Studying abroad is a dream for many, and the UK offers Indian students a golden opportunity through world-class education and substantial financial aid. However, recent trends indicate a shift in this dynamic. In 2024, the number of Indian students enrolling in UK universities declined by 28%, dropping from 136,900 in 2024 to 98,900 in 2025. This decrease is attributed to factors such as stricter visa regulations and rising costs.
Despite this decline, the UK continues to be a favored destination for Indian students seeking quality education. Many universities offer fully funded scholarships that significantly reduce the cost of education. You can explore these opportunities in our guide on fully funded scholarships for Indian students to find the best match for your academic profile and goals.
Understanding the cost of living in the UK is also crucial for planning your academic journey effectively.
How to Study in UK for Free with Scholarships and Funding
The United Kingdom, with its esteemed universities and vibrant academic scene, attracts students from all corners of the globe. However, the cost of education can often be a significant hurdle. For ambitious Indian students, the cost of achieving their dream of studying abroad in the UK can be reduced with the help of numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options.
Let's delve into the pathways that can pave the way for getting a nearly free education in the UK:
1. Research Scholarships and Grants
For students passionate about pushing the boundaries of knowledge, research scholarships and grants offer an exciting opportunity to delve into cutting-edge research alongside renowned professors. These financial aids typically cover tuition fees, and some may even provide a living stipend, allowing you to focus on your research endeavors without financial constraints.
Here are some resources to get you started:
University Scholarship Pages: Many universities offer research scholarships for international students. Exploring the scholarship pages of universities that align with your academic interests. For example, the University of Oxford’s Clarendon Fund offers 200 fully-funded scholarships annually, covering tuition and providing a stipend. Similarly, University College London's Doctoral Scholarships provide funding for international PhD students.
Government Websites: Explore scholarship programs offered by the UK government. The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) offers a variety of PhD funding opportunities for international students, including the prestigious Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs).
2. Fully Funded Programs
Several prestigious scholarships in the UK offer full tuition coverage and additional benefits, taking the financial burden off your shoulders. These scholarships are highly competitive, so a strong academic record, compelling application essays, and relevant experience are crucial. Here are some prominent scholarships that support fully funded studies:
* Full tuition fees * Monthly living stipend * Travel costs (to and from UK) * Arrival and departure allowances * Visa application costs * Travel grant for Chevening events
Apply through the Chevening website during the application window (July/August to November).
* Up to £10,000(₹10,55,140) towards tuition fees (partial funding) * Limited scholarships available
Check eligibility and participating universities on the British Council website.
British Council India - GREAT Scholarships
3. Financial Aid Services
Many universities offer financial aid packages that combine scholarships, grants, and bursaries to significantly reduce tuition fees. These can vary depending on the university, your academic profile, and the program you choose. Here's how to find relevant information:
University Financial Aid Sections: Explore the financial aid sections on the websites of universities you're interested in. Look for pages dedicated to international student funding, such as the University of Edinburgh's International Undergraduate Scholarships or the University of Manchester's International Scholarships.
Early Application: Remember, application deadlines for scholarships and financial aid can vary significantly. Starting your research and application process early will increase your chances of securing funding.
Some of the Financial Aid Services are given below:
Program
Who’s it For
Amount
Education Grants by Tata Trusts
Education grants for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Variable amounts based on individual need; covers tuition fees and other educational expenses.
Academy Asia Fellowship
Fellowships for mid-career professionals from Asia
Full program fees, monthly stipend, accommodation, travel expenses to and from the UK, and fieldwork costs.
Oxford India Centre Scholarship
Scholarships for Indian students focusing on sustainable development
Covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for the duration of the course.
Chevening Scholarship
Grant for students who want to pursue a one-year master’s degree
Full tuition fees, monthly living stipend, travel costs to and from the UK, arrival and departure allowances, visa application costs, and travel grant for Chevening events.
Felix Scholarships
Scholarships for Indian and other developing country students at the University of Oxford, University of Reading, and SOAS
Covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and return airfare.
4. Work Study Programs
Work-study programs offer a valuable opportunity to gain valuable work experience while contributing towards your living expenses during your studies in the UK. These programs typically allow you to work part-time on campus or with approved employers.
University Career Services Websites: Most universities offer career services that can help you find part-time work opportunities. Explore the careers service or student employment sections on university websites. For example, King's College London's Student Employment Service provides information on work-study opportunities for international students.
Eligibility Restrictions: International students may have specific eligibility requirements to participate in work-study programs. Ensure you comply with the UK's student visa regulations regarding working hours.
5. Research Opportunities
Many research projects undertaken at UK universities, such as the University of Leicester, offer paid research assistantships. These positions often provide valuable research experience in your field of study, allowing you to gain hands-on experience while earning a stipend to offset some living costs.
Studying for free in the UK is achievable with meticulous planning and a proactive approach. With dedication and a strong academic record, you can turn your dream of studying abroad into reality. Beyond scholarships and financial aid, consider word-study programs and research opportunities to minimize costs. Start today and pursue a world-class education in the vibrant academic landscape of the United Kingdom.
