applicants.
- Evidence documents for any priority group you claim, such as care leaver status or low household income, again for Student Success Scholarship applicants.
- Bank account details for receiving payment once an award is confirmed.
Tips to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
Since these scholarships are competitive, the way you present your application can make a real difference. Consider the following practical tips.
- Apply for your course as early as possible so you receive your Student Identifier number well before the scholarship deadline.
- Read every eligibility requirement carefully rather than assuming you qualify, particularly around funding status and prior qualifications.
- Use your personal statement to highlight specific achievements, leadership experience, and how you intend to represent the university, rather than writing general statements about wanting a good education.
- Double check that your transcripts clearly show your final grade, percentage, or GPA, since incomplete transcripts can weaken your application.
- Keep digital and physical copies of every document you submit in case you need to resend anything.
- Accept your course offer promptly, since some scholarship decisions favour applicants who have already confirmed their place.
- For the GREAT Scholarship, always confirm the current year's list of eligible countries before assuming you qualify, since the participating countries change annually.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants lose out on scholarships not because they are unqualified, but because of avoidable mistakes. Common issues include submitting a scholarship form without the Student Identifier number, applying for a scholarship after already receiving one at the same study level, assuming a country is eligible for the GREAT Scholarship without checking the current year's list, missing the transcript submission deadline even though the main form was submitted on time, and writing a personal statement that is too generic to stand out among hundreds of applicants. Avoiding these simple errors puts you ahead of a large share of the applicant pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students apply for the Student Success Scholarship?
No. The Student Success Scholarship is reserved for UK, or home fee status, undergraduate students who go through means testing with a UK student funding body. International fee paying students are not eligible for this particular award, but they can apply for the Transform Together Scholarship or the GREAT Scholarship instead.
Can I receive more than one Sheffield Hallam scholarship at the same time?
Generally, only one financial incentive, such as a scholarship, award, bursary, or discount, is permitted for each course of study. If you happen to be eligible for more than one, the university applies whichever offer has the higher value rather than combining them.
Is the GREAT Scholarship open to every country every year?
No. The GREAT Scholarship list of eligible countries changes each year and usually includes only a small number of nations, with just one or two awards available per country. Always check the current year's official list before assuming your country qualifies.
Do I need an admission offer before applying for a scholarship?
Yes. For both the Transform Together Scholarship and the GREAT Scholarship, you must have already applied for, and ideally been offered, a place on your chosen course before submitting a scholarship application. Scholarship forms submitted without a corresponding course application will not be considered.
What happens if I do not provide my Student Identifier number?
Your scholarship application will not be considered if the eight digit Student Identifier number is missing from your form. This number is issued once your course application has been processed, so make sure you have it in hand before you fill out the scholarship form.
Does the Transform Together Scholarship cover my entire degree?
No. The Transform Together Scholarship applies only to the first year of study. If your undergraduate or postgraduate course runs for more than one year, you will need to pay the full tuition fee for the remaining years.
How much can I get from the Student Success Scholarship?
Awards typically range from 600 to 2,100 pounds per academic year, depending on your household income and how many priority groups you fall into. Part time students receive a proportional amount based on their study load.
Final Thoughts
Sheffield Hallam University offers a genuinely useful set of scholarships for both local UK students and international students from around the world. If you are an international applicant, the Transform Together Scholarship is generally your best and most consistent option, while the GREAT Scholarship can offer an even larger award if your country happens to be included in that year's programme. If you are a UK based student, the Student Success Scholarship provides ongoing support based on your financial circumstances throughout your degree.
The most important habit to build is checking the official scholarship pages every year, since eligibility criteria, award amounts, and participating countries can all change from one academic year to the next. Apply for your course early, prepare your documents in advance, and submit a clear, achievement focused application, and you will give yourself the strongest possible chance of receiving one of these awards.