UK Scholarships for Indian Students

It is a dream for most Indian students to study in the UK because of its high-quality education and global exposure. However, the challenging part is the cost of education in the UK. To provide relief, there is a wide range of scholarships available to support Indian students in achieving their dream. In this article, we will detail all the important UK scholarships for Indian students, along with their eligibility criteria, benefits, and application processes.

Scholarship for Indian Students in the UK

There are many british scholarships for Indian students aiming to study in the UK. These include government-funded scholarships, university-specific scholarships, and private funding options.

Government-Funded Scholarships for International Students

Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarship is funded by the UK government for Indian students demonstrating outstanding leadership potential and academic excellence. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel costs, and additional allowances. To be ligible for the Chevening Scholarship, you must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country and hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies for any UK master’s program. You should also have two years of work experience and strong academic credentials to be eligible for this scholarship.

Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships are available to all Indian students from Commonwealth nations who want to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. They are fully funded and cover tuition fees, airfares, and living allowances. Commonwealth Scholarships are available in fields such as Engineering, Health Sciences, and Technology. Candidates must showcase academic excellence to get selected for this scholarship. Applications are considered based on academic merit, the quality of the research proposal, and the impact the candidate will make on the development of their home country.

GREAT Scholarships

GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the UK government’s Great Britain Campaign and the British Council in collaboration with participating UK universities. Specifically for the year 2025-26, there are 26 postgraduate scholarships available from UK universities for Indian students. This scholarship provides a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course. Applicants with a strong academic background and an undergraduate degree, who have an interest in the proposed subject area, are eligible.

Government-Funded Scholarships in UK for Indian students

Scholarships for Indian Students Studying in UK Universities

There are many UK universities that offer customized scholarships for Indian students. The main aim of these scholarships is to support talented international scholars and foster diversity. Below is a list of scholarships available for Indian students from different UK universities:

University of Oxford: Clarendon Fund Scholarships

This scholarship is available to graduate students across all academic fields. The Clarendon Fund provides full coverage of tuition fees and living allowances. Scholarship applicants are evaluated based on their academic excellence, future potential, and commitment to the proposed course. These scholarships are also available for candidates pursuing their PhD. Every year, around 140 scholarships are awarded to various students. Initially, the Clarendon Fund Scholarship was established to support overseas students, but in 2012 it included students from the UK and EU as well.

University of Cambridge: Gates Cambridge Scholarship

This prestigious scholarship was established through a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It is a fully funded scholarship available to postgraduate students, covering tuition fees, living costs, airfares, and other essential expenses. Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic achievements, great leadership potential, and a strong commitment to creating positive global change. A single student receives £21,000 for 12 months as a maintenance allowance through the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

Imperial College London Scholarship

Imperial College London provides a range of scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Among these, the President’s PhD Scholarship is particularly notable as it provides complete coverage of tuition fees, a generous stipend, and additional funding for research and professional development. These scholarships are specifically designed for academically excellent students in STEM disciplines to foster innovation and academic excellence.

University-Specific UK Scholarships for Indian students' undergraduate studies

PhD Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK

There are many fully funded PhD scholarships available for Indian students pursuing doctoral studies.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

These scholarships are designed for research in priority development areas such as Science and Technology, Health Systems and Capacity, and Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship. These scholarships offer full financial coverage of tuition fees, airfares, and living expenses. They are committed to scholars who address global challenges and advance knowledge in their fields.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

This scholarship is available for PhD candidates at the University of Cambridge and provides full financial coverage, including research costs and family allowances (if applicable).

King’s College London PhD Funding

King’s College London offers scholarship opportunities for Indian students in various disciplines, such as Medicine, Law, and Social Sciences. The eligibility criteria focus on academic merit and research potential.

MBA Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK

Getting an MBA degree from any UK university can be financially burdensome, but scholarships significantly ease this challenge. Below are some notable scholarships available for MBA graduates in the UK:

London Business School Scholarship

There are different types of scholarships that cater to various student demographics and achievements. Firstly, the Forte Fellowships focus on women pursuing MBA programmes by empowering them through financial aid. Secondly, the Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund provides support to exceptional women leaders with strong potential to impact their respective industries.

