UK Scholarships for Indian Students

What is the Importance of UK Scholarships for Indian Students?

The UK knows that education in the country doesn’t come cheap. The average tuition fees for an international student amount to approximately INR 20 lakh, and this is excluding living expenses. To add to that, students applying for a UK visa need to show specified documents that they have at least £1,265 in their bank for living expenses. The huge amount of expenditure before as well as while studying abroad leads to many students giving up on their dreams of an education in the UK. Oftentimes, students take on on/off-campus jobs to support themselves and to pay off the education loans they may have taken. This leaves them with very little time to focus on their education, which snowballs into falling grades, fewer employment prospects, and increasing loan debt. Therefore, UK scholarships for international students prove to be the best way to finance their education. Depending on their profile and eligibility criteria, there are many UK scholarships that Indian students can apply for. 

Without further ado, we go to the top UK scholarships -

Famous Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the UK

1. Chevening Scholarships

This scholarship is for students with emerging leadership qualities pursuing a one-year master's course in the UK. There is a set of eligibility criteria, and your application will undergo an electronic sift for the evaluation of your qualifications. Even a minor mistake could lead to rejection, so be very careful when filling your application. The application process starts a year before the application deadline because the vetting process is a minimum of 8 months. So plan accordingly. 

• Amount - Usually covers tuition fees, and living allowance at a set rate. 
• Eligibility Criteria -  You should be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country. There are more than 160 Chevening-eligible countries of which India is one of the eligible countries. Two years of work experience. Should have applied to three different courses and received an unconditional letter from at least one of them by the specified deadline.  Should have met the required English Language Tests by the specified deadline.
• You should be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country. There are more than 160 Chevening-eligible countries of which India is one of the eligible countries.
• Two years of work experience.
• Should have applied to three different courses and received an unconditional letter from at least one of them by the specified deadline. 
• Should have met the required English Language Tests by the specified deadline.
• Duration - 1 year

To know more about this Scholarship, Click here

1. Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth scholarships, a prominent funded PhD in UK for international students, aim to support exceptional students from the Commonwealth countries. Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), these scholarships are part of British International Development Goals. Candidates with innovative and leadership qualities are preferred for the scholarships.

• Amount - Fully funded: Tuition fees, Living expenses, Air fare, etc
• Eligibility - To be eligible for this scholarship, you must -  A resident of a Commonwealth country Need for the scholarship to complete education Required academic and extracurricular excellence
• A resident of a Commonwealth country
• Need for the scholarship to complete education
• Required academic and extracurricular excellence
• Duration: Duration of your post-graduate studies (Master’s or Doctorate).
• Duration of your post-graduate studies (Master’s or Doctorate).

To know more about this scholarship, click here. 

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree is a fully funded scholarship for high-level, integrated master’s programs funded by the European Union. It enables the beneficiaries to complete their master’s in different European countries with an allowance of 1100-1200 Euros per month, apart from funding all other expenses. The applicant is allotted admission to a particular university while applying for the scholarship, and all eligible applicants of any nationality can apply for this scholarship.

Amount/Expense covered:

• Variable amount
• Fully-funded scholarship
• Monthly allowance- 1100-1200 Euros

Eligibility:

• Be an international student or guest lecturer in a European University
• Academic excellence
• Students of master’s or doctorate degree Know More

1. Felix scholarship

The Felix scholarship assists students from India and other developing countries to study postgraduate courses in UK universities. The scholarship is offered at the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), part of the University of London. The eligible candidates will be those students with excellent academic records and the financial necessity for the scholarship. 

Amount/Expense covered:

• Around £15,038 towards living expenses
• Allowance for clothes, books, and a return flight ticket

Eligibility:

• Studying a master’s or doctoral degree in a UK university
• No previous experience of study in the UK
• Having a first-class degree from an Indian university. Know More

1. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

Sponsored by the Inlak Shivdasani Foundation, the Inlaks scholarships are awarded to Indian students of master’s, m Phil, or Ph.D. courses in the UK, US, or any European or North American country. A wide range of subjects is considered for the scholarship, such as architecture, journalism, theater, fashion, etc. The applicants must clear preliminary and final interviews to qualify for the scholarship.

