Studying in the United Kingdom is a dream for many Indian students, thanks to its globally reputed universities, innovative research opportunities, and world-class academic environment. With universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics consistently ranking among the world’s best, the UK offers not just education but also a life-changing experience. However, pursuing higher education abroad can be expensive. From tuition fees to living costs, the financial burden can be significant. Thankfully, numerous scholarships are available for Indian students that can make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, and even living expenses. Explore Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian students in UK, merit-based scholarships, and Scholarship for Masters in UK for Indian students
Table of contents
- Why Study in the UK?
- Types of Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students
- Top Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK 2025
- 1. Chevening Scholarship (UK Government)
- 2. Commonwealth Scholarships
- 3. GREAT Scholarships (British Council)
- 4. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)
- 5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- 6. Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford)
- 7. University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships
- 8. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
- 9. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
- 10. British Council Women in STEM Scholarship
- Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students
- Scholarship for Master’s in UK for Indian students
- MBA Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students
- PhD Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK
- Eligibility Criteria for UK Scholarships
- What Do UK Scholarships Cover?
- How to Apply for Scholarships in the UK
- Documents Required for UK Scholarships
- Tips to Increase Your Scholarship Chances
- FAQs – Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK
- Final Thoughts – Plan Your Study in the UK with Scholarships
- Explore Other Scholarships in UK
Why Study in the UK?
The UK continues to be one of the top destinations for international students, offering a blend of academic excellence and cultural diversity. Here are a few reasons why Indian students should consider studying in the UK:
- Globally Ranked Universities: The UK is home to some of the world’s best universities that consistently rank in QS and Times Higher Education lists. Institutions such as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London have a long tradition of excellence.
- Shorter Degree Durations: A typical master’s program in the UK lasts just one year, allowing students to save both time and money compared to other destinations like the US or Canada.
- Multicultural Environment: With a large Indian community and students from over 100 countries, the UK offers a welcoming environment that promotes global learning and collaboration.
- Strong Post-Study Work Opportunities: The Graduate Route Visa allows international students to work in the UK for up to two years after completing their degree, enhancing their global employability.
Studying in the UK offers the perfect blend of quality education, cultural exposure, and career growth – and with scholarships, it becomes even more accessible for Indian students.
Types of Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students
There are several categories of scholarships available to Indian students wishing to pursue higher education in the UK. These can be classified based on the funding source, eligibility level, and type of coverage.
| Scholarship Type | Funding Source | Eligibility Level | Coverage |
| Government | UK Government | UG/PG/PhD | Fully or partially funded |
| University | UK Universities | UG/PG | Tuition + stipend |
| Private | NGOs / Trusts | PG/PhD | Variable coverage |
1. Government-Funded Scholarships
These scholarships are provided by the UK government to strengthen international relationships and support outstanding students from developing nations. Examples include the Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, and GREAT Scholarships.
2. University-Funded Scholarships
Many UK universities offer their own scholarships to attract talented international students. Examples include the Clarendon Fund at Oxford, Gates Cambridge Scholarship, and Global Scholarships at Edinburgh.
3. Private or External Scholarships
These are funded by private organizations or trusts, such as the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, British Council, or Tata Trusts, which help Indian students cover their study and living costs.
4. Subject-Specific Scholarships
Certain scholarships focus on specific areas like STEM, Law, Business, or Arts. For instance, the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship supports women pursuing careers in science and technology.
5. Level-Based Scholarships
Scholarships in the UK are offered for all levels – undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs – helping students at different stages of their academic journey.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK 2025
Let’s explore the most popular and prestigious scholarships available for Indian students in 2025.
1. Chevening Scholarship (UK Government)
- Eligibility: Must hold an undergraduate degree, demonstrate leadership potential, and have at least two years of work experience.
- Benefits: Covers full tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, and additional allowances.
- Why Apply: It’s one of the most prestigious scholarships for future global leaders.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
- Eligibility: Open to students from Commonwealth countries, including India, applying for master’s or PhD programs.
- Benefits: Fully covers tuition, living allowance, and travel expenses.
- Why Apply: Ideal for students seeking academic excellence and global exposure.
3. GREAT Scholarships (British Council)
- Eligibility: Indian students applying to participating UK universities.
- Benefits: Offers a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees.
- Why Apply: Excellent for students seeking partial financial support.
4. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic record, leadership potential, and community involvement.
- Benefits: Full tuition, accommodation, and a generous living stipend.
- Why Apply: One of the oldest and most respected global scholarship programs.
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students applying for a full-time postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.
- Benefits: Covers tuition, living expenses, and airfare.
- Why Apply: Focuses on academic excellence and social impact.
6. Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford)
- Eligibility: Automatically considered upon applying for graduate programs at Oxford.
- Benefits: Full tuition coverage and annual grant for living costs.
- Why Apply: Offers generous funding without separate applications.
Visit – https://www.ox.ac.uk/clarendon
7. University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships
- Eligibility: Open to international master’s students with strong academic profiles.
- Benefits: Up to £10,000 toward tuition fees.
