UK Scholarships for Indian Students

UK Intakes

UK Scholarships have specific intakes throughout the year, which are as follows:

Major Intake: September

Minor Intakes: January, February, March, July, and November

Eligibility Criteria for Applying for Scholarships for Studying Abroad

Researching the country and institution where you plan to pursue higher education is the initial and crucial step in applying for a study abroad program. You should start exploring scholarships offered by UK colleges for Indian students. Scholarships can vary depending on various factors. Indian students may qualify for scholarships based on the country, program, course, university, or specific area of study. Moreover, there are government-funded grants and scholarships that students can apply for, along with scholarships provided by various organizations specifically for international students.

Best UK Scholarships for Indian Students 2023

With careful planning well in advance, Indian students can avail themselves of an extensive range of UK scholarships. Here are some of the best scholarships available for Indian students to pursue their studies in the UK, regardless of the level of study:

• British Chevening Scholarships for International Students
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree Scholarship
• GREAT Scholarships
• A.S Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship
• Felix Scholarships
• Rhodes Scholarship
• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
• Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT)
• Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships
• Inlaks Scholarships
• Scotland Saltire Scholarships
• Goa Education Trust Scholarships
• Queen Mary University Scholarships
• University of Westminster Scholarships
• Vueville Future Technology Scholarship

Take advantage of these opportunities to make your dream of studying in the UK a reality!

British Chevening Scholarships for International Scholarships

Regarded as one of the top scholarships in the UK, the British Chevening Scholarships for International Students offer comprehensive financial support for one-year postgraduate programs in the country. With a vast array of opportunities across 150 universities encompassing more than 12,000 courses, this esteemed scholarship presents an 8-12 week program focused on specific areas of innovation, journalism, science, cybersecurity, and more.

The scholarship amount is valued at over GBP 18,000 (INR 17 Lakh), covering tuition fees, living and travel expenses, and visa costs.

Application Deadline:

Annually, applications start in August and close around November each year.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum of two years of work experience.
• Apply for a minimum of three courses in the UK and hold an offer from any of these courses.
• Fulfill the Chevening English Requirements, as well as the English proficiency criteria set by the UK university.
• Provide English Proficiency Test Scores as part of the application process.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree Scholarship

Erasmus Mundus is an international study program initiated by the European Union to enhance collaboration between the EU and the rest of the world. It offers scholarships to students aspiring to pursue a joint master’s degree from any college affiliated with the Erasmus Mundus program. Indian students are eligible for Erasmus Mundus scholarships to study in the UK, comprising 24 grants available to both third-world countries and EU/EEA nationals. The scholarship covers comprehensive financial assistance, encompassing participation, travel allowance, installation costs, and monthly allowances, making it one of the most prestigious scholarships in the UK.

Scholarship Awards:

Recipients of the scholarship will receive coverage for main costs, including tuition fees, library and laboratory expenses, and insurance coverage. Additionally, they will be granted a monthly subsistence allowance and assistance with other miscellaneous costs.

Scholarship Application Deadline: March 2023

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must either hold a first higher education degree or demonstrate extensive knowledge in their chosen field.

A.S Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship

The Hornby Scholarship Program, established in 1961 to honor A.S. Hornby, the creator of the Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary, is one of the prominent scholarships for Indian students aspiring to study in the UK. This scholarship is designed for English teachers who wish to pursue a one-year master’s degree in English Language Teaching (ELT) at the University of Warwick.

Scholarship Awards:

The scholarship provides a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, tuition fees, visa costs, and language tests.

Scholarship Application Deadline: October

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must hold a full-time university degree in English or Education.

Minimum three years of experience as a full-time teacher.

Fulfill the English proficiency test specified by the university as part of the eligibility requirements.

Felix Scholarships

Felix Scholarships aim to provide educational opportunities to underprivileged students in India and other developing countries, enabling them to pursue their postgraduate courses in the United Kingdom. The inception of Felix Scholarships in the UK commenced with 6 awards in 1991-1992 and has since expanded to 20 scholarships annually, benefiting 428 deserving students with this prestigious scholarship.

Scholarship Awards:

Felix Scholarships offer Tuition Fees and Extra Funds amounting to GBP 78,840 (INR 75.25 Lakh).

Deadline: December/January, depending on your course

Eligibility Criteria:

• The candidate must be below the age of 30 years.
• The candidate must be an Indian Nationality and currently residing or studying within India.
• Underprivileged candidates should apply for a full-time postgraduate program at any of the affiliated universities.
• Upon completion of their post-graduation, candidates are required to return to work in their home country.

Rhodes Scholarship

Established in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship program is one of the oldest scholarships available to Indian students pursuing studies in the UK. It awards five scholarships annually for postgraduate degree-level courses at Oxford University, with a duration of one or two years.

Scholarship Amount: GBP 59,490 (INR 56.76 Lakh)

Scholarship Perks: The scholarship provides an annual stipend covering college fees, living costs, and economy-class air tickets.

