Indian students can choose from a wide range of scholarships in UK, including fully funded government programs like Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships, university-specific awards such as the Rhodes and Gates Cambridge Scholarships, and targeted funding opportunities like GREAT Scholarships and the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM.
These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and other study-related costs, making a UK education more affordable and accessible for deserving students.
Types of Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
Indian students can choose from several types of scholarships depending on their academic profile, financial background, and course of study. Understanding these categories can help you identify the right funding opportunity and improve your chances of securing scholarships for Indian students to study in UK.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, leadership abilities, or extracurricular achievements. These scholarships are highly competitive and are typically offered by UK universities, government bodies, and private organizations.
Many institutions consider factors such as:
High academic scores or GPA
Leadership experience and community involvement
Research achievements and professional accomplishments
Strong personal statements and recommendation letters
Need-based scholarships are designed to support students who face financial challenges and may not have the resources to fund their studies abroad independently.
To qualify, applicants generally need to provide:
Proof of family income
Financial statements or supporting documents
Evidence of financial hardship
Several UK universities and charitable organizations offer need-based funding to ensure that deserving students can access quality education regardless of their financial circumstances.
Government-Funded Scholarships
Government-funded scholarships are among the most prestigious and competitive funding opportunities available to Indian students. These scholarships are primarily sponsored by the UK government and are aimed at attracting talented international students and future leaders.
Some of the most popular government-funded scholarships include:
Most government-funded programs cover tuition fees either fully or partially and may also include living expenses, travel costs, and additional allowances.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many UK universities offer dedicated scholarships exclusively for international students, including Indian applicants. These scholarships may be awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, leadership potential, or specific course requirements.
Subject-specific scholarships are designed for students pursuing particular academic disciplines. These scholarships are commonly available in high-demand fields, including:
Engineering and Technology
Business and Management
Medicine and Healthcare
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Public Policy and Social Sciences
Research and Doctoral Studies
Students planning to pursue specialized programs should explore department-specific funding opportunities offered by universities and external organizations.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
Several fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK cover major study-related expenses, including tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and visa-related charges. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden and make studying in the UK more accessible for deserving students.
1. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)
Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees, annual living stipend of £20,780 (approximately ₹25.77 lakh), Oxford application fee, and economy-class airfare to and from the UK.
Study Level: Postgraduate (primarily Master's and PhD).
Eligibility: Outstanding students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, character, and commitment to service. Indian applicants must meet the Rhodes Trust's eligibility criteria.
2. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Funding Coverage: Full University Composition Fee, annual maintenance allowance of £22,050 (approximately ₹27.34 lakh), economy airfare, visa costs, and additional academic funding where applicable.
Study Level: Master's and PhD.
Eligibility: International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge with an outstanding academic record and leadership potential.
Eligibility: Applicants with a strong academic background and an offer from a participating UK university.
4. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship
Funding Coverage: Accommodation and living expenses for short-term study, training, and research programs.
Study Level: Short-term courses and research programs.
Eligibility: Mid-career Indian professionals and researchers, particularly in the arts, heritage conservation, and humanities.
5. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
Funding Coverage: Tuition fees, living expenses, and a one-way travel allowance.
Study Level: Master's and PhD programs.
Eligibility: Students with outstanding academic performance and notable extracurricular achievements.
UK Government Scholarships for Indian Students
The UK government offers several scholarship programs to attract talented international students and future leaders. These scholarships provide financial support for tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs, making higher education in the UK more accessible for Indian students.
Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government's flagship international scholarship program, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It supports Indian students pursuing a one-year master's degree at any eligible UK university.
Coverage
Full tuition fee coverage.
Monthly living stipend of approximately:
£1,215 (₹1.51 lakh) per month outside London.
£1,516 (₹1.88 lakh) per month in London.
Economy-class return airfare.
Visa application fee.
Arrival and departure allowances.
Access to networking and leadership events.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be an Indian citizen.
Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree.
Have at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience.
Apply to three eligible UK master's courses.
Commit to returning to India for at least two years after completing the scholarship.
Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) offers fully funded scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries, including India, for master's and doctoral studies.
Coverage
Full tuition fees.
Approved return airfare.
