UK Scholarships for Indian Students: Top Scholarships, Coverage & How to Apply

Latest update:  Chevening Scholarships close on 7 October 2025. The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships nomination deadline is December 2025. Clarendon Fund (Oxford) follows course deadlines in Dec 2025 or January 2026.

Over 55,000 Indian students enrolled in UK universities in 2024, making India one of the UK’s top international student markets. But studying in the UK is expensive. Annual tuition fees range from £10,000 to £38,000 (approx. INR 10–38 lakh), and living expenses add another £12,000–£15,000 (INR 12–15 lakh) per year.

Scholarships ease that financial pressure. From fully funded government programs to partial tuition waivers from universities, Indian students have multiple scholarship opportunities for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral study.

This guide covers the top UK scholarships for Indian students in 2025, including eligibility, what each scholarship offers, and how to apply.

Explore top UK universities, study in UK scholarships, and visa support with upGrad – your step-by-step guide to studying in the UK.

What are the top UK scholarships for Indian students in 2025?

UK scholarships for Indian students in 2025 range from fully funded master’s programs to partial tuition waivers across top universities. These scholarships are offered by the UK government, individual institutions, and global foundations to support academic merit, leadership potential, and career goals. 

Whether you are pursuing a one-year master’s or a full research degree, several high-value options are open exclusively or preferentially to Indian applicants. 

Below are the most prominent scholarships, what they offer, and who they are meant for:

Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarship is a fully funded UK government award for high-potential students from over 160 countries, including India. It allows recipients to pursue any one-year master’s program at a UK university of their choice. The goal is to develop global leaders by investing in academics with strong professional experience and leadership skills.

Chevening Scholarships: Overview

Detail	Information
Offered by	UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Level	One-year Master’s
Coverage	Full tuition, ~£1,300/month stipend, airfare, visa, travel grants
Eligibility	Indian citizen, UG degree, 2+ years work experience, strong leadership skills
Application	August to early November
Scholarship Value	INR 45– INR 50 lakh, depending on the university and city

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) offers fully funded scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries, including India, to pursue postgraduate study in the UK. It supports candidates with academic excellence who wouldn’t otherwise be able to study abroad.

Commonwealth Scholarships: Overview

Detail	Information
Offered by	UK FCDO via CSC and MHRD India
Level	Master’s and PhD
Coverage	Full tuition, ~£1,347 (INR 1.35)/ month stipend, airfare, thesis/travel/family grants
Eligibility	Indian citizen, admission offer, 60–65% marks, not working in a high-income country
Application	August to October via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and MHRD (India)
Scholarship Value	Up to INR 60–70 lakh, depending on the course and duration

GREAT Scholarships

The GREAT Scholarship is a merit-based award offered jointly by the UK government and participating UK universities. It provides financial support to Indian students pursuing a one-year postgraduate program across a wide range of subjects.

GREAT Scholarships: Overview 

Detail	Information
Offered by	British Council + 70+ UK universities
Level	Master’s (1-year)
Coverage	£10,000 tuition fee discount (~ INR 10 lakh)
Eligibility	Indian citizen, strong UG academics, UK university admission, English proficiency
Application	Jan–May (varies)
Scholarship Value	Fixed tuition discount, typically covering 25–50% of total program fees

Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most competitive and prestigious international scholarships, available to students from select countries, including India, for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. It selects individuals who combine academic excellence with leadership, integrity, and a commitment to public service.

Rhodes Scholarship: Overview

Detail	Information
Offered by	Rhodes Trust, University of Oxford
Level	Master’s or DPhil (Postgraduate)
Coverage	Full tuition, ~£19,092 living stipend/year, visa & health surcharge, 2 UK flights
Eligibility	Indian citizens aged 19–25, first-class UG degree, leadership & public service
Application	June–August 2025
Scholarship Value	INR 70–75 lakh over two years

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for outstanding international applicants to pursue postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, it is one of the most selective academic awards in the UK.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Overview

Detail	Information
Offered by	Gates Cambridge Trust, University of Cambridge
Level	Master’s or PhD
Coverage	Full tuition, £20,000/year (INR 20 lakh) living, flights, visa, academic funds
Eligibility	Non-UK citizens, Indian nationals, strong academics, and Cambridge
Application	Opens in September and closes in early December
Scholarship Value	INR 70–80 lakh

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

The Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) Scholarships are awarded to Indian professionals in the early-to-mid stages of their careers, particularly in arts, heritage conservation, and the humanities. These scholarships support short-term study or research in the UK.

