Applications for Chevening Scholarships 2026-27 close on 7 October 2025 for Indian students seeking fully funded master’s programs in the UK.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026 applications open on 2 September 2025, covering tuition, airfare, and living expenses for eligible Indian students.
Free education in UK for Indian students sounds appealing, but UK universities do not propose blanket free tuition. Nevertheless, nearly half of the international intake into the country (approximately 98,000) Indian students obtained UK study visas in the year ending June 2025.
Average tuition for international postgraduate programs ranges from £11,000 to £30,000 (₹11.3 lakh to ₹30.8 lakh per year). Living costs add another £10,800–£16,800 annually (₹11 lakh–₹17 lakh), depending on location. That’s where full funding comes in; scholarships like Chevening scholarships and Commonwealth scholarships, as well as PhD scholarships, can cover both costs.
This guide takes you through these avenues of financing, the eligibility requirements, and how Indian students can realistically consider a free education in the UK with the proper preparations and applications.
Can Indian Students really get Free Education in UK?
Indian students cannot study completely free in the UK, as tuition fees are mandatory for nearly all courses. However, fully funded scholarships, government grants, and PhD studentships provide a realistic path to studying without paying.
One such example is the Chevening Scholarship, which funds one-year Master's courses, and Commonwealth Scholarships, which finance full tuition and living expenses on development-related courses.
Even the best universities, such as Oxford and UCL, also have merit-based scholarships such as the Clarendon Fund and UCL Global Scholarships. As there are more than 98,000 Indian students receiving education in the UK each year, winning one of such competitive funding sources is the key to getting free education in the UK.
Citizens of Commonwealth countries; development-linked courses
Clarendon Fund (Oxford University)
Full tuition + stipend
Academic excellence, merit-based
UCL Global Scholarships
Tuition + living expenses
Merit-based, varies by department
UKRI PhD Studentships
Tuition + living allowance
Research proposal accepted; supervisor support
Scholarships for free education in UK for Indian students
Although UK universities do not necessarily offer free tuition, by default, scholarships allow Indian students to study for free. These scholarships may be categorically classified as government, university, and research/PhD scholarships.
Government-funded Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
Government scholarships are complementary in that they attract international talent and are fully financed. They pay tuition, living expenses, and occasionally travel, and are one of the most competitive courses available to Indian students.
Chevening Scholarship: Covers full tuition (£20,000–£35,000 ≈ ₹20–36 lakh), living allowance (£12,000 ≈ ₹12 lakh), and travel. Applicants must have strong academics, two years of work experience, and leadership potential.
Commonwealth Scholarship: Focuses on development-linked programs, covering tuition (£15,000–£30,000 ≈ ₹15–30 lakh) and a stipend. Open to citizens of Commonwealth countries.
GREAT Scholarships: Partial tuition and living support (£5,000–£10,000 ≈ ₹5–10 lakh), awarded merit-based in partnership with UK universities.
Scholarship
Coverage
Eligibility
Chevening Scholarship
Full tuition + living + travel (~₹32–48 lakh)
Strong academics + 2 yrs work experience + leadership
Commonwealth Scholarship
Tuition + stipend (~₹15–30 lakh)
Citizens of Commonwealth countries; development-focused programs
GREAT Scholarships
Partial tuition + living support (~₹5–10 lakh)
Merit-based, varies by participating universities
University-specific Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
Universities offer merit-based scholarships to attract high-performing international students. These often cover tuition and living expenses entirely and may include additional allowances.
Clarendon Fund (Oxford University): Full tuition (£25,000 ≈ ₹26 lakh) and living stipend (£14,000 ≈ ₹14.5 lakh). Open to postgraduate and research students with academic excellence.
UCL Global Scholarships: Tuition and living expenses (£20,000–£25,000 ≈ ₹20–25 lakh) for top international students. Merit-based; eligibility varies by department.
Other Russell Group Awards: Partial or full tuition support (£10,000–£20,000 ≈ ₹10–20 lakh) depending on merit and department.
Scholarship
Coverage
Eligibility
Clarendon Fund (Oxford)
Full tuition + living stipend (~₹40.5 lakh)
Academic excellence, merit-based
UCL Global Scholarships
Tuition + living expenses (~₹20–25 lakh)
Merit-based, varies by department
Other Russell Group Awards
Tuition/partial tuition + living support (~₹10–20 lakh)
Merit-based, varies by university
Research and PhD Funding in UK for Indian Students
PhD programs and research studentships are among the most common routes for fully funded study. These scholarships cover tuition, living allowances, and sometimes research costs.
UKRI Studentships: Cover tuition (£20,000–£35,000 ≈ ₹20–36 lakh) and living allowance (£12,000 ≈ ₹12 lakh) for 3–4 years. Requires a strong research proposal and supervisor support.
Departmental or Supervisor-led Funding: Universities may provide full tuition and stipend for research aligned with departmental priorities.
Other Research Council Awards: Subject-specific scholarships for international research students, covering tuition and living expenses.
Deadlines for Free Education Scholarships in UK for Indian Students (2025-2026)
Timely application is crucial when pursuing fully funded scholarships in the UK. Below is a comprehensive table outlining the key deadlines for major scholarships available to Indian students for the 2026 academic year:
Scholarship
Application Deadline
Chevening Scholarship
Opens 5 August 2025; Closes 7 October 2025
Commonwealth Master's Scholarships
Opens 2 September 2025
GREAT Scholarships
Varies by institution; typically opens in early 2026
Clarendon Fund (Oxford)
Apply by December 2025 or January 2026, depending on the course
UCL Global Scholarships
Varies by program; typically, between December 2025 and March 2026
UKRI Studentships
Varies by research project; many open in early 2026
Important Notes:
Chevening Scholarship: Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year open on 5 August 2025 and close on 7 October 2025. Ensure you have an unconditional offer from a UK university by 9 July 2026 to be eligible for the scholarship.