Monthly living allowance of:
£1,378 (₹1.71 lakh) per month outside London.
£1,690 (₹2.10 lakh) per month in London.
Thesis and study travel grants.
Additional allowances for eligible scholars.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be an Indian citizen or permanent resident of India.
Hold a first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree for master's programs.
Hold a relevant postgraduate qualification for certain PhD programs.
Demonstrate financial need.
Apply for an eligible full-time master's or PhD program in the UK.
GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarship is jointly funded by the UK government's GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council in partnership with participating UK universities.
Coverage
Minimum scholarship value of £10,000 (₹12.4 lakh) toward tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be an Indian citizen.
Have an offer of admission from a participating UK university.
Meet the university's academic and English language requirements.
Demonstrate academic excellence and motivation to study in the UK.
University Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
Several UK universities offer scholarships specifically for international students, including Indians. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition expenses and, in some cases, cover living costs as well.
University of Oxford – Clarendon Scholarship
The Clarendon Scholarship is one of the University's largest graduate scholarship schemes and is available across all academic disciplines.
Coverage
Full tuition and college fees.
Annual living stipend of at least £19,237 (₹23.85 lakh).
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Apply for a full-time or part-time master's or PhD program at the University of Oxford.
Demonstrate excellent academic achievement and potential.
Meet the university's admission requirements.
University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Funded by the Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports outstanding international students pursuing postgraduate studies.
Coverage
Full tuition fees.
Annual maintenance allowance of £22,000 (₹27.28 lakh).
Economy airfare.
Visa costs and immigration health surcharge.
Additional funding for academic activities and family support, where applicable.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be a citizen of any country outside the UK.
Apply for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving others' lives.
Imperial College London – President's PhD Scholarship
The President's PhD Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students with exceptional academic and research potential.
Coverage
Full tuition fees.
Annual stipend of £25,980 (₹32.22 lakh) for up to 3.5 years.
Consumables fund of £2,000 (₹2.48 lakh) during the first three years of study.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Apply for a new full-time PhD program at Imperial College London.
Have an outstanding academic record, typically equivalent to a first-class degree.
Demonstrate strong research potential.
University of Edinburgh – Edinburgh Global Scholarships
The University of Edinburgh offers several scholarships to international students pursuing postgraduate taught programs.
Coverage
Scholarship awards of up to £10,000 (₹12.4 lakh) toward tuition fees.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be classified as an overseas student for fee purposes.
Hold an offer for an eligible postgraduate taught master's program.
Demonstrate strong academic merit.
University of Bristol – Think Big Scholarships
The Think Big Scholarship is the university's flagship funding program for international students.
Coverage
Tuition fee awards ranging from:
£6,500 (₹8.06 lakh)
£13,000 (₹16.12 lakh)
£26,000 (₹32.24 lakh)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be classified as an overseas student.
Apply for an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate program.
Demonstrate academic excellence and future potential.
University of Warwick – Chancellor's International Scholarship
The Chancellor's International Scholarship supports exceptional international students pursuing doctoral research.
Coverage
Full payment of overseas tuition fees.
Annual maintenance stipend of approximately £21,237 (₹26.33 lakh).
Research and training support grant where applicable.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Apply for a full-time PhD course at the University of Warwick.
Be classified as an overseas student.
Demonstrate excellent academic and research achievements.
Meet the university's admission requirements.
These scholarships are highly competitive, and most applications open nearly a year before the academic intake. Indian students should begin researching and preparing their applications early to maximize their chances of securing funding.
Undergraduate Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
Several UK universities offer scholarships specifically for international undergraduate students. These awards are usually merit-based and can significantly reduce tuition costs, making it easier for Indian students to pursue a bachelor's degree in the UK.
Popular Undergraduate Scholarships in the UK:
1. University of Bristol Think Big Undergraduate Scholarship
Coverage: Awards of £6,500 (₹8.06 lakh) and £13,000 (₹16.12 lakh) toward tuition fees.
Eligibility: International students applying for eligible undergraduate programs at the University of Bristol.
Application Timeline: Applications generally open in October and close in April.
2. University of Westminster Undergraduate Scholarship
Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver, accommodation, living expenses, and return flights.
