- University of Bristol offers merit-based scholarships—helping Indian students save up to £20,000 on tuition fees.
- In addition to internal awards, Indian students can access prestigious external scholarships covering partial to full tuition and living costs.
- University of Bristol is a Russell Group university, consistently ranking among the top universities in the world.
Studying at one of the UK’s top-ranked institutions doesn’t have to come with an overwhelming financial burden. The University of Bristol, renowned for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and inclusive campus culture, offers a range of scholarships tailored to support talented international students, especially from India.
Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies, Bristol’s scholarship programs aim to recognize merit, encourage global talent, and make world-class education more accessible. In this guide, we explore the key scholarships available for Indian students and how you can benefit from them.
University of Bristol Scholarships for Indian Students for International Students
University of Bristol offers several scholarships for international students, including Indian students, funded directly by the university:
| Scholarship | Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Think Big Undergraduate Scholarships | Up to £10,000 | Varies (generally early intake deadlines) |
| Science & Life Sciences South Asia Scholarship | £3,000 per year (up to £9,000 total) | Rolling early deadlines |
| Think Big Postgraduate Scholarships | £5,000 – £20,000 | Varies (typically spring deadlines) |
| Global Transfer Bursary | £3,000 | Varies |
| Vice‑Chancellor’s International Scholarship | £1,000 | Rolling |
Think Big Undergraduate Scholarships
University-wide merit awards offering up to £10,000 per student.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to £10,000 (tuition fee deduction)
- Deadline: Varies (typically early intake deadlines)
- Application Process: Apply through the Think Big Scholar application form; automatically considered when applying to undergraduate programs
- Eligibility: Overseas fee-payers with a strong academic record; must maintain eligibility through the study duration
Science & Life Sciences South Asia Scholarship
Tailored for UK Year 12 students, including those in India, pursuing Science or Life Sciences.
- Scholarship Amount: £3,000 per year, maximum of £9,000 over 3 years
- Deadline: Early (typically August each year)
- Application Process: Submit the essay and competition form by the deadline. Eligibility: Citizens of India (and other South Asian countries), in Year 12 and applying to a qualifying Science or Life Sciences undergraduate degree at Bristol
Think Big Postgraduate Scholarships
University-funded scholarships offering up to £20,000 to master’s students.
- Scholarship Amount: £5,000 – £20,000 (tuition fee award)
- Deadline: Varies by year and scheme, typically between February and April
- Application Process: Single Think Big PG application; automatically considered for relevant schemes
- Eligibility: Overseas fee-payers applying to eligible taught master’s programs
Global Transfer Bursary
Support for students transferring from partner institutions in India.
- Scholarship Amount: £3,000 (living costs)
- Deadline: Varies by transfer programme entry
- Application Process: Apply via the international scholarship form when registered through the Global Transfer Programme
- Eligibility: Hold an offer through the Global Transfer Programme and apply by the stated deadline
Vice‑Chancellor’s International Scholarship
A broad fee reduction award for international students.
- Scholarship Amount: £1,000 tuition fee reduction in Year 1
- Deadline: Rolling
- Application Process: Automatically applied upon enrolment if eligible
- Eligibility: New full-time UG, PG taught, or MBA students not already receiving full scholarships
University of Bristol External Scholarships
Indian students are also given several external scholarship opportunities at the University of Bristol. We’ve provided a summary of each, including award amounts, eligibility, application details, and deadlines.
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | 50% grant and 50% loan | Typically in March each year |
| KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad | INR 8,00,000 | Typically in March each year |
| JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians | INR 1 Lakh-10 Lakh | Typically, between December and March each year |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship | INR 20 Lakh | Typically in March each year |
| Chevening Scholarship | Up to 100% tuition fee waiver | TBA for 2026-27 |
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries, including India, who have no other means of financing their studies
- Scholarship Amount: 50% grant and 50% loan basis (full tuition and living expenses)
- Deadline: Typically in March each year.
