The cost of studying in UK can add up quickly, but the right scholarship can make a significant difference. From tuition fees and living expenses to airfare, several funding programs are designed to support talented international students.
Some of the most valuable fully funded scholarships in UK include the Government's Chevening Scholarships for masters degrees and Commonwealth Scholarships for both masters and PhD programs.
Along with easing financial pressure, these scholarships offer access to top universities, diverse global networks, and valuable career opportunities. For students exploring fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK, such funding options can make a world-class education more affordable.
Types of Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian students in UK
Studying abroad becomes much more affordable when tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs are covered through scholarships. Available across masters, PhD, and research programs, these funding opportunities help talented international students pursue higher education with reduced financial burden.
Here are some of the most popular fully funded scholarships in UK:
UK Government-Funded Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships (Masters)
Commonwealth Scholarships (Masters & PhD)
British Council Women in STEM Scholarships (Masters)
Elite Global University Endowments
Gates Cambridge Scholarship (University of Cambridge)
Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)
Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford)
Research Council & STEM PhD Fellowships
UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) Funded PhD Scholarships
Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship
University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarship
Country-Specific & Equity Scholarships
Felix Scholarship (for Indian and select developing-country students)
Let's take a closer look at these fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK and the benefits they offer.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in UK
For many international students, scholarships make studying in UK financially achievable. A variety of fully funded scholarships in UK for international studentsare available across masters and PhD programs, helping cover tuition fees, living costs, airfare, and other key expenses.
For students exploring fully funded scholarships in UK for Indian students, options like Chevening and Commonwealth stand out due to their global recognition and comprehensive benefits.
Chevening Scholarships
Among the many fully funded scholarships in UK, the Chevening Scholarshipoffers complete funding for a one-year masters degree at a UK university. It also provides leadership development opportunities and access to a global professional network.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
Masters (1 year)
Tuition Fees
Fully covered (paid directly to the university)
Monthly Stipend
Universities outside London: £1,400–£1,500 (approximately ₹1.78L–₹1.91L), Universities in London: up to £1,800 (approximately ₹2.29L)
Travel Costs
Economy-class return airfare
Additional Grants
Arrival allowance, visa fee covered
Eligibility
Minimum 2 years (2,800 hours) of work experience + leadership profile
Commonwealth Scholarships
Recognized as one of the leading fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK, the Commonwealth Scholarship helps cover major expenses for masters and PhD programs.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
Masters and PhD
Tuition Fees
Fully covered
Monthly Stipend
Around £20,280 (approximately ₹25.9L) per year
Travel Costs
Economy-class return airfare
Additional Grants
Warm clothing allowance, thesis grant, study travel support
Eligibility
Must be from a Commonwealth country + strong academic background
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
For students exploring fully funded scholarships in UK universities, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a valuable opportunity. This provides comprehensive support for postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. It is also a popular choice for those seeking fully funded PhD scholarships in UK.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
Masters and PhD
Tuition Fees
Fully covered
Monthly Stipend
£22,050 (approximately ₹28.17L) for 12 months
Travel Costs
Economy-class return airfare
Additional Grants
Visa cost, health surcharge, academic development funding (approximately £500-£2,000 / ₹65.8K–₹2.55L)
Eligibility
Outstanding academic record + leadership + commitment to social impact
Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)
Known for its prestige and legacy, the Rhodes Scholarship is a standout option within Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian students in UK, supporting exceptional students at the University of Oxford.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
Masters / Second Bachelor’s (in select cases)
Tuition Fees
Fully covered
Monthly Stipend
Around £19,000 (approximately ₹24.2L) per year
Travel Costs
Economy-class return airfare
Additional Grants
Visa fee, health surcharge, settling allowance (£1,000 / approximately ₹1.27L)
Eligibility
Academic excellence + leadership + community engagement
Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford)