Eligibility: International students with outstanding academic performance and demonstrated financial need.
Application Timeline: Applications usually open in February and close in May.
3. University of Birmingham Global Scholarship
Coverage: Up to £5,000 (₹6.2 lakh) toward tuition fees.
Eligibility: International students with strong academic records and an offer to study at the university.
Application Timeline: Applications typically close in June.
4. University of Sheffield International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship
Coverage:£10,000 (₹12.4 lakh) toward tuition fees for each year of study.
Eligibility: International students with excellent academic achievements and an offer for an eligible undergraduate course.
Application Timeline: Applications usually close in April.
Masters Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
The UK is one of the most popular destinations for postgraduate education due to its globally recognized universities and one-year master's programs. Several scholarship for masters in UK for Indian students options are available through the UK government, universities, and private organizations.
Scholarships for MBA in UK for Indian Students
Indian students planning an MBA in the UK can benefit from a wide range of financial support options, including government-funded schemes, university-specific scholarships, and external funding programs.
Well-known opportunities such as the Chevening Scholarship, GREAT Scholarships, and awards offered by universities like Aston and Lancaster can provide funding ranging from around £1,500 to full coverage of tuition fees and living expenses.
Scholarship
Coverage
Eligibility
Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship
Full tuition fees and living stipend of at least £20,780 (₹25.77 lakh) per year
Students pursuing the Oxford MBA and a partnering master's program
Imperial College Business School MBA Scholarship
Up to £25,000 (₹31 lakh) toward tuition fees
Outstanding MBA applicants with strong leadership potential
Cambridge Judge Business School Scholarships
Varies depending on the scholarship scheme
Exceptional MBA candidates with academic and professional achievements
These scholarships for MBA in UK for Indian students are highly competitive and often evaluate applicants based on leadership potential, professional experience, and academic excellence.
STEM Scholarships
Several universities and organizations provide funding for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs.
Popular options include:
GREAT Scholarships for STEM programs – minimum award of £10,000 (₹12.4 lakh) toward tuition fees.
Commonwealth Scholarships for eligible master's programs in science and technology.
University-specific engineering and computer science scholarships.
STEM scholarships are particularly beneficial for students pursuing courses in:
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Engineering
Computer Science
Biotechnology
Research Scholarships
Many universities offer research-based scholarships to students undertaking dissertation-intensive or research-focused master's degrees.
Examples include:
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Clarendon Scholarship at the University of Oxford
Edinburgh Global Scholarships
These scholarships often cover:
Full tuition fees.
Living expenses.
Research-related costs.
Conference and academic travel grants.
Funding for One-Year Master's Programs
Since most master's programs in the UK last only one year, scholarships can significantly reduce the overall cost of education.
Some of the most popular scholarships for one-year master's programs include:
Scholarship
Coverage
Chevening Scholarship
Full tuition fees, airfare, and monthly stipend
GREAT Scholarship
Minimum £10,000 (₹12.4 lakh) toward tuition fees
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
Tuition fees, living expenses, and travel allowance
Commonwealth Scholarship
Full tuition fees and living expenses
Students should start preparing applications at least one year in advance because scholarship deadlines generally close several months before university admission deadlines.
PhD Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
The UK offers extensive funding opportunities for doctoral and research students. Most PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK are fully funded and cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs.
Fully Funded PhD Scholarships
Several prestigious organizations and UK universities offer fully funded PhD scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, research costs, and travel support. These scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded to candidates with outstanding academic achievements, strong research potential, and a well-defined doctoral research proposal.
Scholarship
Coverage
Eligibility
Commonwealth PhD Scholarship
Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, and research grants
Indian citizens with strong academic records and development-focused research interests
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Full tuition fees, annual maintenance allowance of £22,050 (INR 27.34 L), airfare, and additional funding
Outstanding postgraduate applicants to the University of Cambridge
Clarendon Scholarship
Full tuition fees and annual living stipend of at least £20,780 (INR 25.77 L)
Applicants to eligible graduate programs at the University of Oxford
Chancellor's International Scholarship, University of Warwick
Full tuition fees and annual stipend.