- Application Process: Apply through the local Aga Khan Foundation office in India.
- Eligibility: Indian nationals under 30 years of age with excellent academic records and genuine financial need.
KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
The KC Mahindra Education Trust offers scholarships to Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad in various fields.
- Scholarship Amount: INR 8,00,000 (interest-free scholarship); INR 10,00,000 is awarded to the top candidates.
- Deadline: Typically in March each year.
- Application Process: Apply online through the official website
- Eligibility: Indian nationals with a first-class degree or equivalent diploma and admission to a recognized university abroad.
JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians
The JN Tata Endowment offers loan scholarships to Indian students pursuing postgraduate, doctoral, postdoctoral, or research studies abroad.
- Scholarship Amount: INR 1 Lakh-10 Lakh; selected scholars may also receive a gift scholarship of up to INR 7.5 Lakh.
- Deadline: Typically between December and March each year.
- Application Process: Apply online through the official portal
- Eligibility: Indian nationals under 45 years of age with a consistently good academic record and admission to a recognized foreign university.
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship supports Indian students with a consistently good academic record who wish to pursue postgraduate studies at top-ranking institutions in India and abroad.
- Scholarship Amount: INR 20 Lakh (Interest-free scholarship)
- Deadline: Typically in March each year.
- Application Process: Apply online through the official website
- Eligibility: Indian nationals below 30 years of age with a consistently good academic record and admission to a recognized postgraduate program.
Chevening Scholarship
The UK government offers Chevening Scholarships to Indian students who aim to become future leaders, influencers, and prominent decision-makers in their respective fields.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver
- Deadline: TBA for 2026-27
- Application Process: Apply through the Chevening Portal on their official website.
- Eligibility: Students must return to India for at least 2 years after course completion. Students must also have an unconditional offer letter and have work experience of at least 2,800 hours.
Cost of Study at the University of Bristol
Pursuing a degree at the University of Bristol represents a meaningful academic investment. For international students, undergraduate tuition fees generally fall between £14,000 and £17,000 per year, while postgraduate programs may range from £15,000 to £18,000 annually, depending on the course of study.
In addition to tuition, students should budget approximately £12,000 to £14,000 per year for living expenses, which include accommodation, food, transportation, and personal costs during their stay in the UK.
| Tuition Fees (Per Year) | GBP 14,000-17,000 (Undergraduate) GBP 15,000-18,000 (Postgraduate) |
| Cost of Living in Bristol (Per Year) | GBP 12,000-14,000 |
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
The University of Bristol is more than just a prestigious academic institution — it’s a launchpad for global talent, including bright minds from India. With a strong commitment to international diversity, the university offers generous scholarships that ease financial pressure and reward academic excellence.
Whether you’re applying for undergraduate or postgraduate studies, Bristol ensures that deserving students have access to top-tier education without being held back by cost. Combined with its vibrant student life, career-driven programs, and global reputation, the University of Bristol presents an exceptional opportunity for Indian students to thrive and succeed.
FAQs
What scholarships are available at the University of Bristol for Indian students?
Bristol offers scholarships like the Think Big Undergraduate and Think Big Postgraduate awards, which can cover between £6,500 and £26,000 in tuition fees. There are also subject-specific and external funding options for Indian students.
Do I need a separate application for Bristol scholarships?
Yes, for most scholarships like the Think Big Awards, a separate scholarship application must be submitted after applying for your course at the university.
Can undergraduate and postgraduate Indian students both apply for scholarships?
Absolutely. Both UG and PG students from India are eligible for different scholarships depending on their academic performance and chosen program.
Can University of Bristol scholarships be combined with external ones like Chevening or Tata Endowment?
In many cases, yes. However, students should check the terms and conditions of each award to confirm compatibility, especially for fully funded scholarships.
What are the tuition fees and living expenses for Indian students at Bristol?
Tuition fees range from £18,000 to £25,000 per year depending on the course. Living expenses in Bristol typically range from £12,000 to £15,000 annually.