The Clarendon Fund is a major graduate scholarship scheme at the University of Oxford and a strong option under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK. Unlike some scholarships, no separate application is required, you’re automatically considered when you apply to Oxford.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
Masters and PhD
Tuition Fees
Fully covered
Annual Stipend
£18,600 (approximately ₹23.7L per year)
Travel Costs
Not always included (depends on course/funding structure)
Additional Benefits
Access to Clarendon scholar network and academic support
Eligibility
High academic merit (top percentile applicants)
Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship
The Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship is a top option for students aiming to pursue research under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK, particularly in STEM fields. This is a strong choice for those targeting fully funded PhD scholarships for international students in UK.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
PhD
Tuition Fees
Fully covered
Annual Stipend
£26,500 (approximately ₹33.8L per year)
Duration
Up to 3.5 years
Additional Benefits
Consumables fund (£2,000 / approximately ₹2.55L per year) for research costs
Eligibility
First-class academic record + research potential
Felix Scholarship
The Felix Scholarship is a well-known option for Indian students under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK. It is available at select universities like the University of Oxford, University of Reading, and SOAS University of London, making it relevant for those exploring fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
Masters
Tuition Fees
Fully covered
Monthly Stipend
£18,000-£19,000 (approximately ₹22.9L-₹24.2L) per year
Travel Costs
One return flight from India
Additional Benefits
Living expenses + support for books and study materials
Eligibility
Indian nationals with strong academic record and financial need
UKRI Funded PhD Scholarships
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded scholarships are among the most widely available options under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK for international students, especially for doctoral studies. These scholarships are offered through various universities and research councils, making them a strong pathway for students planning to do PhD in UK with fully funded scholarships.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
PhD
Tuition Fees
Fully covered (home fee + international fee support in many cases)
Annual Stipend
Based outside London: £21,800 (approximately ₹27.8L) per year, based in London: £23,800 (approximately ₹30.4L) per year
Duration
3–4 years
Additional Benefits
Research training support grant (£1,000-£2,000 / approximately ₹1.27L–₹2.55L per year)
Eligibility
Strong academic background + research proposal
University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarship
The Chancellor’s International Scholarship at the University of Warwick is a competitive option under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK, specifically designed for outstanding PhD applicants. It provides comprehensive financial support and is well-suited for students aiming for fully funded PhD scholarships in UK across diverse research fields.
Feature
Details
Level of Study
PhD
Tuition Fees
Fully covered (international fees included)
Annual Stipend
Around £21,800 (approximately ₹27.8L) per year
Duration
Up to 3.5 years
Additional Benefits
Research training support and development opportunities
Since it’s already mid-year 2026, most major deadlines for the 2026 intake are closed. What this means is, you should now prepare for the 2027 intake, where applications will open in the coming months. If you're targeting Fully Funded Scholarships in UK, this is the ideal preparation window.
Upcoming Scholarship Deadlines (2027 Intake):
Scholarship Name
Application Opens
Expected Deadline
Chevening Scholarship
August 2026
October–November 2026
Commonwealth Scholarship
September 2026
October–December 2026
Gates Cambridge
September 2026
December 2026 – January 2027
Rhodes Scholarship
June–July 2026
August–October 2026
Clarendon Fund (Oxford)
September 2026
December 2026 – January 2027
UKRI PhD Scholarships
Varies
January – March 2027
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in UK?
Applying for a scholarship doesn't have to be complicated. Breaking the process into simple steps can help you stay organized and submit a stronger application.
While requirements may vary by scholarship, the application process usually follows these key steps:
Step 1: Find the Right Scholarships
Look for scholarships that match your course, academic background, and career goals.
Step 2: Check the Eligibility Criteria
Review the requirements carefully to ensure you meet the academic, professional, and nationality criteria.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Start preparing your SOP, recommendation letters, CV, transcripts, and other supporting documents early.
Step 4: Meet English Language Requirements
Take IELTS, TOEFL, or any other accepted language test if required by the scholarship or university.
Step 5: Apply to Your Preferred Universities
Some scholarships require you to secure admission before submitting a scholarship application.
Step 6: Submit a Strong Scholarship Application
Complete the application form carefully and tailor your responses to the scholarship's objectives.