University of Warwick - WBS Scholarships

WBS scholarships are specially designed for MBA students. For example, the Dean’s Scholarship is for high-achieving applicants with good professional experience and strong academic records. This scholarship covers tuition fees and fosters global leadership while encouraging diversity.

Oxford Saïd Business School Scholarships

The Skoll Scholarship is offered to social entrepreneurs who have contributed to addressing social and environmental changes. This scholarship covers the total cost of tuition fees and living expenses. Additionally, there are various awards provided by this business school that recognize outstanding candidates from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to access world-class education.

UK scholarships for Indian students for masters

UK Scholarships for Indian Students for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies

Think Big Scholarships (University of Bristol):

The University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students in various fields. This scholarship covers tuition fees of up to £20,000. To be eligible, students should have excellent academic records, leadership potential, and a clear vision for contributing to their field of study. Priority is given to students with a vision to benefit their home communities.

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship:

This scholarship specifically supports Indian students in fields like arts, heritage conservation, and design. It offers partial funding, which includes living expenses, tuition fees, and support for short-term training programmes in the UK.

University of Manchester Global Future Scholarship:

The Global Future Scholarship is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students with excellent academic records and extracurricular achievements. This scholarship awards up to £5,000 to high-performing students. Priority is given to students who demonstrate a strong commitment to community engagement.

How to Study in the UK for Free as an Indian Student

The best way to study in the UK for free as an Indian student is to utilize fully funded scholarships and apply for them. The key options include:

Rhodes Scholarship: This is one of the oldest and most distinguished scholarships available in the UK for international students. The Rhodes Scholarship provides outstanding postgraduate students with full coverage of tuition fees, living expenses, and travel expenses. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must exhibit exceptional academic achievements, great leadership qualities, and a strong commitment to global impact. The selection process is rigorous, with an interview to assess intellectual excellence and vision to contribute to society. Every year, around 100 Rhodes Scholarships are awarded to selected students across the world.

Chevening Scholarships: best scholarships for Indian students to study in uk. It is one of the Chevening scholarships are fully funded and provided by the UK Government. They seek students with exceptional leadership qualities and academic excellence to pursue a one-year Master's degree in any field in the UK. This scholarship covers full tuition fees, monthly living allowance, flight costs to and from the UK, and other additional expenses. It is important that applicants have two years of work experience and submit an essay detailing their leadership experience and future career plans. Candidates are selected based on their leadership qualities, networking potential, and commitment to driving change in their home country.

Scholarships for Indian students to study in UK after 12th

The United Kingdom universities also provide scholarships after 12th grade i.e for undergraduate level. The list is below:

• Think Big Scholarships (University of Bristol)
• University of Manchester Global Future Scholarship
• Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship
• Oxford University Undergraduate Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)
• The British Council - GREAT Scholarships
• Royal Holloway International Scholarships
• University of Warwick - International Scholarships

How to Get a Scholarship to Study in the UK

In order to get a scholarship in the UK, follow these steps:

1. Research: From the list of options provided above, pick the ones that are suitable for your domain. You can also research other trusted websites like the university websites directly to find out what options are available for you.
2. Prepare Strong Documentation: Your SOP, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and CV should reflect your achievements and potential.
3. Adhere to Deadlines: Ensure that you adhere to all deadlines and submit your applications before the deadline.
4. Engage with Mentors: Always seek guidance from trusted mentors and consultants who can provide you with the appropriate information.

Many international students wonder which uk university gives the most scholarship? Well, there are many Prestigeous universities like University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Bristol, and University of Warwick which provide a range of scholarships in different fields. Research appropriately on the authentic university website to understand how to apply for scholarships in uk universities. Or you can simply click on the links provided above to take you to an appropriate site where you can apply for your preferred scholarship.

Conclusion

Overall, the United Kingdom offers a range of scholarships in various categories. Be it government-funded programs like the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships or university- based private funding, these scholarships make it easier for study abroad aspirants to achieve their dream. By researching carefully, preparing strong applications, and demonstrating leadership and academic excellence, Indian students can easily get financial support to pursue world-class education in the UK.

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