UK Scholarships for Indian Students: Complete Guide for 2024

The standard of education in the UK has always been top-notch. So it is no coincidence that 11 UK universities feature in the top 100 universities, according to the World University Rankings 2020. The rich culture, quality education, and strong research infrastructure of the universities are just some of the reasons for international students to choose the UK for their higher education. As per sources, the number of Indian Students in UK Universities Increases by 63%. In this blog, you'll learn about various UK study scholarship Indian students can apply for, including Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and more.

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. 

Some of the famous scholarships for UK undergraduate students and other levels of study from India are listed below - 

Chevening Scholarships

Commonwealth Masters Scholarships

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

Felix scholarship

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

HSBC India Scholarship

 

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening 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.

Should have applied to three different courses and received an unconditional letter from at least one of them by the specified deadline. 

Duration - 1 year

 

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

Duration: Duration of your post-graduate studies (Master’s or Doctorate).

 

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

 

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

 

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:

• Tuition fee
• Living costs
• Travel expenses

Eligibility:

• Degree from an Indian University
• Below the age of 30 years

 

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

 

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

Gates Cambridge Scholarships - University of Cambridge

Rhodes Scholarships - University of Oxford

MBA Scholarship

Global Excellence Scholarships - University of Exeter

Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships - University of Oxford

University of Glasgow International Leadership Scholarship

The Chancellor's Scholarship - University of Bath

Newcastle University - Scholarship

International Postgraduate Part Fee Scholarship - University of Westminster

Vice Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship - University of Liverpool  

 

Gates Cambridge Scholarships - University of Cambridge

 

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awards fully funded scholarships called Gates Cambridge Scholarships - University of Cambridge 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 2024 admissions)

Student of a part-time doctoral degree (new scheme for October 2024 admissions)  

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 2024 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)

Eligibility - Be an Indian citizen Not be over the age of 25 years Undergraduate degree with a first-class Extracurricular achievements and social commitment. 

Extracurricular achievements and social commitment.  

 

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. 

Duration - One-time fee reduction in the first year of study  

 

Global Excellence Scholarships - University of Exeter

The University of Exeter provides various different scholarships to students who apply to their undergraduate and postgraduate programs adn one of them is Global Excellence Scholarships. 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).   

 

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

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.   

 

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 2024-24 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

Eligibility - To be eligible, you must be - Being an international student Academic excellence Having a postgraduate offer for September 2024 academic year.

• Being an international student
• Academic excellence
• Having a postgraduate offer for September 2024 academic year.   

 

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   

 

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  

 

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 2024. 

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 2024  

 

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 2024 at Westminster University.

Amount - £2,000 in tuition Fee

Eligibility - To be eligible, you must - International student Master’s commencement in January 2024 Regular Master’s course

• International student
• Master’s commencement in January 2024
• Regular Master’s course  

 

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 2024. The applicants must commence their full-time undergraduate program in September 2024. 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  

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. 

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. 

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.

Still, confused about what scholarship options are available for your course and college combination? Contact GyanDhan right away! We have tied up with leading admission counsellors who know the A-Z of higher education abroad and provide reliable, relevant, and accurate information to the students. Book a free admission consultation here, and we will be more than happy to get you in touch with our partner counsellors. 
 

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