The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship (postgraduate)

Supporting ambitious international postgraduate applicants from low-income backgrounds, driven by their academic aspirations. It is open to self-funded international fee-paying students, who are starting their studies at University of Surrey in September 2026. The total value of the award is £15,000.

About

The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship Programme celebrates Professor Lu’s nine years of transformative leadership as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey. The scholarship will support postgraduate students nominated by our donors, during their educational journey at the University of Surrey.

The scholarship will provide £15,000, as a tuition fee reduction, for a full-time postgraduate programme, delivered in Guildford. The total value of the scholarship is £15,000.

This award can be combined with an Academic Excellence Award.

The scheme is application based and awards are decided by a scholarship awards panel.

Eligibility criteria

In order to be eligible applicants must:

Be an overseas fee-paying student from selected countries (please see a list of qualifying countries below)
Have an offer for any postgraduate programme at the University of Surrey for September 2026
Be from a low-income family background.

This award is not available for applicants on part-time, distance-learning programmes or for sponsored students.

This scholarship cannot be combined with the alumni or early bird discount.

The award is not deferrable. If applicants are deferring, they will need to reapply for the award. (This will be subject to the award availability).

For two-year postgraduate courses, the scholarship award is valid for the first year only.

Additional expectations

If you are awarded a scholarship, you will be expected to:

Be willing to attend and participate in networking events and marketing activities to share experiences as a Max Lu Scholar
Able to share reflection and experiences for Donor reporting in written or other appropriate forms
Act as an ambassador of the University of Surrey and of the scholarship scheme during your studies.

Eligible countries

China (an applicant must be a holder of a valid Chinese passport) – two scholarships. This scheme is generously sponsored by:
- The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship supported by the MW Project
- The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship
Chinese descent (Chinese origin, regardless of applicants' nationality – please explain in your application how you fit this criteria) - two scholarships:
- The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship supported by Li Lu
- The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship supported by Gene and Sharon Chang
Hong Kong one scholarship (an applicant must be a holder of a valid Hong Kong passport)
- The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship supported by Professor Kin Man Ho, Ms Evita Wan and Family through Kingsford Environmental (Hong Kong) Limited.
South Asia – one scholarship. Applicants from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal applying to study STEM subjects can apply and be considered for the award.
- The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship supported by Surjit and Christine Chana (South Asian and STEM).

How to apply

Submit your application by completing the application form, detailing how you meet the eligibility criteria and how this scholarship will support fulfilling your academic aspirations.

All scholarship applications will be reviewed after the deadline of 22 June 2026. Successful applicants will be informed by the end of June.

There are a limited number of Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarships available, and only successful candidates will be notified.