Important: this scholarship is only for students who have won a medal at a major international science Olympiad (IMO, IOI, IPhO, RMM or EGMO).
The University of Edinburgh offers Global Talent Fund BIG (“Backing Invisible Geniuses”) Scholarships to Olympiad medallists from any country who want to study an undergraduate mathematics degree. The award covers tuition, help with living costs and an academic stipend for up to four years, plus internships, research placements and networking.
Deadline: Wednesday 31 March 2027, 23:59 UK time (also 23:59 WAT, as the UK is on summer time by then). Results by 23 April 2027.
Key Details
- University: University of Edinburgh, Scotland (School of Mathematics)
- Programme: Global Talent Fund BIG Program
- Supported by: the Global Talent Fund, with a founding donation from XTX Markets, working with the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
- Level: full-time undergraduate degrees in the School of Mathematics
- Duration: up to 4 years
- Open to: Olympiad medallists from any country
- Deadline: 31 March 2027, 23:59 UK time
Benefits
- tuition costs
- help with living costs
- a stipend for academic activities outside the classroom
- social events and networking
- internships and research placements
The university doesn’t publish fixed amounts; awards are prioritised by financial need, and Edinburgh may contact candidates for financial information.
Eligibility
- you have won a gold, silver or bronze medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) or Romanian Master of Mathematics (RMM), or a gold or silver at the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO)
- you have applied through UCAS for a full-time undergraduate degree hosted by Edinburgh’s School of Mathematics (you don’t need an offer yet)
- you are not already enrolled at the university
- maths taken as part of a degree hosted by another school does not qualify
MMath note: funding lasts at most 4 years, so MMath students must enter directly into second year to be funded for the whole degree.
How Applicants Are Selected
- academic merit
- a collaborative spirit and leadership
- ambition to make a positive contribution to society
- financial need (used to prioritise awards)
How to Apply
- Apply to the University of Edinburgh through UCAS for a School of Mathematics undergraduate degree.
- Wait for your University User Name (UUN); system checks can take up to five working days.
- Log in to MyEd and open the scholarship application in EUCLID.
- Complete the online BIG scholarship form with proof of your Olympiad medal.
- Submit before 23:59 UK time on 31 March 2027. Apply early in case of technical problems.
Read the full terms on the official University of Edinburgh scholarship page, see School of Mathematics funding, and learn more about the Global Talent Fund BIG Program.
Tips for African Olympiad Medallists
- Check UCAS deadlines for international applicants; the UCAS application must come first.
- Have your official Olympiad results page or certificate ready as proof.
- Highlight teamwork and leadership: mentoring younger olympians or running maths clubs counts.
- Explain your financial situation honestly; need is used to prioritise awards.
- Also look at Edinburgh’s other undergraduate maths scholarships if you narrowly miss eligibility.
