Global Talent Fund BIG Scholarships 2026 — Full Support for Olympiad Medalists to Study at the University of Edinburgh 

Overview

The Global Talent Fund BIG (‘Backing Invisible Geniuses’) Scholarships support exceptional young talents worldwide who have earned medals in major international science Olympiads. Recipients receive comprehensive financial and academic support to study eligible mathematics degrees at the University of Edinburgh.
The scholarship provides full funding, additional stipends, and exclusive opportunities in research, networking, and industry exposure.

Scholarship Deadline: 31 March 2026, 23:59 UK Time

Eligibility

Open to students from any country who have won a gold, silver, or bronze medal in the following international Olympiads:

• International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)

• International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI)

• International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)

• Romanian Master of Mathematics (RMM)

• European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) — gold or silver only

Applicants must also:

• Apply for full-time admission to one of the eligible mathematics programs:

  • BSc Applied Mathematics

  • BSc Mathematics

  • BSc Mathematics and Statistics

  • MMath Applied Mathematics (direct entry into Year 2 only)

  • MMath Mathematics (direct entry into Year 2 only)

• Apply through UCAS before starting the scholarship application.

• Not already be enrolled at the University of Edinburgh.

• Not be applying for mathematics degrees hosted outside the School of Mathematics.

Benefits

The BIG Scholarship provides holistic, premium-level support, including:

• Full tuition coverage

• Assistance with living costs

• Additional stipend for academic activities beyond coursework

• Networking opportunities

• Industry events & social activities

• Internship opportunities

• Research placements

• Academic mentorship and community engagement

Maximum funding duration: 4 years.
(MMath applicants must enter directly into Year 2 to receive full coverage.)

Fellowship / Program Components

• Academic and financial support designed for high-potential STEM scholars.

• Opportunities to work with world-class researchers at Edinburgh.

• Direct engagement with UK-based innovation, technology, and science networks.

• Programme collaboration with:

  • Global Talent Fund

  • XTX Markets (founding donor)

  • UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Application Requirements

• Must have applied for admission to an eligible programme via UCAS.

• Online scholarship application via EUCLID (accessed through MyEd).

• University username (UUN) and login required for MyEd.

• May be asked to provide additional financial background details.

Tip:
It can take up to 5 working days after your UCAS application for your scholarship portal access to activate — apply early.

Selection Criteria

Awards are highly competitive and based on:

• Academic excellence

• Olympiad achievement

• Leadership qualities

• Collaborative mindset

• Drive for societal impact

• Financial need (priority consideration)

Application Process

1. Apply to the University of Edinburgh through UCAS.

2. Wait up to 5 days for your university credentials to be activated.

3. Log in to MyEd → Access EUCLID → Complete the online scholarship form.

4. Submit the full scholarship application before the deadline.

Scholarship Deadline: 31 March 2026 – 23:59 (UK Time) 

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Global Talent Fund BIG Scholarships 2026 — Full Support for Olympiad Medalists to Study at the University of Edinburgh