Commonwealth Master's Scholarships: Applications for the 2026/27 academic year will open on 2 September 2025. These scholarships are for study in the UK beginning in September/October 2026.
GREAT Scholarships: The application deadlines vary by institution. It is advisable to check the specific deadlines for each participating university. Information for the 2026 academic year is expected to be released in early 2026.
Clarendon Fund (Oxford): To be considered for a Clarendon scholarship, you must apply to your course by the December or January deadline, whichever is relevant to your course. There is no separate scholarship application; all applicants to degree-bearing courses are automatically considered.
UCL Global Scholarships: The application deadlines vary by program. Most UCL scholarships have deadlines between December 2025 and March 2026. It is essential to check the specific deadlines for the program you are interested in.
UKRI Studentships: The application deadlines for UKRI studentships vary by research project. Many opportunities will open in early 2026. It is crucial to check the specific deadlines for the project you wish to apply for.
How to Apply for Free Education in UK for Indian students
Applying for fully funded scholarships in the UK requires careful planning, strong documentation, and timely submission.
The process varies slightly for government-funded, university-specific, and research/PhD scholarships, but the key steps remain similar:
Identify Suitable Scholarships: Start by listing scholarships that match your academic profile, work experience, and research interests. Government-funded options like Chevening, Commonwealth, or GREAT, and university-specific awards such as Clarendon or UCL Global are good starting points.
Check Eligibility and Deadlines: Carefully review eligibility criteria and deadlines. Most scholarships require 1-year advance applications. Missing deadlines is the most common reason for rejection.
Submit Applications Online – Most scholarships have online portals. Ensure all documents are complete, correctly formatted, and submitted before the deadline.
Follow Up and Interviews – Some scholarships, like Chevening, may require an online interview. Be prepared to discuss your career goals, leadership experience, and motivation for studying in the UK.
Tips to Secure Free Education in UK for Indian students
Securing fully funded education in the UK requires strategic planning, strong academic performance, and early preparation. While scholarships cover tuition and living costs, competition is high.
Required for admission and scholarship eligibility
Conclusion
Free education in the UK is very competitive, but with the right approach, Indian students can win it. Some of the scholarships, such as Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT, Clarendon, UCL Global, and UKRI studentships, are fully funded by school fees and living costs (up to 3248 lakh). It is all about timing, being a good student, working or conducting relevant research, and putting together a personalized application with a convincing SOP and recommendations.
By planning and being mindful of 2026 deadlines and of fulfilling eligibility requirements, it is possible to avoid the financial burdens of studying in the UK. The students in India who are strategically prepared have access to opportunities to experience world-class education, international exposure, and career development.
If you are still unsure about your options, you can book a free counseling session with upGrad and seek professional guidance! We’d be happy to help you figure this out.
FAQs
Is education free in the UK for Indian students?
Education in the UK is generally not free for Indian students. Tuition fees are high, but students can study without financial burden if they secure fully funded scholarships or research grants. Planning ahead and knowing which scholarships to target is essential.
How to study in the UK from India for free?
The main route is through competitive scholarships, grants, or fully funded PhD programs. Indian students need strong academics, good English proficiency, and a well-prepared application strategy to maximize their chances.
Who is eligible for free education in the UK?
Eligibility varies by scholarship but usually includes high academic performance, work or research experience, and English language proficiency. Some scholarships also value leadership, community service, or contribution to social development projects.
How to get a 100% scholarship to study in the UK?
Getting a fully funded scholarship requires careful preparation. Tailored SOPs, recommendation letters, proof of achievements, and alignment with scholarship objectives are key. Starting early and presenting a strong profile can make a big difference.
Can Indian students cover living expenses through scholarships in the UK?
Many scholarships cover not just tuition but also living allowances, travel costs, and study materials. The exact coverage varies, so it’s important to review scholarship details to ensure you’re financially secure during your studies.
Are there scholarships for undergraduate Indian students in the UK?
Yes, though there are fewer than postgraduate options. Some universities and organizations offer merit- or need-based scholarships for undergraduate students, often requiring high academic achievement and proof of financial need.
Do all scholarships require English proficiency tests?
Most scholarships require proof of English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL. Certain universities may offer conditional admission if students plan to complete a pre-sessional English course before starting the program.
How competitive are fully funded scholarships for Indian students?
They are extremely competitive, with thousands of applicants every year. Success depends on academic excellence, leadership experience, clarity of goals, and a standout application that demonstrates why you deserve the scholarship.
Can part-time work in the UK cover tuition if I don’t get a scholarship?
Part-time jobs can help with living costs, but tuition fees are high, often ₹20–35 lakh for a year. Relying solely on part-time work rarely covers full tuition, making scholarships the most reliable route for free education.
Are research/PhD scholarships easier to get than government scholarships?
Research and PhD scholarships are competitive but often less rigid in terms of work experience. If your research aligns with departmental priorities or funding councils, you may have a higher chance of securing full funding compared to government scholarships.
How early should Indian students start applying for UK scholarships?
It’s best to begin 12 months before the academic year. Early preparation gives enough time to gather documents, write strong SOPs, secure recommendation letters, and complete language tests before deadlines.
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