The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships nomination deadline is December 2025.
Clarendon Fund (Oxford) follows course deadlines in Dec 2025 or January 2026.
UK scholarships for Indian students make higher education in Britain more accessible by covering tuition fees, living costs, and sometimes travel expenses. With over 92,000 Indian students enrolled inUK universitiesin 2024–25, India is now the largest source of international students in the UK, surpassing China.
Tuition fees for international students range from £11,000–£38,000 per year (INR 10L–35L), while living costs average £900–£1,400 per month (INR 96K–1.5L), making scholarships essential for affordability. Popular fully funded options include Chevening, Commonwealth, and Rhodes Scholarships, which cover tuition, accommodation, and airfare.
In this guide, you’ll read more about types of UK scholarships, including government-funded, university-specific, and private programs.
Types of UK Scholarships for Indian Students
When planning to study in the UK, scholarships can make a big difference in reducing your financial burden. The UK offers a wide range of scholarships for Indian students, from fully funded government programs to university-specific awards and private funding options.
Each type supports students at different study levels such as undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD.
Here’s a breakdown of the main types of UK scholarships for Indian students:
1. Government-Funded Scholarships
These are prestigious awards funded by the UK government, often covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. They’re usually competitive but offer comprehensive support.
Popular examples:
Chevening Scholarships – Fully funded by the UK government for one-year master’s programs.
Commonwealth Scholarships – For students from Commonwealth countries, including India, pursuing postgraduate or doctoral studies.
GREAT Scholarships – Jointly funded by the UK government and universities,
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Most UK universities have their own merit-based or need-based scholarships for international students. These awards can range from partial tuition fee waivers to full funding depending on the applicant’s academic performance.
Apart from government and universities, many private organizations, foundations, and charitable trusts in India and the UK offer funding to Indian students.
For Indian students pursuing research-based or doctoral programs, several UK universities offer full or partial funding. These scholarships often include stipend, tuition coverage, and research allowance.
Examples:
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
University of Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
5. Subject-Specific Scholarships
Many scholarships target students in specific disciplines like STEM, business, arts, or healthcare.
Examples include:
British Council STEM Scholarships for Women
LSE Undergraduate Support Scheme (for economics and social sciences)
University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarships
Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in UK
For many Indian students, studying in the UK is a dream, and fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK make that dream achievable. These scholarships cover major expenses such as tuition fees, living costs, airfare, and even research grants, allowing deserving students to focus entirely on their studies.
They are offered by the UK government, universities, and private organizations, and are open to students at every level: undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK.
1. Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most well-known UK scholarships for Indian students. Funded by the UK government, it supports one-year master’s programs at any university in the UK.
Key Benefits:
Covers full tuition fees
Monthly stipend and travel allowance
Visa fees and arrival allowance
Access to professional networking events
Eligibility: Requires at least two years of work experience and leadership potential. It’s ideal for students aiming to contribute to India’s development after studying in the UK.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Another major option among scholarships for Indian students to study in UK, the Commonwealth Scholarship is funded by the UK’s Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. It supports master’s and doctoral degrees for students who show academic excellence and a strong purpose.
Covers:
Full tuition and exam fees
Living allowance
Airfare and thesis grant
3. Rhodes Scholarships (University of Oxford)
The Rhodes Scholarship is among the most prestigious fully funded scholarships for Indian students in the UK. It enables outstanding students to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.
Benefits:
Full tuition and college fees
Annual living allowance
One economy class airfare to and from Oxford.
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this is one of the best scholarships for Indian students to study in UK at the University of Cambridge. It supports students with strong academic records and a desire to improve their lives through research or leadership.
Covers:
Full cost of study (tuition, living, travel)
Additional funding for family or research needs
5. Clarendon Fund Scholarships
The Clarendon Fund provides over 200 fully funded scholarships each year to graduate students at the University of Oxford. It automatically considers all applicants based on academic merit.
Benefits:
100% tuition and college fees
Annual living stipend
6. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
Designed for mid-career professionals and artists, this program offers short-term fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK to study, train, or conduct research in the UK.
Covers:
Tuition and accommodation
Living allowance
International travel
Top UK Government Scholarships for Indian Students
The UK government offers several prestigious scholarships that make studying at leading universities affordable for Indian students.
These scholarships aim to promote international education, leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration. Most are fully funded and open to students pursuing master’s or PhD programs.
Here are the top scholarships:
Scholarship
Study Level
Coverage & Amount
Chevening Scholarship
Master’s (1 year)
Fully funded: Tuition + living allowance (~£1,347/month) + airfare + visa costs
Commonwealth Scholarship
Master’s & PhD
Fully funded: Tuition + living allowance (£1,347/month or £1,652 in London) + airfare
Fully funded: Tuition + stipend + travel + visa + health coverage (worth ~£40,000)
These scholarships are highly competitive. Start early, prepare strong essays, and secure impactful recommendation letters.