- Why Apply: Ideal for postgraduate students seeking partial assistance.
8. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: Indian nationals below 30 years pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.
- Benefits: Up to $100,000 covering tuition and living expenses.
- Why Apply: Perfect for talented students in fields like art, design, and engineering.
9. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
- Eligibility: Mid-career professionals in arts, heritage conservation, or humanities.
- Benefits: Covers living expenses and partial travel costs.
- Why Apply: Tailored for professionals enhancing their creative skills.
10. British Council Women in STEM Scholarship
- Eligibility: Indian women applying for master’s in STEM fields.
- Benefits: Covers tuition, travel, visa, and health insurance.
- Why Apply: Encourages women’s participation in science and technology.
Visit – https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem
Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students
Fully funded scholarships are the most sought-after, covering tuition, accommodation, travel, and research-related expenses.
- Chevening Scholarships – Covers full cost of study, living, and airfare.
- Commonwealth Master’s & PhD Scholarships – Complete funding for postgraduate study.
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship – Fully covers tuition, stipend, and travel.
- Rhodes Scholarship – Covers all educational and living costs at Oxford.
- Felix Scholarships – Fully funds tuition and provides living stipends at select universities.
These programs not only remove financial barriers but also connect recipients with global networks of scholars and professionals.
Scholarship for Master’s in UK for Indian students
Pursuing a master’s degree in the UK is a fast and effective way to boost your career. Here are the best scholarships for Indian students:
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship – For high-achieving students from developing nations.
- GREAT Scholarship – £10,000 tuition grant for selected universities.
- Edinburgh Global Master’s Scholarships – Partial tuition fee waivers for postgraduate students.
- Imperial College London India Scholarship – For students with academic excellence in engineering or science.
Eligibility: Candidates should have a strong academic record, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), and an offer from a UK university.
Average Reward: £10,000 – £25,000 per student.
MBA Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students
UK MBA programs attract professionals seeking leadership and global management experience.
- London Business School Fund Scholarship
- Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship
- Cambridge Judge Business School Bursaries
- Warwick Business School MBA Scholarships
Coverage: Partial to full tuition fee.
Ideal For: Professionals with 3–5 years of experience and strong leadership potential.
PhD Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK
Doctoral research in the UK opens doors to academic and industrial careers worldwide.
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarship – Fully funded for research degrees.
- Gates Cambridge PhD Award – Full coverage for tuition, research, and travel.
- Clarendon Scholarship (Oxford) – Tuition, stipend, and conference funding.
- Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship – Full tuition and living allowance.
PhD scholarships often include research funding, laboratory access, and academic networking opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria for UK Scholarships
To qualify for most UK scholarships, Indian students must meet certain criteria:
- Consistent academic performance (usually 65–75% for postgraduate programs).
- English language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
- Offer letter from a recognized UK institution.
- Work experience for MBA or PhD programs.
- Evidence of leadership or community engagement.
What Do UK Scholarships Cover?
Most scholarships in the UK cover:
- Tuition fees (fully or partially).
- Monthly living allowance.
- Airfare and travel costs.
- Visa and health insurance.
- Research and thesis grants for PhD programs.
Fully funded scholarships for Indian students in the UK generally cover all these costs, ensuring students can focus entirely on their studies.
How to Apply for Scholarships in the UK
Follow these steps to apply effectively:
- Research scholarships by university, course, and eligibility.
- Check deadlines — most close between October and March.
- Prepare documents like SOPs, LORs, and transcripts.
- Submit your application via official university or scholarship portals.
- Attend interviews if shortlisted.
- Await results and confirm acceptance.
Documents Required for UK Scholarships
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Offer letter from a UK university
- IELTS/TOEFL scores
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Resume or CV
- Proof of extracurricular achievements
Tips to Increase Your Scholarship Chances
- Apply early — deadlines are often months before the intake.
- Maintain excellent academic grades.
- Write a compelling SOP focused on your goals and impact.
- Collect strong recommendation letters from professors or employers.
- Prepare thoroughly for interviews and present your leadership potential confidently.
FAQs – Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK
Q1. How to get a scholarship in the UK?
By maintaining strong academic performance, meeting eligibility criteria, and submitting applications on time.
Q2. Who is eligible for UK scholarships?
Indian students with strong academic and extracurricular records, leadership skills, and language proficiency.
Q3. Is IELTS required for a scholarship?
Yes, most scholarships require proof of English proficiency.
Q4. Can Indian students get fully funded scholarships?
Absolutely! Programs like Chevening, Rhodes, and Commonwealth offer complete funding.
Q5. Which scholarships are best for MBA students?
Oxford Pershing Square and LBS Fund are among the most prestigious.
Q6. Are there undergraduate scholarships in the UK?
Yes, universities like Bristol, Nottingham, and Warwick offer scholarships for undergraduates.
Final Thoughts – Plan Your Study in the UK with Scholarships
Studying in the UK opens countless academic and professional opportunities. With a wide range of scholarships available, Indian students can make this dream affordable and achievable. Apply early, prepare your documents carefully, and choose scholarships that align with your goals.
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