Shahid Mustaq Murshed Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
The UK is one of the most popular study abroad destinations among aspirants for its world-renowned universities, cultural diversity, and top-notch research facilities. Statistics show, last year, 1,32,709 Indian students went to pursue higher education in UK. Though the cost of studying can be high, UK scholarships for Indian students offer a valuable way to reduce financial pressure and make this experience more affordable. In addition to scholarships, the majority of UK universities offer reduced tuition rates for applicants who make their first deposits before the due date. So, apply to UK universities as soon as possible to be eligible for scholarships.
Why Scholarships Matter for Indian Students
Studying in UK can be expensive, but the shorter duration of courses (3 year bachelors, 1 year masters) balances it. Average breakdown of the cost of studying in UK can be demonstrated as follows
- Undergraduate tuition fees: 10,000-38,000 GBP per year
- Postgraduate tuition fees: 11,000-32,000 GBP per year
- Living expenses: 1,023-1,334 GBP per month, depending on the location
Here comes the scholarships at your ease. There are Government funded scholarships, university specific scholarships, external organizational scholarships you can apply for. Come along to know more.
Also Read: UK Scholarships for Indian Students
Government Scholarships to Study in UK
Here are the list of top 3 UK Scholarships for Indian Students sponsored by the government, listed below.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage/ Award |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship |
An undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master’s program At least two years of work experience (2,800 hours) Chevening English Requirements and English Proficiency Test Scores |
Payment of tuition fees, Economy travel to and from your country An arrival allowance The cost of an entry clearance (visa) application for you only A departure allowance A contribution of up to £75 for TB testing (if needed) A travel top up allowance A monthly personal living allowance (stipend) |
| GREAT Scholarships |
Must be a citizen of India with an undergraduate degree Meet the English language requirement of the UK university Attend a networking event for all UK-based GREAT scholars Maintain contact with the British Council and their HEI and act as an ambassador for the GREAT scholarships |
10,000 GBP |
| Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship |
Candidates must be below 40 years of age and resident of India Appear for a personal interview in New Delhi. |
Include tuition fees, airline fares, and other miscellaneous allowances |
University Specific Scholarships
The majority of the UK universities offer their own scholarships to international postgraduate students. These scholarships can be categorized as follows
- Academic, merit and excellence scholarships
- Performance-based scholarships
- Subject-specific scholarships
- Equal access or sanctuary scholarships
- Disability scholarships
Here, we have listed some of the popular university-specific United Kingdom scholarships for international students.
| University | Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage/ Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | Gates Cambridge Scholarship | All students of particular courses are eligible | 17,500 GBP stipend + health insurance + 2,000 GBP academic development funding + 10,120 GBP family allowance |
| University of West London | International Ambassador Scholarship | All UG & PG students are eligible | 5,000 GBP on tuition fees |
| University of Bristol | Think Big Scholarship | Students receiving no other scholarship with 100% tuition waiver can apply | 20,000 GBP |
| University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship | Outstanding academic merit | Varies |
| University of Nottingham | Developing Solutions Scholarship | All students from any of the Commonwealth countries are eligible | 50-100% tuition fee waiver |
| Imperial College London | Imperial College London PhD Scholarships | Academic merit | Tuition fee waiver and stipend |
External Scholarships to Study in UK
Apart from the government and university scholarships, there are some externally funded scholarships which you can apply for. These scholarships are usually funded by any external organizations/ charity other than the university or government. Some of the popular external UK scholarships include the following.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage/ Award |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships | Students pursuing doctoral or research programs | Varies |
| Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships | Indian students below the age of 35 years with first class degrees in graduate and postgraduate programs | Tuition fees, travel allowances, visa costs, and miscellaneous expenses through monthly allowances |
| The Felix Scholarship | First class degree in the bachelor’s program from a recognized university or college and a recommendation letter | Varies |
| The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | Applicant must be an Indian passport holder and hold a degree from a recognized university in India | Tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, and health allowance |
| Rhodes Scholarships | Must be a citizen of India and completed at least 4 years of education in the last 10 years | Stipend of 19,092 GBP/ year to cover all living expenses, including accommodation |
How to Apply for Scholarships for International Students in UK
You can consider the following steps to apply for the scholarships for international students in UK.
Also Read: SOP for UK | UK Universities with High Acceptance Rates | UK Student Visa
Key Things to Remember
While undergraduate scholarships and bursaries for EU and international students studying in the UK are less common than they are for postgraduate studies, they do exist. Funding for EU and international undergraduate students in the UK can be split into two categories:
- Those offered by UK universities themselves
- Those offered by third parties - usually governments or organizations in your home country.
You can check this following websites to check undergraduate scholarships for international students in UK
- International Scholarships
- International Education Financial Aid
- British Council
- UKCISA
Studying in the UK offers incredible benefits, and with the right financial support, it can become a reality for Indian students. Scholarships are highly competitive, so plan well and submit strong applications. Focus on scholarships that align with your academic interests, personal strengths, and professional goals. For more information, you can consult each scholarship's official website or contact university admissions departments directly.
FAQs
Ques: How do I get a scholarship in the UK for Indian students?
Ans: Getting a scholarship in the UK might seem tricky, but it’s all about being proactive. Start with scholarships like the GREAT Scholarships or Commonwealth Scholarships—both are popular with Indian students. Make sure you’ve got strong academics, a compelling personal statement, and some extracurricular achievements to make your application shine.
Ques: Can I get a full scholarship in the UK for undergraduate studies?
Ans: Absolutely, but it’s super competitive! Programs like the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and university-specific awards like the Global Excellence Scholarship are great options. They usually cover tuition fees and may include living costs. Remember, you’ll need an excellent academic record and a strong application to stand out.
Ques: What scholarships are still available for UK master’s study for Indian students?
Ans: There’s good news here! Scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, and the Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship (offered by many universities) are still up for grabs. These can cover tuition, living costs, and sometimes even airfare. Deadlines vary, so it’s worth applying as early as possible.
Ques: What is the value of a full scholarship in the UK?
Ans: A full scholarship can cover everything—tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes even your airfare and health insurance. For instance, the Rhodes Scholarship offers all these perks, along with a monthly stipend to help you live comfortably in the UK. It’s a complete package to focus on your studies stress-free!
Comments
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What are the UK scholarships for Nigerian students?
Some UK scholarship options for Nigerian students, including those for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, like Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, etc.
What are the UK scholarships for Indian students for masters?
There are several scholarship options available for Indian students pursuing a Master's degree in the UK, including some fully-funded scholarships like Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, etc.
The ideal time to apply for UK scholarships varies depending on the specific scholarship program. For University Scholarships, it can be October or November, and for Government Scholarships, it can be August to September.