Step 7: Get Ready for the Interview
If shortlisted, be prepared to discuss your achievements, goals, leadership experiences, and future.
Documents Required
Having your documents ready in advance can make the application process much smoother. Most scholarships typically require:
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Statement (Check the correct SOP Format)
Letters of Recommendation (LORs) (Check the correct LOR Format)
Updated CV/Resume
Valid passport
IELTS/TOEFL scorecard (if applicable)
Work experience certificates (for selected scholarships)
Research proposal (for PhD scholarships)
University admission offer letter (where required)
Finding the right scholarship can be the difference between postponing your study plans and pursuing a degree at a top UK university. With opportunities available across masters, PhD, and research programs, international students have multiple pathways to access quality education without the burden of significant financial costs.
Whether you're targeting government-funded awards like Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships or university-led programs such as Gates Cambridge, Rhodes, and Clarendon, the key is to start early and prepare a strong application. Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian students in UK are highly competitive, but with careful planning and the right strategy, they can help turn your UK study aspirations into a reality.
Yes, it is possible to secure a 100% scholarship through fully funded scholarships in UK, but it requires a strong overall profile. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and visa costs. However, selection is highly competitive, with candidates evaluated on academics, leadership, and long-term goals. Applying early and presenting a clear, well-structured application significantly improves your chances.
What UK scholarships are fully funded?
UK offers several fully funded options such as Chevening, Commonwealth, Gates Cambridge, and Rhodes. These are among the most recognized fully funded scholarships in UK for international students and are backed by government bodies or top universities. Each scholarship has a different focus, some prioritize leadership, while others emphasize research or academic excellence.
What GPA do you need for the Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening does not officially specify a minimum GPA, but most successful applicants have strong academic records equivalent to a UK upper second-class degree or higher. In practical terms, this usually means around 70% or above. That said, academic performance alone is not enough, leadership experience and career clarity are equally important.
How do I qualify for a scholarship in UK?
To qualify, you need to meet academic, language, and program-specific requirements. Most scholarships expect a good undergraduate degree, English proficiency, and a well-written statement of purpose. If you're exploring how to get fully funded scholarship in UK, focus on building a balanced profile that includes academics, leadership, and extracurricular impact.
Are there fully funded scholarships in UK for Indian students?
Yes, there are multiple fully funded scholarships for indian students in uk, including Chevening, Commonwealth, and Felix Scholarships. These programs actively accept applications from India and often have country-specific quotas. Indian students with strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential are well-positioned to apply.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes, you can and should apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances. There is no restriction on the number of applications, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each. Many applicants apply to a mix of government and university-funded options to improve their chances of securing at least one offer.
Do I need work experience for UK scholarships?
Work experience is not mandatory for all scholarships but is required for some, such as Chevening. Typically, Chevening requires at least two years of professional experience. Other scholarships, especially research-based ones, may prioritize academic achievements or research experience instead.
Are there fully funded PhD scholarships in UK?
Yes, UK offers a wide range of fully funded PhD scholarships for international students in UK. These include UKRI-funded programs and university-specific scholarships. They usually cover tuition fees, provide an annual stipend, and include research funding, making them a strong option for long-term academic careers.
Can I study in UK without IELTS for scholarships?
In some cases, yes. Certain universities accept alternatives like a Medium of Instruction certificate or other English tests. However, for top scholarships, having a recognized English proficiency score like IELTS can strengthen your application and improve credibility.
When should I start applying for UK scholarships?
Ideally, you should begin preparing 8-12 months before application deadlines. This allows enough time to research scholarships, prepare documents, and refine your SOP. Starting early is especially important for competitive programs under Fully Funded Scholarships in UK.
Are fully funded scholarships in UK universities hard to get?
Yes, these scholarships are highly competitive due to global demand and limited seats. Acceptance rates are often low, especially for top programs. However, candidates with strong academics, leadership experience, and a clear career vision can stand out and improve their chances.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4682 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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