International PhD applicants with excellent academic achievements
Research Council Funding
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funds several doctoral programs through research councils, including:
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
For the 2025-26 academic year, UKRI's minimum doctoral stipend is £20,780 (₹25.77 lakh) per year, in addition to tuition fee support.
Research council funding is generally available through doctoral training partnerships and university-led research programs.
University-Funded Doctoral Scholarships
Many universities provide their own doctoral funding schemes for exceptional research candidates.
Popular university-funded scholarships include:
Imperial College President's PhD Scholarship
Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships
University of Bristol PhD Scholarships
University of Manchester President's Doctoral Scholar Awards
These scholarships usually cover:
Full tuition fees.
Annual maintenance stipend.
Research and conference grants.
Training and development support.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
While the eligibility requirements vary by scholarship and university, most scholarships in the UK follow a common set of criteria. Understanding these requirements beforehand can help you prepare a stronger application.
Academic Performance Requirements
Academic excellence is one of the most important selection criteria for UK scholarships. Most universities and scholarship providers expect applicants to have:
A minimum of 60-70% in previous studies or an equivalent GPA.
A strong academic record in relevant subjects.
Consistent performance throughout their academic journey.
Highly competitive scholarships, such as the Chevening Scholarship and Gates Cambridge Scholarship, typically prefer candidates with exceptional academic achievements.
English Language Proficiency Scores
Since courses in UK are taught in English, applicants are generally required to demonstrate language proficiency through standardized tests.
The required score depends on the university and course. Most universities generally require:
IELTS score of 6.0-7.5.
PTE score of 59-76.
Some universities may waive English language requirements if students have completed previous education in English.
Work Experience Requirements
Certain scholarships, especially leadership-focused programs, require prior professional experience.
For example:
Chevening Scholarship requires at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience.
MBA scholarships often prefer candidates with 2-5 years of professional experience.
However, many undergraduate and research scholarships do not require work experience.
Leadership and Extracurricular Achievements
Scholarship committees often look beyond academics and evaluate candidates based on:
Leadership experience.
Community service and volunteering.
Extracurricular activities.
Professional achievements and social impact initiatives.
Demonstrating leadership potential can significantly improve your chances of securing a scholarship.
Statement of Purpose and Recommendation Letters
A well-written Statement of Purpose (SOP) helps scholarship committees understand:
Your academic and career goals.
Why you chose the UK and a particular course.
How the scholarship will contribute to your future plans.
Most scholarships also require two or three letters of recommendation from:
Professors or academic mentors.
Employers or supervisors.
Research guides or project mentors.
Strong recommendations can strengthen your application considerably.
Admission Offer Requirements
Many scholarships require applicants to hold an admission offer from a UK university before submitting a scholarship application.
In some cases:
Students apply for university admission first and then apply for scholarships.
Certain scholarships automatically consider students once they receive an offer from the university.
Therefore, it is important to review the scholarship guidelines carefully and keep track of application deadlines.
Documents Required to Apply for UK Scholarships
Preparing all documents in advance can make the application process smoother and help avoid last-minute delays. Although document requirements vary across scholarships, the following documents are commonly required.
Highlights academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular activities
Admission Offer Letter
Confirms admission to a UK university, where applicable
Research Proposal
Required for many PhD and research-based scholarships
Financial Documents
Demonstrates financial need for need-based scholarships
Tips for Preparing Documents
Keep scanned copies in PDF format.
Ensure all documents are updated and accurate.
Follow the file size and format requirements mentioned by the scholarship provider.
Arrange recommendation letters well in advance, as they often take time to obtain.
How to Apply for Scholarships in UK for Indian Students?
Applying for scholarships in the UK requires early planning and careful preparation. Following these steps can improve your chances of securing funding.
Step 1: Research Suitable Scholarships
Create a shortlist of scholarships based on your:
Academic profile
Course and study level
Financial needs
Career goals
You can explore university websites, government portals, and scholarship databases to find relevant opportunities.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
Keep the following documents ready:
Academic transcripts
IELTS/PTE scores
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of recommendation
Updated CV or resume
Preparing documents early gives you enough time to refine your application.
Step 3: Apply for University Admission
Many scholarships require an admission offer from a UK university. Therefore:
Shortlist universities.