Amount/Expenses covered:

It is a one-time payment that covers:

• Tuition fee
• Living costs
• Travel expenses

Eligibility:

• Degree from an Indian University
• Below the age of 30 years
• Fulfill the admission requirements of the course. Know More

1. British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

The British Council offers scholarships to women to study a master’s in STEM subjects at a UK university. The scholarship is available at selected twenty-six UK universities for students who require financial support. Beneficiaries of the scholarship are expected to possess a passion for studies and a demonstrated interest or work experience.

Amount/Expense covered:

• Tuition fee
• Monthly stipend
• Travel expenses
• Visa and health coverage fees
• English language support
• Special support for mothers

Eligibility:

• Women with a degree in a STEM subject
• Degree from a developing country
• Meet the English requirements of the university. Know More

1. HSBC India Scholarship

HSBC is the acronym for Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. The HSBC sponsors scholarships for Indian students for undergraduate or graduate studies in the UK universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and London. The applicants must submit an essay of 500 words detailing the purpose of the study and plans, along with the relevant documents. 

Amount/Expenses covered:

• GPB 25,000 (INR 24,34,946.60)
• Tuition fee
• Settling fee
• Books allowance
• One-time airfare

Eligibility:

• Indian citizenship
• Below the age of 25 years
• A good and consistent academic record. Know More

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the UK -College-Specific 

1. Gates Cambridge Scholarships - University of Cambridge

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awards fully funded scholarships to international students of Cambridge University. Around 80 scholarships are disbursed annually, two-thirds of which fund Ph.D. studies. The perfect applicants excel in reasoning why they are studying a particular course, in addition to their outstanding intellectual abilities, leadership, and social commitment. 

• Amount - Covers full tuition fees
• Eligibility Criteria - International student Any student applying for any of the following full-time courses at the University of Cambridge PhD MSc./MLitt One-year postgraduate course Student of a part-time doctoral degree (new scheme for October 2023 admissions)
• International student
• Any student applying for any of the following full-time courses at the University of Cambridge PhD MSc./MLitt One-year postgraduate course
• PhD
• MSc./MLitt
• One-year postgraduate course
• Student of a part-time doctoral degree (new scheme for October 2023 admissions)

Know more about Scholarship.

1. Rhodes Scholarships - University of Oxford

Envisioning a bright scholar community, the Rhodes Scholarship is fully funded to help deserving candidates study at Oxford. Full-time postgraduate students can apply for the scholarship in June/July 2023 for October 2024 admissions.

• Amount/Expense covered Tuition fee Monthly stipend (1,442.50/month for the 2020-22 academic year) Visa fee One time to and from the UK airfare (economy class) Health insurance (International Health Surcharge-IHS) Settling allowance
• Tuition fee
• Monthly stipend (1,442.50/month for the 2020-22 academic year)
• Visa fee
• One time to and from the UK airfare (economy class)
• Health insurance (International Health Surcharge-IHS)
• Settling allowance
• Eligibility -   Be an Indian citizen Not be over the age of 25 years Undergraduate degree with a first-class Extracurricular achievements and social commitment. Know More
• Be an Indian citizen
• Not be over the age of 25 years
• Undergraduate degree with a first-class
• Extracurricular achievements and social commitment. Know More

1. MBA Scholarship - Anglia Ruskin University

As its name suggests, the Anglia Ruskin University MBA scholarships are for studying MBA in the UK. The advantage of the scholarship will be a one-time fee reduction. The beneficiaries are automatically selected for the scholarship. Domestic as well as international students are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

• Amount/Expense covered - £4000 fee reduction for one-year MBA £2000 fee reduction for two-years MBA. But if you’re unable to find work, you’ll become eligible for a £4000 fee reduction offered to one-year students. 
• £4000 fee reduction for one-year MBA
• £2000 fee reduction for two-years MBA. But if you’re unable to find work, you’ll become eligible for a £4000 fee reduction offered to one-year students. 
• Eligibility - To be eligible, you must be -  An international student  Studying Masters of Business Administration, or Masters of Business Administration with Placement Year.  Studying full time
• An international student 
• Studying Masters of Business Administration, or Masters of Business Administration with Placement Year. 
• Studying full time
• Duration - One-time fee reduction in the first year of study. Know More

1. Global Excellence Scholarships - University of Exeter

The University of Exeter provides various different scholarships to students who apply to their undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Awarded to students who have an excellent academic record, are in need of financial aid and show commitment to the programme, for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.  