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships: Overview

Detail	Information
Offered by	CWIT + British Council
Level	Short-term research, fellowships, and training
Coverage	Tuition, airfare, and living costs
Eligibility	Indian citizens aged 28–38 in arts, culture, heritage with relevant experience
Application	Typically opens in September/October and closes by December
Scholarship Value	INR 8– INR 12 lakh, depending on program duration and location

Clarendon Fund Scholarships

The Clarendon Fund is a major graduate scholarship scheme at the University of Oxford. It offers around 150 new scholarships every year to academically outstanding students from across the world, including India. All Clarendon awards are fully funded.

Clarendon Fund Scholarships: Overview

Detail	Information
Offered by	University of Oxford
Level	Master’s and DPhil/PhD
Coverage	Full tuition, ~£18,800 (INR 18.5 lakh)/year living stipend
Eligibility	Outstanding academics applying for Oxford PG courses (auto-considered)
Application	December to January, based on the course deadline
Scholarship Value	INR 60–70 lakh, depending on the course and duration

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships support outstanding Indian students to pursue full-time master’s degrees in top global institutions, including select UK universities. The scholarship is merit-based and targets niche disciplines not widely available in India.

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships: Overview

Detail	Information
Offered by	Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation
Level	Master’s (specific fields only)
Coverage	Tuition, living, one-way flight (capped at USD 100,000 / INR 83 lakh)
Eligibility	Indian citizens <30, first-class UG degree, UK admit (select unis/courses only)
Application	Opens in January and closes by the end of March each year
Scholarship Value	Up to  INR 83 lakh, depending on course fees and living costs

Scotland Saltire Scholarships

The Scotland Saltire Scholarships are merit-based awards offered by the Scottish Government in partnership with Scottish universities. They’re aimed at Indian citizens (resident in India or otherwise) pursuing full-time postgraduate master’s degrees in priority fields.

Scotland Saltire Scholarships: Overview

Detail	Information
Offered by	Scottish Government + Scottish universities
Level	One-year Master’s in Scotland
Coverage	£8,000 (INR 7 lakh) tuition support
Eligibility	Indian citizen, Scottish university offer, priority subjects, not studied in Scotland
Application	Generally opens in early spring and closes by the end of May
Scholarship Value	Around  INR 7 lakh coverage towards tuition

University-specific Scholarships 

Several UK universities offer their own merit-based or need-based scholarships exclusively for international students, including those from India. These university-level awards vary by field, degree level, and applicant profile. 

Below are key highlights from top institutions:

University & Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility Highlights
Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship	Full tuition + £25,150/year stipend (≈  INR 25+ lakh/year)	First-class UG/PG degree, research-ready, strong academic record
Imperial College London Imperial Excellence Scholarship (MBA)	Partial tuition (up to  INR 10–15 lakh)	High GMAT score, leadership potential, and professional experience
LSE Graduate Support Scheme	Need-based tuition support (varies, up to  INR 20–25 lakh)	Admission offer + financial need
LSE Undergraduate Support Scheme	Partial tuition + living expense support	Indian UG applicants with financial constraints
University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarship	Full tuition + stipend (for PhD)	Excellent academic profile, Warwick PhD offer
University of Warwick Global Excellence Scholarship	Up to full tuition (UG)	Merit-based; awarded automatically based on academic excellence
University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship	Up to £6,000 (≈  INR 6.2 lakh)	Indian UG/PG students with a strong academic background
University of Manchester Equity & Merit Scholarships	Full tuition + living + travel	Available for selected countries, including India, for master’s courses

Also Read: How to get a scholarship for MS in the UK?

Eligibility Criteria for UK Scholarships for Indian Students

The exact criteria vary by scholarship, but most UK scholarships for Indian students typically consider a mix of academic merit, financial need, and career goals. Here’s what you’ll generally need:

1. Academic Qualifications

A strong academic record is non-negotiable. For undergrad scholarships, you’ll need high school scores (typically 85%+). For master’s and PhD, a first-class degree or equivalent (usually 60%+ in Indian terms) is expected.

2. English Language Proficiency

You must meet the required IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent scores. Most scholarships require at least:

• IELTS: 6.5–7.5 overall
• TOEFL iBT: 90–100+

3. Offer from a UK Institution

Most scholarships require a confirmed offer (conditional or unconditional) from a recognized UK university before you apply.

