Studying in the United Kingdom is a dream for thousands of Indian students every year. Home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, the UK offers globally recognized degrees, high academic standards, diverse cultures, and strong career prospects. However, the cost of studying in the UK—including tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses—can be a major concern for many Indian students.
This is where scholarships in the UK for Indian students play a crucial role. From fully funded government scholarships to partial tuition waivers offered by universities, the UK provides numerous financial aid options to support talented and deserving Indian students.
This comprehensive guide covers UK scholarships for Indian students, including eligibility criteria, scholarship amounts, application deadlines, and tips to apply successfully.
Why Study in the UK?
Before diving into scholarships, it’s important to understand why the UK is such a popular study destination for Indian students.
Key Benefits of Studying in the UK
- World-renowned universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and LSE
- Shorter course durations (1-year master’s programs)
- High employability and global recognition
- Multicultural and welcoming environment
- Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route – up to 2 years)
- Strong research and innovation ecosystem
Despite these advantages, affordability remains a concern—making scholarships essential.
Types of Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students
UK scholarships can be broadly classified into the following categories:
- Government-funded scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
- Course or subject-based scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based scholarships
- External and private scholarships
Top Government-Funded UK Scholarships for Indian Students
1. Chevening Scholarships (Fully Funded)
Chevening Scholarships are among the most prestigious and popular scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK.
Eligibility
- Indian citizenship
- Bachelor’s degree
- At least 2 years of work experience
- Strong leadership and networking skills
- Admission offer from a UK university
Scholarship Amount
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel costs (airfare)
- Visa fees
- Additional grants for events
Deadline
- Applications usually open: August
- Deadline: Early November
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Funded by the UK government, Commonwealth Scholarships support students from Commonwealth countries, including India.
Eligibility
- Indian citizen
- Undergraduate or master’s degree with strong academic record
- Demonstrated financial need
- Admission to eligible UK programs
Scholarship Amount
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Airfare to and from the UK
- Study-related grants
Deadline
- Typically between October and December
3. GREAT Scholarships (UK Government)
The GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the UK government and participating universities.
Eligibility
- Indian nationality
- Undergraduate or postgraduate admission offer
- Academic merit and motivation
Scholarship Amount
- £10,000 towards tuition fees (one-year programs)
Deadline
- Varies by university (usually April–May)
University-Specific Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students
Many UK universities offer exclusive scholarships for Indian and international students.
4. University of Oxford – Clarendon Fund
Eligibility
- Excellent academic record
- Admission to graduate programs
Scholarship Amount
- Full tuition fees
- Living expenses
Deadline
- January (aligned with course deadlines)
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Though primarily associated with Cambridge University, Indian students are major beneficiaries.
Eligibility
- Outstanding academic excellence
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to improving lives
Scholarship Amount
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Travel costs
- Family allowance (where applicable)
Deadline
- October–December
6. University of Westminster Scholarships
Eligibility
- Indian students with strong academic performance
- Financial need
Scholarship Amount
- Full tuition fee waiver or partial funding
- Accommodation support
Deadline
- May–June
7. University of Bristol – Think Big Scholarships
Eligibility
- Indian and international students
- Undergraduate or postgraduate offers
Scholarship Amount
- £5,000 to £20,000 tuition fee waivers
Deadline
- February–April
8. University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship
Eligibility
- Indian students with excellent academics
- Admission to undergraduate or master’s programs
Scholarship Amount
- £5,000 to £10,000 per year
Deadline
- April–May
Subject-Specific Scholarships in the UK
Certain scholarships are designed for specific fields of study.
Popular Subject Areas
- Business & Management
- Engineering & Technology
- Law
- Medicine & Healthcare
- Data Science & AI
- Sustainability & Climate Studies
Examples include:
- MBA scholarships at top UK business schools
- STEM scholarships for engineering and technology students
- Research grants for PhD candidates
Eligibility Criteria for UK Scholarships (General)
Although each scholarship has its own criteria, most UK scholarships require:
- Indian citizenship
- Academic excellence
- English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or exemption)
- Admission offer from a UK university
- Personal statement or essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Financial need (for need-based scholarships)
Scholarship Amounts: How Much Can You Get?
UK scholarships for Indian students can range from partial to fully funded:
- Partial scholarships: £2,000 – £10,000
- Tuition fee waivers: 25%–100%
- Fully funded scholarships: Tuition + living + travel
Fully funded scholarships are competitive but life-changing.
Application Deadlines: Key Timeline
| Scholarship Type | Typical Deadline |
|---|---|
| Chevening | November |
| Commonwealth | October–December |
| GREAT | April–May |
| University Scholarships | January–June |
| MBA Scholarships | Rolling deadlines |
Tip: Always check official university websites for updated deadlines.
How to Apply for Scholarships in the UK
Step-by-Step Process
- Shortlist universities and courses
- Apply for admission
- Prepare required documents
- Apply for scholarships separately
- Attend interviews (if required)
- Accept scholarship offer
Documents Required for UK Scholarships
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- CV/Resume
- English language test scores
- Passport
- Admission offer letter
Tips to Increase Your Scholarship Chances
- Apply early
- Focus on strong SOPs
- Highlight leadership and achievements
- Maintain excellent academics
- Gain relevant work experience
- Apply for multiple scholarships
Can Indian Students Study in the UK Without IELTS?
Yes, some universities allow alternatives such as:
- Medium of instruction certificate
- Previous education in English
- University-specific language tests
However, scholarship eligibility may still require proof of English proficiency.
Post-Study Work Opportunities in the UK
With the Graduate Route Visa, Indian students can:
- Work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation
- Gain international experience
- Transition to skilled worker visas
This makes UK education even more valuable.
Final Thoughts
The UK offers a wide range of scholarships for Indian students, making world-class education accessible and affordable. Whether you aim for a fully funded Chevening Scholarship or a university-specific tuition waiver, careful planning, early applications, and a strong academic profile can significantly improve your chances.
If studying in the UK is your dream, scholarships can turn that dream into reality.