• Amount - Scholarships worth £5,000 are offered, payable as a reduction of the international tuition fee for the first year of study.
• Eligibility - Minimum aggregate scores of 80%, or 70% for the West Bengal Board Standard XII. Other regional board standard XII exams can be considered on an individual basis, but they usually require an aggregate score of at least 85%. For direct entry onto our Masters programmes you will be required to hold a relevant Bachelor's degree with a grade equivalent to a UK Second-class honors (2:1 or 2:2). Know More

1. Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships - University of Oxford

The Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships financially back students of  1+1 MBA, a program covering a Master’s degree with a one-year MBA. Candidates with sustainable solutions to global social challenges can apply for the scholarship. More than funds, the beneficiaries enjoy attending international conferences, timely events, and scholar community activities. 

• Amount/Expense covered: Full course fee Living allowance of minimum £17,668 per year for two years
• Full course fee
• Living allowance of minimum £17,668 per year for two years
• Eligibility -To be eligible, you have to apply for the Oxford 1+1 MBA programme with an excellent GMAT or GRE score and academic records.
• Number of Scholarships - Up to 6. Know More

1. University of Glasgow International Leadership Scholarship

The University of Glasgow International Leadership Scholarship merits the international students studying for a Master's at the University of Glasgow in the 2023-24 academic year. This scholarship is a one-time fee reduction; the scholarship value is £10,000. Beneficiaries of the scholarship are automatically selected by their academic excellence. 

• Amount/Expense covered: £10,000 towards the tuition fee
• £10,000 towards the tuition fee
• Eligibility - To be eligible, you must be -  Being an international student Academic excellence Having a postgraduate offer for September 2023 academic year. Know More
• Being an international student
• Academic excellence
• Having a postgraduate offer for September 2023 academic year. Know More

1. The Chancellor's Scholarship - University of Bath

The Chancellor’s Scholarship offered by the University of Bath is a tuition waiver worth up to £2,000 to students with an excellent academic record. The eligible candidates are selected on the virtue of their academic merit.

• Amount - A tuition waiver worth up to £2,000
• Eligibility - To be eligible, you must - First-year undergraduate student International student Academic excellence 
• First-year undergraduate student
• International student
• Academic excellence 

1. Newcastle University - Scholarship

1. Charles Letts Memorial Scholarship

The Charles Letts Memorial Scholarship is available for students who enroll in Newcastle University for a STEM degree via a PARTNERS program. The applicants must demonstrate why they can’t survive without this scholarship. 

• Amount -£2,000 per year for three years
• Eligibility - Enrolled for a STEM subject in Newcastle University Demonstrated need for the scholarship
• Enrolled for a STEM subject in Newcastle University
• Demonstrated need for the scholarship

1. Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships

The Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships by Newcastle University merit the undergraduate and postgraduate international students of Newcastle University. The scholarship is £4,000 towards the tuition fee. The recipients must be those who commence their studies in September 2023. 

Amount/Expense covered:

• £4,000 in tuition fee

Eligibility:

• An international student from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand or Vietnam
• Academic excellence
• Admission to Newcastle University in September 2023

1. International Postgraduate Part Fee Scholarship - University of Westminster

The International Postgraduate Part Fee Scholarship is a one-time award of £2,000 towards the tuition fee for the first semester. The beneficiaries will start their full-time course in January 2023 at Westminster University.

• Amount - £2,000 in tuition Fee
• Eligibility - To be eligible, you must - International student Master’s commencement in January 2023 Regular Master’s course
• International student
• Master’s commencement in January 2023
• Regular Master’s course

1. Vice Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship - University of Liverpool

The Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship is awarded to non-European Union students entering the University of Liverpool in 2023. The applicants must commence their full-time undergraduate program in September 2023. Beneficiaries will receive a fee reduction of £3,000 in their first year. 

Amount/Expenses covered:

• £3,000 fee reduction for the first year

Eligibility:

• Commencing non-clinical undergraduate courses
• Excellent academic record
• No other sponsorships. Know More

Other UK Scholarships Programs for Indian Students in 2022

The UK government made a generous effort to mark the 75th year of India's independence by announcing 75 scholarships for students from India. This year also marks 75 years of diplomatic relationship with India. Every year thousands of Indian students go to the UK to pursue higher education, and thus it becomes imperative for the UK government to make some efforts on their part to encourage more Indian students to pursue higher education in the UK. The UK government gives other scholarships, too, but this one is undoubtedly the highest number of scholarships that has ever been given to Indian students. This scholarship scheme aims to help students get world-class education without having to spend a ton of money on it. The scholarship has become possible through active contributions from the UK government and corporates.