4. Professional or Research Experience (For PG/PhD)

Some scholarships (like Chevening or Clarendon) expect 2–5 years of relevant work or research experience.

5. Statement of Purpose / Essays

You’ll need a compelling personal statement outlining your goals, achievements, and how the scholarship fits into your plans.

6. Letters of Recommendation

Most require 1–3 academic or professional references who can vouch for your qualifications and potential.

Also, Check out: Study Masters in UK for Free 2025 - Top Scholarships & How to Apply

How to Apply for UK Scholarships as an Indian Student

Applying for UK scholarships as an Indian student involves multiple steps. Most scholarships have online application portals and specific timelines. Here’s a general roadmap to follow:

1. Shortlist Scholarships Based on Your Profile

Start by identifying scholarships that align with your course, university, academic record, and financial needs. Use official university websites and UK government portals to check eligibility and deadlines.

2. Apply to a UK University

Most scholarships require you to have a confirmed offer letter (conditional or unconditional) from a UK university. Apply early, ideally 9–12 months before your intended intake.

3. Prepare Scholarship Documents

Typical documents include:

• Academic transcripts
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Resume/CV
• Research proposal (for PhD candidates)

4. Submit the Scholarship Application Online

Each scholarship has its process. Some are automatic upon university application; others need a separate form on the scholarship website. Always use the official source.

5. Appear for Interviews (if required)

Competitive scholarships like Chevening or Inlaks may involve virtual or in-person interviews. Prepare to discuss your goals, leadership, and academic background.

6. Track Results and Respond Promptly

If selected, follow all the next steps, such as accepting the award, completing university enrolment, and applying for a student visa.

Documents Required for UK Scholarship Applications

Most UK scholarships for Indian students follow a standard set of documentation. These help verify your academic background, financial status, and motivation. Here’s what you will typically need:

Document	Purpose
Academic Transcripts	Verifies your marks in school/college (10th, 12th, and/or UG/PG degrees)
Degree Certificates	Proof of graduation or current enrollment
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Explains your academic goals, career plans, and why you need the scholarship
Letters of Recommendation	Usually 1–3 letters from professors or employers vouching for your abilities
English Proficiency Test Score	IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score reports (as per the scholarship’s minimum requirement)
Updated Resume or CV	Summarises academic qualifications, internships, and work experience
University Offer Letter	Conditional or unconditional admission offer from a UK university
Passport Copy	Serves as identity and nationality proof
Financial Documents (if applicable)	Income certificates, bank statements, or tax returns (for need-based scholarships)
Research Proposal (PhD only)	Outlines your intended research and academic fit

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a UK Scholarship

UK scholarships are highly competitive, especially for international applicants like Indian students. Here's how to stand out:

1. Apply Early: Start preparing at least 9–12 months before your course begins. Many UK scholarships close well before university admission deadlines. Early planning also gives you time to refine documents and meet all criteria.

2. Tailor Every Application: Avoid copy-pasting SOPs or resumes across applications. Each scholarship values different traits; match your narrative accordingly. Tailored applications feel more genuine and increase your chances of shortlisting.

3. Focus on Academic Excellence: Strong academic scores are often the first filter in competitive scholarships. Aim for distinction-level grades to stay ahead. It also strengthens your university application, which some awards are tied to.

4. Build a Strong Profile: Beyond marks, scholarships reward leadership, volunteering, or real-world impact. Include extracurriculars, internships, or projects that align with the award’s goals. These help show initiative and long-term potential.

5. Write a Sharp Personal Statement: Keep it clear, focused, and relevant to the scholarship's purpose. Explain your goals, how the course fits in, and what you’ll contribute. Avoid buzzwords and focus on honest, direct storytelling.

6. Choose the Right Referees: Pick recommenders who genuinely know your work and character. Strong references add credibility to your application. Avoid generic letters from high-ranking individuals who don’t know you well.

7. Track Deadlines Religiously: Create a calendar with scholarship and university deadlines. Missing one date can cost you an entire academic year. Be proactive, double-check requirements and submission portals early.

Conclusion

Finding the right UK scholarships for Indian students in 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With options like Chevening, Commonwealth, and university-specific awards, Indian students have access to generous funding opportunities if they start early and apply smartly. A well-prepared application backed by strong academics and a clear goal can make all the difference.

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.