Submit your admission applications.
Obtain a conditional or unconditional offer letter.
Proceed with scholarship applications.
Step 4: Submit Scholarship Applications
Before submitting your application, make sure:
The application form is complete.
All supporting documents are uploaded.
Essays and personal statements are proofread.
Recommendation letters have been submitted.
Submitting applications before the deadline is crucial, as late or incomplete applications are usually rejected.
Step 5: Attend Interviews (If Required)
Some prestigious scholarships, such as Chevening and Gates Cambridge, include an interview stage. The interview generally assesses:
Leadership potential
Academic achievements
Career goals
Motivation to study in the UK
Potential social impact after graduation
Preparing thoughtful and well-structured responses can significantly improve your chances of selection.
Scholarship Application Timeline for Indian Students
Starting early is one of the most important factors in securing a scholarship. The following timeline can help students plan their applications effectively.
Timeline
Activity
12-15 Months Before Intake
Research universities, courses, and scholarship opportunities
10-12 Months Before Intake
Prepare for IELTS/PTE and gather application documents
8-10 Months Before Intake
Apply for university admission and obtain recommendation letters
6-8 Months Before Intake
Submit scholarship applications and prepare for interviews
3-5 Months Before Intake
Receive scholarship decisions, accept offers, and apply for a student visa
1-2 Months Before Intake
Arrange accommodation and travel plans
Following this timeline can help students avoid last-minute stress and improve their chances of submitting strong applications.
Conclusion
The UK offers a wide range of funding opportunities for international students, from fully funded government schemes and prestigious university awards to course-specific and merit-based grants.
Whether you are planning to pursue an undergraduate degree, a one-year master's program, an MBA, or a PhD, there are several scholarships for Indian students to study in UK that can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education.
1. How can Indian students get a full scholarship in UK?
Indian students can secure a full scholarship by maintaining a strong academic record, building leadership experience, and applying to competitive programs such as Chevening, Commonwealth, Gates Cambridge, and Rhodes Scholarships. Starting applications early and submitting a compelling SOP can significantly improve your chances.
2. How can I get a 100% scholarship to study in UK?
To get a 100% scholarship, you should apply for fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Most of these scholarships evaluate applicants based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and future career goals.
3. Can Indian students apply for more than one scholarship in UK?
Yes. Students can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Applying to several funding opportunities increases the chances of securing financial support for studying in UK.
4. Do UK scholarships cover accommodation and living expenses?
Some scholarships provide only tuition fee support, while fully funded scholarships may also cover accommodation, living expenses, airfare, and other study-related costs. Students should carefully review the benefits offered by each scholarship before applying.
5. Is there an age limit for applying for scholarships in UK?
Most scholarships do not have a strict age limit. However, certain programs, such as the Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship, have specific age requirements, while others may prioritize early-career professionals or recent graduates.
6. Can Indian students get scholarships after receiving admission from a UK university?
Yes. Many universities offer scholarships to students who have already received an offer of admission. In some cases, students are automatically considered for scholarships once they accept their university offer.
7. Are there scholarships available for part-time courses in UK?
Most scholarships for Indian students to study in UK are designed for full-time programs. However, a few universities and external organizations offer funding opportunities for selected part-time postgraduate and research programs.
8. Can students receive a scholarship without extracurricular achievements?
Yes. Some scholarships focus primarily on academic excellence or financial need. However, leadership experience and extracurricular involvement can strengthen your application and make you a more competitive candidate.
9. Are scholarships in the UK taxable for international students?
Generally, scholarship funds used for tuition fees and educational expenses are not taxable in UK. However, tax regulations may vary depending on the scholarship and a student's individual circumstances.
10. Can Indian students work while studying on a scholarship in UK?
Yes. International students in UK are generally allowed to work part-time during their studies, subject to visa conditions. However, some scholarship providers may have specific rules regarding employment, so students should check their scholarship terms carefully.
11. What should I do if my scholarship application is rejected?
A rejection does not mean the end of your study abroad plans. Students can apply for other scholarships, explore university bursaries, seek education loans, or strengthen their profile and reapply in the next application cycle.
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 |4614 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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