The scholarship targets students planning to pursue a one-year master's program and will get contributions from companies like Tata Sons, HSBC, Duolingo, Hindustan Unilever, and Pearson India. These corporate bodies have stepped forward to help the UK government materialize this scholarship scheme which will benefit a ton of Indian students. The program also includes the famous Chevening scholarship that lets students study at any university in the UK and pursue any course they wish.

Scholarships mentioned in the above table are among the major ones of the 75 scholarships being offered.

Details You Need to Know About the Scholarship

One of the best things about this scholarship is that you will not have to worry about anything once selected. The scholarship is pretty holistic in terms of covering the expenses. It includes Tuition Fees, Living Expenses, Cost of Travelling to the university from the place of origin. However, the scholarship is only for working professionals so the applicants need at least two years of working experience to be eligible for this scholarship scheme. The corporates, the UK government, and other stakeholders on the sidelines of the India Global Forum brainstormed to formulate this scheme. The scholarship scheme was announced when corporate leaders and representatives of the governments from both India and the UK were slated to meet for the India Global Forum in London. The British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, announced the 75 scholarships for Indian students.

British High Commissioner Mr. Ellis referred to these scholarships as a milestone. Mr. Ellis also went on to thank the valuable contributors of the scholarship scheme. The new scholarships are for students coming from diverse backgrounds. Mr. Ellis stressed the importance of these scholarships and how they change the lives of Indian students not living in big cities. He referred to the stats and said that around 30% of the recipient of the Chevening scholarships hail from smaller towns. Another interesting fact that Mr. Ellis stressed is that 30% of Chevening scholars are first-generation students. This goes on to prove the diversity of these scholarships and how they are changing the lives of those who do not have the means to study at the top global universities like Oxford and Cambridge.

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How to Apply for UK Scholarships for Indian Students?

How to Increase the Chances of Getting a Scholarship to Study in the UK for Indian Students?

Applying for a scholarship is no different than applying for an admission in a premium college. Seats are less, funding is tight, and competition is cut-throat. You’d have to build your profile accordingly to get selected for top UK scholarships. 

• Academics are the main criteria judged while awarding scholarships. So, aim for a first division or at least 80% - 85% in your undergraduate degree. Obviously, you will have to work hard during your undergraduate years to make your academic profile strong.
• Next criteria judged are the scores you get in your GRE/GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL. Scoring the best possible marks in these tests will put you in the top tier.
• Carefully fill the scholarship form as many universities do not provide the chance to edit the details once filled. 

Read Also:

• Top Universities in UK
• UK Education System
• MIM in uk 
• UK Universities Application Deadline
• Part-Time Work Options in the U.K.
• Cost of Living in the UK

How the UK Scholarships Get Revoked for Indian Students?

Securing a scholarship is not the end of the process. There are some guidelines you should follow so that your scholarship doesn’t get revoked. 

• Most UK universities offering scholarships to international students maintain a pristine standard of grades. Slacking in your studies is therefore not an option if you want to keep receiving financial aid. 
• Changing your details or course preference is another case where your scholarship can get revoked. Many UK universities do not allow changing your major once the application process starts.
• Similarly, most scholarships are college-specific and changing your college or university would lead to the cancellation of your scholarship. 
• Scholarships are awarded to ease the financial burden of education abroad, and therefore, inappropriate use of funds should be avoided. Most scholarships have set rules for spending, so read the terms and conditions of the scholarship carefully. 
• Providing false information is another major pitfall. Make sure the information you provide is accurate. 

How GyanDhan’s Scholarship Finder Helps You?

We, at GyanDhan, want Indian students applying to UK universities to get the maximum benefits with minimum costs and least hassle. To achieve that, we have designed our GyanDhan’s Scholarship Finder tool to help students search for scholarships for their preferred country and target course. This provides you with a comprehensive list of all the scholarships available to applicants. All you have to do is enter your search query, target country, college and course, and you will get a streamlined list of all scholarships available for you to apply.