Studying in the UK is a dream of many students, especially Indians, due to its high-ranked universities offering a cutting-edge curriculum, advanced and adequately equipped laboratories, and globally renowned faculty for their industry expertise. However, one of the major issues that international students face in their academic journey in the UK is that not only are the tuition quite high but also the living costs in London and outside of it can be quite intimidating.
But, no worries! Because this blog will explain to you all major scholarships that are available for Indian students and their eligibility criteria. Additionally, if you already have an offer from a UK university, you might already be eligible for more than half of the scholarships, and for the other half, you may need to file a separate application. The process is simple but require meticulous planning.
Types of Scholarships
There are various types of scholarships available for Indian students:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students with exceptional academic background, leadership skills, and community-oriented vision. It is highly competitive.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Students facing financial constraints are eligible for such awards. They can help cover tuition and living expenses.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities offer college or course-specific scholarships to attract international students to their campus.
- Government-Funded Scholarships: These scholarships aim to celebrate diversity and multiculturalism, offering students from different backgrounds a chance to intermix on their campus.
- Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain scholarships target particular courses like STEM or liberal arts to offer their support and encouragement to such fields.
8 Best Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students
Chevening Scholarships
- Level: Master’s degree (for 1-year programs)
- Coverage: Fully funded (tuition, living costs, airfare, and additional allowances)
- Eligibility: Indian citizens with an undergraduate degree with a commitment to return to India for at least 2 years.
- Deadlines: Early November each year.
Commonwealth Scholarships
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- Coverage: Fully funded with special allowances for airfare, thesis grant, and warm clothing
- Eligibility: Citizens of all commonwealth countries with an undergraduate degree are eligible
- Deadlines: Between October and December each year.
GREAT Scholarships
- Level: Master’s degree (1-year courses)
- Coverage: A minimum of GBP 10,000 for tuition
- Eligibility: Indian passport holders applying to postgraduate taught courses in a participating UK university. Applicants must show academic merit and leadership skills.
- Deadlines: Varies according to participating universities; typically between March and June.
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
- Level: Doctoral research, short research fellowships, and visiting fellowships
- Coverage: Can be fully and partially funded
- Eligibility: Indian students aged between 28 and 30, working in the arts, heritage conservation, or humanities
- Deadlines: Between November and December
Rhodes Scholarships
- Level: Master’s or PhD at Oxford
- Coverage: Fully funded with airfare
- Eligibility: Exceptional Indian students aged between 19 and 25 with outstanding academic qualifications, character, leadership potential, and energy to use their talents to the full.
- Deadlines: Strictly in July or August of the prior year
Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships
- Level: Master’s degree
- Coverage: GBP 8,000 for tuition
- Eligibility: Citizens of India and some other countries who hold an offer from a Scottish university in STEM, healthcare, and creative arts fields
- Deadlines: Closes around May
British Council Women in STEM
- Level: Master’s degree or Early Career Fellowships
- Coverage: Fully funded covering tuition fees, stipend, travel costs, visa and health coverage fees, with special support for mothers.
- Eligibility: Female students holding an Indian passport with financial need
- Deadlines: typically between March and the UK, but mostly depend on the partner UK universities
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Level: PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year postgraduate courses at Cambridge University
- Coverage: Fully funded with special allowance for maternity/paternity support
- Eligibility: Citizens of any country outside the UK applying to the above-mentioned programs. The applicants are evaluated on intellectual ability, leadership capacity, and a commitment to improving the lives of others
- Deadlines: December or January, depending on the University
Additional Scholarships
Apart from the above scholarships, there are many more famous and prestigious scholarships that you can avail if you do not meet the eligibility criteria of the above. They cover a range of courses from undergraduate and postgraduate courses to diploma and pathway courses.
| Westminster Undergraduate Full International Scholarship | Think Big Undergraduate Scholarships (University of Bristol) | NCUK Progression Scholarships | Hornby Scholarships (British Council) |
| National Overseas Scholarship Scheme | Global Futures Scholarships (University of Manchester) | Think Big About Global Justice Scholarships (University of Bristol) | Felix Scholarships |
| President’s Undergraduate Scholarships (Imperial College London) | Kaplan International Pathways Scholarships | Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships | Goa Education Trust Scholarships |
How to Apply
- Understand the eligibility criteria and then shortlist scholarships
- Prepare your documents, like academic transcripts, SoPs, and LORs, English proficiency scores, etc.
- Meet the individual deadlines for applications
- Attend interviews to convince the panel of why you need the scholarship and how well you can contribute to the development of your country.
Tips for Securing a Scholarship
- Start your research early, as the slots are limited.
- Customise applications for each scholarship instead of sending a generic one.
- Check for specific requirements of a particular scholarship.
- Highlight your achievements and leadership skills as scholarship providers look for a holistic application rather than just academic excellence.
In conclusion, even if you feel that the fee of your UK University is higher than what you could imagine, fear not! You can easily secure fully-funded or partially-funded scholarships if you are committed to community service, have exceptional leadership qualities, and an optimistic vision for your home country.
Having trouble understanding something or filling out the application? Connect with the experts at Global Opportunities for your entire journey, from admissions to visa.