Top Universities Offering Free Education to Indian Students in UK
While there are no completely free universities in the UK for international students, some offer substantial fee waivers and scholarships. In addition to this, students can also work part-time to pay for their degrees and cover living expenses.
Some of thetop ranked universities that offer scholarships for free education in the UK for Indian students are:
Oxford, the second-oldest university globally and the oldest university in the UK, consists of 43 colleges and hosts approximately 22,000 students. It is renowned for its rich academic heritage.
Average Tuition Fee (International Students): Between £33,050 and £48,620 (₹35,00,000 to ₹52,00,000) for bachelor's degrees, and between £10,000 and £52,500 (₹10,62,000- ₹55,77,000) for master's programs.
Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate: Requires a minimum of 120 points at stage 1 or above in relevant subjects, with high grades (equivalent to a high first class or distinction in India). Some courses may require admissions tests like the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) or subject-specific tests.
Graduate: A bachelor's degree with a good overall grade (typically 80% or B+ or higher) is expected. First-class honors (distinction equivalent) may be required for some programs. English language tests like IELTS or TOEFL are usually mandatory.
University of Warwick
Located on the outskirts of Coventry, the University of Warwick is renowned as one of the UK’s top educational institutes. It boasts 32 departments and is distinguished for its research contributions in various fields.
Average Tuition Fee (International Students): Between £24,000 to £31,620 (₹25,00,000 to ₹34,00,000) for bachelor’s degree programs. Graduate courses may cost anywhere between £5,800 to £53,750 (₹6,00,000 to ₹57,00,00).
Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate: Typically requires at least 85% in Class 12 board exams.
Postgraduate: Requires a good bachelor's degree with a minimum of 60% or higher (depending on the program). English language tests are usually required.
University of Cambridge
Cambridge University is renowned for cutting-edge research facilities in the world, comprising 31 colleges and 51 departments. This university is famous for its long list of notable alumni.
Average Tuition Fee (International Students): Ranges from £25,734 to £67,194 (₹ 23,00,000 to ₹ 60,00,000) for bachelor’s degree programs. Graduate tuition fees largely vary depending on your course of choice.
Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate: Expect to have excellent grades in your Indian schooling system (typically equivalent to A1 or A* grades) and possible admissions tests depending on the course.
Postgraduate: A bachelor's degree with a high first class or distinction is generally expected.
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol, part of the original nine “red brick” civic universities, is known for its research-intensive institution. It produces excellent research outputs frequently and is regarded as a world leader in innovation.
Average Tuition Fee (International Students): £23,900 (₹25,51,705) for Bachelor’s degree programs. Graduate course fees range from £11,280 to £34,000 (₹12,04,319 to ₹36,30,040).
Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate: Requires approximately 80% or higher in Class 12 exams; specific program requirements are available on the university’s website. English language tests are usually mandatory.
Postgraduate: A bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university with at least 55% or higher (percentage may vary by program) is required. Competitive programs may require a first class with distinction. English language tests are mandatory for most programs.
University of St. Andrews
The University of St. Andrews, one of the world’s oldest universities after Oxford and Cambridge, comprises 3 colleges and 18 academic schools. It is known for its Scottish heritage and diverse student body.
Average Tuition Fee (International Students): £33,575 (₹30,00,000)for bachelor’s programs. Graduate program fees vary.
Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate: Entry requirements are program-specific but generally expect strong academic performance (around 85% or higher in Class 12 exams). Some programs may require higher grades. English language tests are usually mandatory.
Postgraduate: A good bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university with at least 60% or higher (percentage varies by program). English language tests are usually mandatory.
Furthermore, many smaller universities provide both full and partial scholarships. Let’s go through a few of them:
University of Chichester (West Sussex)
St. Mary's University (Twickenham, London)
Plymouth Marjon University (Plymouth, Devon)
University of Wolverhampton (Wolverhampton, West Midlands)
University of Chichester (West Sussex)
Established formally in 2005 with roots dating back to the nineteenth century, the University of Chichester is located in quaint West Sussex and comprises 14 academic departments.
Average Tuition Fee (International Students): £15,840 (₹17,00,000) for bachelor’s degrees. Graduate programs can range between £16,074 to £18,000 (₹17,00,000 to ₹19,00,000).
Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate: Generally, a good overall grade in Class 12 exams is expected. Alternative qualifications like A-levels or International Baccalaureate diploma may also be considered.
Postgraduate: Requires a bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university with a minimum grade (percentage may vary). English language tests may be mandatory.
St. Mary's University (Twickenham, London)
Granted full university status in 2014, St. Mary's University in Twickenham, London, emphasizes a student-centered approach with a 6,000-strong student body:
Average Tuition Fee (International Students): £16,320 (₹17,00,000) for Bachelor’s degrees. The fees for graduate programs range between £16,980 to £17,640 (₹18,00,000 to ₹19,00,000).
Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate: Generally, a good overall grade in Class 12 exams is expected. Alternative qualifications like diplomas or transcripts from recognized Indian institutions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Postgraduate: A bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university with a good grade (percentage may vary) is typically required. English language tests are usually mandatory.
Plymouth Marjon University (Plymouth, Devon)
Known as “Marjon”, the University of Plymouth Marjon is a single-campus university located in Plymouth and became a full university in 2013. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Average Tuition Fee (International Students): £14,500 (₹15,00,000) for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate: Generally expects a good overall grade in Class 12 exams. Alternative qualifications like diplomas or transcripts from recognized Indian institutions may be considered case-by-case.
Postgraduate: Requires a bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university with a minimum grade (percentage may vary). English language tests are usually mandatory.
University of Wolverhampton (Wolverhampton, West Midlands)
The University of Wolverhampton, a research-focused institution across 4 campuses in West Midlands, comprises 18 schools and institutes:
Average Tuition Fee (International Students): £14,950 (₹16,00,000) for Bachelor’s degrees and approximately £16,950 (₹18,00,000) for graduate degrees.
Undergraduate: Generally, a good overall grade in Class 12 exams is expected. Alternative qualifications such as diplomas or transcripts from recognized Indian institutions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. The University typically requires undergraduate applicants to carry a 60 - 68% high school final score
Postgraduate: A bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university with a minimum grade (percentage may vary) is typically required. English language tests are usually mandatory.Graduate programs require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree with a 55 - 72% final score, depending on the nature of your study.
Entry requirements and tuition fees can vary depending on the specific program and university that you are applying for. Hence, you must always check the full entry requirements and eligibility criteria to study at UK universities.
To be eligible for free education in the UK, an individual must fulfill specific criteria. While these eligibility criteria often differ between institutions, certain standards remain consistent. The general guidelines for scholarship and financial aid applications are as follows::
Acceptance letter from a UK university
Proof of English Language proficiency
Strong academic background
Must be from a country eligible for the scholarship
Proof of current financial status (especially for low-income grant applications)
Once an applicant has applied for financial aid or a grant, the institution screens the application. If the applicant fulfills all the listed criteria and the institution deems them worthy of a scholarship, then the institution grants aid. However, whether the applicant will receive UK free education for international students is subjective and decided by the application reviewing committee.
How to Acquire Free Education in UK for Indian Students
While completely free education in the UK for Indian students is not possible, many universities and organizations enable substantial subsidization of tuition through scholarships, grants and financial aid.
Government aids and scholarships for free education in the UK include the following.
British Chevening Scholarship
Marshall Scholarships
GREAT Scholarships for Indian students
Commonwealth Scholarships
Although there is no provision for free university in UK, these aids can offset the financial burden.
Conclusion
There are several pathways to significantly reduce tuition costs in the UK through scholarships and funding. Indian students can achieve nearly free education in the UK by leveraging scholarships, targeting universities with lower fees, maintaining high academic records, and exploring part-time work options. Thorough research and proactive planning are essential for minimizing the financial burden and realizing their educational ambitions in the UK.
Is the UK affordable for Indian students who wish to study abroad?
The UK has some of the highest standards in education in the world. To maintain these standards, UK universities often have some of the most affordable fees globally. Nevertheless, when converted to local currency, they can often seem exorbitant. However, the UK offers a wide range of scholarships and grants to help students access this education.
How much can an individual expect to spend during their tenure at an institution in the UK?
Undergraduate degrees in the UK cost between GBP 8000 and GBP 30,000 while postgraduate degrees run from GBP 12000 to GBP 35000, depending on the programme a student chooses and the university they wish to attend. Additionally, the UK has some of the highest standards of living in the world. so Indian students can expect to spend a substantial amount on their living expenses.
Can I get a 100% scholarship in the UK?
Yes, Scholarships like Gates Cambridge and Clarendon Fund Scholarships at University of Oxford cover full tuition and living expenses. They are highly competitive, requiring exceptional academic achievements and alignment with scholarship goals.
Can Indian students study for free in the UK?
While completely free education in the UK is challenging, Indian students can significantly reduce costs through scholarships, grants, and work opportunities
How many marks are required for a scholarship in the UK?
Criteria for UK scholarships vary, but generally emphasize academic excellence, often requiring a first-class honors degree or equivalent for postgraduate studies. Specific requirements should be checked on official scholarship websites.
Who is eligible for a scholarship in the UK?
Eligibility of UK scholarship depends on the program, focusing on academic excellence, research potential, and alignment with scholarship goals. Additional requirements may apply based on nationality or field of study.
What is the 28-day rule for the UK student visa?
The 28-day rule is about the requirement funds for course fees and living costs to be in your account for 28 consecutive days at the time of visa application, with the closing balance not older than thirty one days.
How much can a student earn in the UK per month?
Students can earn varying amounts depending on location and hours worked. For instance, those in London average £17,044 (₹18,00,000) per year.
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