Scholarship Application Deadline: October 6

Eligibility Criteria:

• Candidates must have completed formal education at an Indian institution for a minimum of 4-10 years.
• Age limit: 19-25 years.
• Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree with first-class honors or an equivalent level of achievement.

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

Commonwealth Scholarships are renowned scholarships in the UK, where the governments of 53 Commonwealth Countries offer rewards to candidates from Commonwealth Nations. Established in 1959, this prestigious scholarship has benefited over 30,000 students in the UK.

Scholarship Awards:

The scholarship awards cover tuition fees, airline fares, and other miscellaneous allowances.

Scholarship Application Deadline: December

Eligibility Criteria:

• Candidates must be below 40 years of age and residents of India.
• Shortlisted eligible candidates for the scholarship are required to attend a personal interview in New Delhi.

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT)

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships are among the prominent scholarships for Indian students pursuing studies in the UK. Offered by the British Council, this scholarship comprises 10 long-term awards in the field of visual arts and heritage conservation for one-year-long courses.

Scholarship Perks:

The scholarship perks include visiting fellowships in specific disciplines at institutions, grants for doctoral study and research, and permission to attend the Scottish Universities Summer School.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 24th February 2023

Eligibility Criteria:

• Age limit: 25-38 years.
• Candidates must hold a graduate degree, diploma, or certification in their chosen field.

Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarships

The Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship program is an initiative by St. John’s College, the University of Cambridge. It aims to support academically brilliant students pursuing doctoral degrees in the fields of economics, science and technology, and social sciences. Preference is given to candidates applying for Aerospace Engineering and Energy Studies. This scholarship is highly esteemed in the UK.

Scholarship Awards:

The scholarship is fully funded, covering all expenses, including academic fees, UK visa expenses, travel allowance, and a monthly stipend.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 15 January of every year

Eligibility Criteria:

• Age limit: Less than 35 years.
• Candidates must hold a postgraduate degree from an affiliated Indian institution.
• They must have received a first-class award in their graduation and postgraduate degrees in the field they are applying for.
• Candidates should demonstrate leadership qualities through their work experience and personal statements.
• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken) is required.

Inlaks Scholarships

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation has been providing scholarships, grants, and awards to deserving students in various fields of academic excellence since 1976. Among its initiatives is the Inlaks Scholarships, benefiting numerous students pursuing studies in UK institutions.

Scholarship Awards:

The scholarship awards up to 100,000 US Dollars (INR 82.32 Lakhs) covering tuition fees, living costs, airline fares, and travel expenses.

Scholarship Application Deadline: March 31 Annually

Eligibility Criteria:

• Candidates must be below 30 years of age.
• Candidates should hold a first-class degree from a recognized institution in India.
• Candidates must have been a resident of India for the last six months at the time of applying for this scholarship.

Scotland Saltire Scholarships

In collaboration with Scottish Universities, the Scottish Government offers scholarship awards to students from India and other selected countries. This prestigious scholarship program in the UK targets students pursuing a Master’s Degree and aspiring to become influential leaders. Each year, up to 50 scholarships are awarded.

Scholarship Awards:

The scholarship awards up to 8,000 GBP (equivalent to INR 7.63 Lakh) covering tuition fees for a one-year Master’s Degree at any of Scotland’s institutions.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 31st July Annually

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be citizens of India, Canada, Japan, Pakistan, the USA, or China.
• Applicants should demonstrate the ability to meet the living costs standards in Scotland and fulfill the language requirements of the chosen course they intend to pursue.

PhD Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK

• Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship
• The Royal Society Grants
• Carnegie PhD Scholarships
• Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Countries
• The Newton-Bhabha Fund
• Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities
• Goa Education Trust Scholarships
• Saltire Scholarships
• Euraxess UK Scholarships

Masters Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK

Here are some of the most sought-after master’s scholarships in the UK available to Indian students:

• University of Reading Master’s Scholarship
• Marshall Scholarships
• CastleSmart Scholarships
• Cardiff University Elite International Scholarships
• Clarendon Scholarships by the University of Oxford
• University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships
• Queen’s University Belfast International Scholarships

These scholarships offer excellent opportunities for Indian students to pursue their master’s studies in the UK.

MBA Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK for 2023

If you’re considering studying MBA in the UK, explore these well-known MBA scholarships available to Indian students:

• IKOS Scholarships
• Women in Leadership Scholarship
• MBA Visionary Scholarship by the University of Strathclyde
• Chevening Scholarships
• Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
• Commonwealth Fellowship Plan
• GREAT scholarships
• The Global Study Awards
• Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
• The Cranfield Trust Scholarships in the UK
• Inlaks Scholarship
• Felix Scholarship

These scholarships present fantastic opportunities for Indian students pursuing an MBA degree in the UK.

