by Last verified: 18 October 2026. We checked this Surrey International Excellence Award information against the university’s official page.
The University of Surrey’s postgraduate excellence award takes £5,000 (five thousand pounds) off the tuition of self-funded international Masters students. It’s confirmed for 2027 entry, with two deadlines: 8 January 2027 for the February 2027 intake and 20 August 2027 for September 2027. Surrey reviews applications monthly on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early helps.
Surrey International Excellence Award at a glance
| Detail | What Surrey says |
|---|---|
| Value | £5,000 tuition fee waiver |
| Who | Self-funded international fee payers of any nationality |
| Level | Full-time Masters |
| February 2027 deadline | 8 January 2027 |
| September 2027 deadline | 20 August 2027 |
| Selection | Panel decision; reviewed monthly, first come, first served |
Who can get the Surrey International Excellence Award
- Self-funded international students. You can’t be sponsored or hold another scholarship.
- Full-time Masters students only; part-time and distance learning are excluded.
- Also, students at the Surrey International Study Centre can’t apply.
However, Surrey excludes some courses: MSc AI (Conversion), MSc Biotechnology, MSc Food Science, MSc Human Nutrition, the MBA and MSc Pharmaceutical Sciences, including their placement versions. For September 2027, it also excludes MSc Applied Analytical Chemistry.
How to apply for the Surrey International Excellence Award
- Get an offer and your student ID.
- Fill in the award form before Surrey issues your CAS. The award can’t be added after the CAS.
- Apply early, as awards go on a first-come, first-served basis.
However, you can’t combine the award with Surrey’s alumni or early-bird discounts, and you can’t defer it. Also, on a two-year course it covers only the first year.
Worked example
Sadia from Karachi gets an offer for a September 2027 MSc in a non-excluded subject. She applies for the award in March 2027, well before her CAS and the 20 August deadline. If the panel approves her, £5,000 comes off her first-year fee. She still has to show living costs for her visa; see our UK student visa financial requirements guide.
Surrey fees for 2027 and what £5,000 covers
Surrey has published overseas fees for September 2027 Masters entry. Two examples:
| Course | 2027 overseas fee | After the £5,000 award |
|---|---|---|
| Data Science MSc | £26,900 | £21,900 |
| Artificial Intelligence MSc | £29,100 | £24,100 |
So the award covers about 17% to 19% of the fee on these courses.
Other Surrey awards to compare
- Vice-Chancellor’s Future Leaders Award (postgraduate): £7,500.
- Early payment discount: £2,000.
- Surrey graduates: 20% off.
Surrey hasn’t published the 2027 rules for these yet, so check whether they can be combined.
English requirement
For the Data Science and AI MSc courses, Surrey asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each other part.
Checklist for the Surrey International Excellence Award
- Get a full-time Masters offer on a course that isn’t on Surrey’s excluded list.
- Confirm you’re self-funded and don’t hold another scholarship.
- Apply before Surrey issues your CAS. Awards go first come, first served.
- Note the deadlines: 8 January 2027 for February entry and 20 August 2027 for September entry.
Frequently asked questions
Is the award automatic?
No. You fill in a form after you get an offer, and a panel decides.
Can sponsored students apply?
No. It’s for self-funded students only.
Does Surrey offer an early payment discount?
Yes, Surrey lists a £2,000 early payment discount. Check the 2027 rules before you rely on it.
Official sources
- University of Surrey – International Excellence Award (postgraduate)
- Official page – Surrey postgraduate taught fees 2027 entry
- Official page – Surrey scholarships and bursaries
- Official page – Surrey Data Science MSc
Award terms change. Always confirm on Surrey’s official page before you apply.