University-Specific Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students
Many leading UK universities offer their own scholarships to attract talented international students, including those from India. These scholarships are often merit-based and can cover tuition fees, living costs, or both. Some are fully funded, while others provide partial financial support.
Here is the comparison:
University Scholarship
Study Level
Coverage & Amount
Oxford – Clarendon Fund
Master’s & PhD
Fully funded: Tuition + living stipend (~£18,622/year)
Cambridge – Gates Cambridge
Master’s & PhD
Full cost: Tuition + maintenance (£21,000/year) + airfare + visa costs
Imperial College – President’s PhD
PhD
Full tuition + stipend (£26,500/year) + £2,000/year research consumables
Edinburgh – Global Research Scholarship
PhD
Covers difference between UK/EU and overseas fees + stipend up to £19,795/year
Manchester – Global Futures Scholarship
UG & PG
Partial funding: £7,000 (UG) and £8,000–£15,000 (PG) towards tuition fees
These awards are highly competitive, with acceptance rates often below 5–10%, depending on the program. For example, the Clarendon Fund at Oxford offers around 200 scholarships annually, while Gates Cambridge selects only ~80 scholars each year from thousands of applicants.
Imperial College’s President’s PhD Scholarships provide 50 awards annually, making them one of the most selective PhD funding schemes. Edinburgh’s Global Research Scholarships grant 30 awards per year, and Manchester’s Global Futures program distributes over £4.5 million across 330 scholarships, but competition remains intense.
Master’s Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK
Pursuing a master’s degree in the UK can be costly, with tuition fees ranging from £11,000–£38,000 per year (INR 6.3L–22L) and living expenses adding another £12,000–£15,000 annually (INR 7L–8.7L). For Indian students, scholarships for master’s programs in the UK provide essential financial support, often covering tuition, living costs, and sometimes travel expenses.
Many of these scholarships are fully funded, making them a top choice for students seeking world-class postgraduate education.
Here are the top Master’s scholarships for Indian students in the UK:
Scholarship
Coverage & Amount
Key Highlights
Chevening Scholarships
Fully funded: Tuition + living allowance (~£1,347/month) + airfare
Prestigious UK Govt scholarship for one-year master’s
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Tuition + living allowance (~£1,652/month in London) + airfare
Fully funded for students from Commonwealth countries
GREAT Scholarships
£10,000 tuition support (≈ INR 5.8L)
Joint initiative by UK Govt & British Council
Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships
£8,000 tuition support (≈ INR 4.6L)
For PG students in science, tech, healthcare, arts
British Council Women in STEM
Fully funded: Tuition + stipend + travel + visa + health coverage
For female students pursuing STEM master’s programs
Apply early and prepare strong SOPs and recommendation letters. For competitive scholarships like Chevening and Commonwealth, leadership experience and academic excellence are crucial.
PhD Scholarships for Indian Students in UK
Pursuing a PhD in the UK can be expensive, with tuition fees ranging from £15,000–£25,000 per year (INR 8.7L–14.5L) and living costs adding another £12,000–£15,000 annually (INR 7L–8.7L). For Indian students, PhD scholarships in the UK provide essential financial support, often covering tuition, research expenses, and living allowances.
Many of these scholarships are fully funded, making them a top choice for those seeking advanced research opportunities.
Here the top PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK:
Scholarship
Coverage & Amount
Key Highlights
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
Tuition + living allowance (~£1,652/month in London) + airfare
Fully funded for research-focused PhDs
Gates Cambridge Scholarships (PhD)
Full tuition + maintenance (~£21,000/year) + airfare + visa costs
Highly competitive (~1.3% acceptance rate)
Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships
Tuition + stipend (£26,500/year) + £2,000/year research consumables
50 awards annually for STEM & research PhDs
Clarendon Fund (Oxford)
Full tuition + living stipend (~£18,622/year)
Merit-based, all disciplines
Chancellor’s International Scholarship (Warwick)
Tuition + maintenance stipend (~£18,622/year)
For outstanding international PhD applicants
President’s Doctoral Scholar Award (Manchester)
Full tuition + stipend (~£18,622/year) + research support
For high-achieving PhD candidates
UCL Research Excellence Scholarship
Tuition + stipend (~£20,000/year) + research costs
Winning a scholarship to study in the UK requires planning, preparation, and a clear understanding of eligibility criteria. Whether you’re applying for fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK or partial funding, the process is competitive.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you succeed.
1. Start Early
Most UK scholarships for Indian students have strict deadlines, often 8–12 months before the course begins. Begin researching as soon as you decide to study in the UK.
2. Check Eligibility
Each scholarship has unique requirements.
For example:
PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK often need a strong research proposal.