UK University Scholarship for Indian Students

UK universities offer a diverse range of scholarships to international students enrolled in various courses. Below is a list of scholarships provided by UK universities for international students:

Coventry University

Introducing the Coventry Academic Performance Scholarship! This prestigious scholarship awards GBP 1,500 (equivalent to INR 1.43 Lakhs) to cover tuition fees for eligible students.

Coventry University, renowned for its diverse course offerings, warmly welcomes applicants from around the globe. To extend financial assistance to students, the university presents a range of scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Among them, the Coventry Academic Performance Scholarship stands out as a merit-based award, recognizing outstanding academic achievements in previous years.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Students must be enrolled full-time in either an undergraduate or postgraduate course.
• Postgraduate applicants should hold at least a 2:1 or equivalent qualification.
• For undergraduate programs, students should have achieved an A-grade or its equivalent.
• This scholarship opportunity serves as a testament to Coventry University’s commitment to supporting deserving students in their pursuit of academic excellence. Don’t miss your chance to apply and benefit from this exceptional opportunity!

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Presenting the renowned Gates Cambridge Scholarships, an esteemed offering by the University of Cambridge in the UK. This scholarship program extends its support to 55 international students, encompassing coverage for tuition fees and additional allowances.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarships demonstrate the University of Cambridge’s commitment to academic excellence and fostering a diverse global community. Apart from covering tuition fees, this scholarship encompasses other essential expenses such as visa costs, accommodation, a single airfare, and more, to ensure that recipients can focus wholeheartedly on their studies.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants should not be residents of the UK.
• Enrolled full-time in either a PhD or MSc/MLitt course at a UK university.
• Non-degree courses do not qualify for this scholarship.

Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship

Discover the Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship, an exceptional opportunity offered by the prestigious University of Edinburgh in the UK. As part of its commitment to supporting international students, the university extends various scholarship grants, and among them is the coveted Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship is exclusively available for doctoral students and provides comprehensive benefits, including coverage for tuition fees and an additional stipend.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Only students enrolled in on-campus research courses are eligible for this esteemed scholarship.
• Both full-time and part-time applicants have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship.

University of West London International Ambassador Scholarships

Experience the University of West London International Ambassador Scholarships, a prestigious opportunity extended to 100 deserving applicants. This remarkable scholarship program offers awards worth up to GBP 5,000 (equivalent to INR 4.77 Lakh) for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

As beneficiaries of this scholarship, students take on the role of ambassadors for the University of West London, actively engaging in various promotional activities to showcase the university’s excellence. The scholarship covers the tuition fees, easing the financial burden for the recipients.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must hold a full-time offer letter from the University of West London for any undergraduate or postgraduate course.
• Prior possession of a 4-tier Visa is required to be eligible for this esteemed scholarship.

UAL Vice-Chancellor’s Postgraduate International Scholarships

University of the Arts London offers UAL Vice-Chancellor’s Postgraduate International Scholarships:

£5,000 (INR 4.77 Lakhs) for tuition fees

£25,000 (INR 23.85 Lakhs) for tuition, accommodation, and expenses.

Deadline: 30th June

Eligibility: Enrolled in UAL master’s course, committed to returning to home country after studies.

FAQs for Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK:

Q: What are scholarships for Indian students in the UK?

A: Scholarships for Indian students in the UK are financial aid programs offered by UK universities and institutions to support Indian students pursuing their education in various undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses.

Q: What types of scholarships are available for Indian students in the UK?

A: Various types of scholarships are available, including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, country-specific scholarships, research-based scholarships, and those specific to certain fields of study.

Q: How can I find scholarships for Indian students in the UK?

A: You can find scholarships through official university websites, scholarship databases, educational fairs, and the respective Indian government or UK government scholarship portals.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for these scholarships?

A: Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific scholarship. Common criteria include academic performance, English language proficiency, course of study, and sometimes financial need or specific achievements.

Q: When should I apply for these scholarships?

A: Scholarship application deadlines differ for each scholarship. Generally, it is recommended to start researching and applying for scholarships well in advance, as deadlines may vary from a few months to a year before the course start date.

Q: Can I apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously?

A: Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships at the same time, but ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and carefully follow the application requirements for each.

Q: What expenses do these scholarships usually cover?

A: Scholarships can cover various expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, living costs, travel expenses, research expenses, and sometimes health insurance and visa fees.

Q: How competitive are these scholarships?

A: Scholarship competitiveness depends on factors like the number of applicants, the scholarship’s prestige, and its benefits. Some scholarships may be highly competitive due to limited awards available.

Q: Are scholarships available for undergraduate and postgraduate courses?

A: Yes, scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Some scholarships may also cater to specific research or doctoral programs.

Q: Can I apply for scholarships after I have already started my studies in the UK?

A: It is best to apply for scholarships before starting your studies, as most scholarships are awarded before the course commences. However, some universities may have specific scholarships available for current students as well.