Country Focussed
United Kingdom
Scholarship Type
Merit Based
Organising Entity
King’s College London
Scholarship Coverage
Partly Funded
Ariyaratnam Scholarship – King’s College London
The Ariyaratnam Scholarship is a prestigious undergraduate award provided by King’s College London to support academically talented students from households with modest financial backgrounds. This merit-based scholarship is specifically designed to empower students pursuing select programs in the Faculty of Business or Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences.
Official Link – Download Official Scholarship PDF – King’s College London
Why Study in the UK?
Studying in the UK offers a world-class education, globally recognized degrees, and access to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities. With a strong emphasis on research and innovation, UK institutions foster critical thinking and academic excellence. The multicultural environment, wide range of courses, and post-study work opportunities like the Graduate Route – make the UK an attractive destination for Indian students seeking quality education and career growth on a global scale.
Everything You need to Know about the Ariyaratnam Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Ariyaratnam Scholarship, applicants must actively meet both academic and financial requirements. The detailed eligibility criteria are outlined below:
1. Program Requirement: Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate course in either:
- The Faculty of Business (excluding language joint honours programs)
- The Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences
2. Academic Excellence:
- Candidates should have achieved AAB or higher in their A-Level examinations or equivalent international qualifications.
- This emphasizes strong academic merit as a primary selection factor.
3. Household Income:
- The applicant’s total annual household income should be at or below USD 56,102 (approx. GBP 45,000).
- This income threshold ensures that the scholarship supports students from lower-income or modest financial backgrounds.
4. Consent to Share Financial Data:
- Applicants are required to provide explicit consent allowing the sharing of their financial information with King’s College London.
- This consent is crucial for the verification of income-based eligibility.
Note: Meeting all eligibility criteria does not guarantee award selection as the scholarship is competitive and limited to a fixed number of recipients.
Organising Entity
King’s College London
King’s College London (KCL), one of the top-ranked universities in the UK and globally, administers the Ariyaratnam Scholarship. KCL is renowned for its world-class research, inclusive policies, and focus on supporting students through a wide array of financial aid programs and scholarships. The Ariyaratnam Scholarship represents the university’s commitment to equal access to quality education and academic excellence.
Is it Country Focused?
Yes – United Kingdom
The Ariyaratnam Scholarship is exclusively available for students studying in the United Kingdom, specifically those who gain admission to undergraduate programs at King’s College London. While there is no stated restriction on nationality, the scholarship strongly supports students from low-income backgrounds, including both domestic and international candidates who meet all eligibility criteria.
Is it University Focused?
Yes – King’s College London
This scholarship is university-specific, available only to students admitted to King’s College London in select faculties. Students applying to other UK universities or unrelated faculties at King’s are not eligible. The tight focus allows KCL to target institutional goals of inclusion, excellence, and support in particular academic streams.
Type of Scholarship
Merit-Based
The Ariyaratnam Scholarship is fundamentally a merit-based scholarship, though financial eligibility plays a supporting role in the final selection. Academic achievements are the key differentiator for applicants.
- Academic merit (AAB or higher in A-Levels or equivalent) is non-negotiable
- Financial criteria help ensure support goes to students from modest-income families
This hybrid model makes the scholarship ideal for high-performing students from underrepresented economic backgrounds.
Number of Students Selected
Only 2 Students Per Year
The Ariyaratnam Scholarship is highly selective, with only two students chosen annually. This limited number reflects the competitive nature of the award and the emphasis on excellence and targeted impact.
What are the Benefits Available
Successful applicants of the Ariyaratnam Scholarship receive substantial financial support, which directly reduces their tuition fees. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:
Total Value of Scholarship:
Each selected student receives a total award amount of USD 19,758 (approximately GBP 15,000)
Tuition Fee Coverage
Funds are applied directly to the recipient’s tuition fees at King’s College London. This reduces the out-of-pocket expenses significantly, allowing students to focus more on their studies and less on financial stress.
Disbursement Structure
The amount is divided into three annual installments of USD 6,574 (approx. GBP 5,000 per year). Payments are made once per academic year, covering part of the tuition costs.
Recognition and Prestige
Being awarded a competitive scholarship from a globally recognized institution adds value to the student’s academic portfolio and CV. It reflects the recipient’s academic excellence, discipline, and competitiveness.
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Final Thoughts
The Ariyaratnam Scholarship reflects King’s College London’s commitment to building an inclusive, diverse, and academically strong community. It provides vital financial aid to students who demonstrate outstanding academic potential but may face barriers due to household income.
If you’re a high-achieving student from a modest financial background aiming to study in the UK’s top faculties in Business or Sciences, this scholarship could be your key to success.