University-specific awards focus on academic excellence.
Don’t limit yourself to one option. Explore all scholarships for Indian students to study in UK offered by the government, universities, and private organizations.
Some scholarships, like Chevening, include interviews. Practice answering questions about your goals, leadership experience, and how you’ll contribute to your home country.
Conclusion
Studying in the UK offers world-class education, but the costs can be significant. Fortunately, there are numerous UK scholarships for Indian students, ranging from fully funded scholarships to partial tuition supports, that make this dream achievable. From government-backed programs like Chevening and Commonwealth to university-specific and private awards, opportunities exist for master’s, PhD, and even specialized fields like STEM.
To maximize your chances, start early, research eligibility, and prepare strong applications with compelling SOPs and recommendations. Scholarships not only reduce financial burden but also open doors to global networks and career growth. Begin your journey today and explore the best scholarships for Indian students to study in UK and, your future could start with the right funding.
What are the eligibility criteria for UK scholarships for Indian students?
Indian students must meet academic excellence standards, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), and secure admission to a UK university. Some scholarships, like Chevening, require leadership skills and two years of work experience, while others prioritize financial need or research potential for postgraduate programs.
Can Indian students apply for multiple UK scholarships at once?
Yes, Indian students can apply for multiple UK scholarships simultaneously if eligibility criteria are met. However, most programs prohibit holding two major awards together. Applying broadly improves chances, but prioritize scholarships aligned with your academic goals and financial needs for better success.
What documents are required for UK scholarship applications?
Required documents include academic transcripts, English proficiency proof, Statement of Purpose (SOP), recommendation letters, and a valid passport. Some scholarships demand financial statements, research proposals, and CVs. Fully funded programs like Chevening also require detailed work experience and leadership evidence for eligibility.
How competitive are UK scholarships for Indian students?
UK scholarships are highly competitive, with success rates often below 15%. Chevening receives thousands of global applications for limited awards. Selection focuses on academic merit, leadership, and career clarity. University-specific scholarships may offer better odds but still require strong academic and extracurricular profiles.
What are the deadlines for major UK scholarships?
Chevening applications close in early November, Commonwealth in December, and Rhodes by August. GREAT Scholarships deadlines vary by university but usually fall between March and June. University-specific awards like Clarendon align with course deadlines, often in December or January for autumn intake.
How do I write a strong SOP for UK scholarship applications?
A strong SOP should highlight academic achievements, leadership experience, and career goals while aligning with the scholarship’s objectives. Use clear structure: introduction, academic background, motivation, and future plans. Avoid generic statements; instead, show impact and purpose. Keep it concise and proofread thoroughly.
Do UK scholarships require work experience?
Not all scholarships require work experience, but prestigious awards like Chevening mandate at least two years (2,800 hours) of professional or voluntary work. Others, such as GREAT or university-specific scholarships, focus on academic merit and do not insist on prior employment, making them accessible to fresh graduates.
Are there scholarships for Indian students without IELTS?
Yes, some UK universities waive IELTS if you meet alternative criteria, such as prior education in English or passing university-specific language assessments. Scholarships like GREAT or university-funded awards may accept these waivers. However, most government-funded programs, including Chevening, still require proof of English proficiency.
How can Indian students find university-specific scholarships in the UK?
Check official university websites under “Funding” or “International Scholarships.” Platforms like UCAS, British Council’s Study UK, and scholarship aggregators list opportunities. Many universities offer India-focused awards, such as Oxford-Indira Gandhi Scholarship or Edinburgh India Merit Scholarship, which often combine tuition discounts with living stipends.
What is the average success rate for UK scholarship applications?
Success rates vary: Chevening averages 8–10%, Rhodes around 0.7% globally, and Commonwealth about 5–6%. University-specific scholarships often have higher acceptance rates, especially merit-based awards. Strong academic records, leadership experience, and tailored applications significantly improve chances in this competitive landscape.
Are there UK scholarships for Indian students in STEM fields?
Yes, STEM-focused scholarships include British Council Women in STEM, Commonwealth STEM awards, and university-specific programs like Imperial College’s Faculty scholarships. These often prioritize innovation and research potential, offering full or partial funding for master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Can Indian students get scholarships for short-term courses in the UK?
Scholarships for short-term courses are limited but available through programs like British Council’s Summer School grants or specialized training fellowships. These typically cover partial tuition or travel costs rather than full funding. Check university short-course pages and cultural exchange programs for opportunities.
Do UK scholarships cover visa and travel costs?
Fully funded scholarships like Chevening, Rhodes, and Commonwealth cover visa fees and return airfare. Some also provide arrival and departure allowances. Partial scholarships, such as GREAT, usually exclude these costs, so students must budget separately for travel and visa expenses.
upGrad abroad Editorial Team |2868 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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