University of Leicester Scholarships for Indian Students [Updated]
- The University of Leicester offers a variety of scholarships for Indian students, including both internal merit-based awards and prestigious external scholarships.
- These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- With relatively moderate tuition fees and scholarships that ease financial burdens, Leicester provides Indian students access to world-class education.
The University of Leicester blends world-class research with a strong commitment to global diversity, and it’s just as committed to helping students afford it. With a variety of scholarships designed especially for international students, Leicester opens doors to those with academic talent, leadership potential, or unique life stories.
Whether you’re planning your undergraduate studies or eyeing a master’s degree, this guide will walk you through the top scholarships offered by the University of Leicester, their eligibility criteria, and tips to secure them.
University of Leicester Scholarships for International Students
The University of Leicester offers merit-based scholarships to high-achieving international students entering undergraduate or postgraduate taught programmes. These awards recognise academic excellence and aim to support students across a variety of disciplines.
| Scholarship Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship | £5,000 per year |
| International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship | £5,000 |
| Chancellor’s International Scholarship | £3,000 per year |
International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship
For international students achieving grades two levels above standard A-level entry. Offers a £5,000 annual tuition fee discount for eligible full-time, campus-based undergraduate courses.
- Scholarship Amount: £5,000 per year
- Deadline: Rolling Deadline
- Application Process: No application required; considered automatically upon results submission
- Eligibility: International fee payer; full-time undergraduate course; A-level equivalent grades two levels above standard offer
Excluded Courses:
- Medicine
- LLB Maitrise
- STEM International Foundation
- International Year 1 courses
International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship
For international students with a degree equivalent to a UK first class honours. Provides a £5,000 tuition fee discount for one year, applicable to various entry points in 2025 and 2026.
- Scholarship Amount: £5,000
- Deadline: Rolling Deadline
- Application Process: No application required; considered automatically upon results submission
- Eligibility: International fee payer; full-time campus-based Master’s or PGCE; equivalent of UK first class undergraduate degree
Chancellor’s International Scholarship
For international undergraduates meeting or exceeding standard entry requirements. Offers a £3,000 annual tuition fee discount for eligible full-time, campus-based undergraduate programmes.
- Scholarship Amount: £3,000 per year
- Deadline: Rolling Deadline
- Application Process: No application required; considered automatically upon results submission
- Eligibility: International fee payer; full-time undergraduate course including STEM Foundation and International Year 1
Excluded Courses:
- Medicine
- LLB Maitrise
University of Leicester External Scholarships
There are several external scholarships available for Indian students who desire to study at the University of Leicester. We have summarised their details along with the amount, eligibility, application process, and deadline.
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| GREAT Scholarship | GBP 10,000 | TBA for 2026–27 |
| Chevening Scholarship | Up to 100% tuition fee | TBA for 2026–27 |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | Full tuition and living expenses | Typically in March |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship | INR 20 Lakh | Typically in March |
| National Overseas Scholarship Scheme | GBP 15,400 (maintenance) | May–June 2025 |
GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarship is a UK government-funded financial support initiative aimed at Indian students enrolling in one-year postgraduate programs. It is available across a wide range of subjects and is offered by the University of Leeds.
- Scholarship Amount: GBP 10,000 (tuition fees)
- Deadline: TBA for 2026-27
- Application Process: Apply through the British Council Portal
- Eligibility: Applicants need to have an undergraduate degree
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.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation offers a limited number of postgraduate scholarships annually to exceptional students from certain developing countries, including India, who lack alternative financial resources to fund their education.
- 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.
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)
- 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.
National Overseas Scholarship Scheme
The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme, funded by the Government of India, supports eligible Indian students from Scheduled Castes and disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education in any field at UK universities.
- Scholarship Amount: GBP 15,400 (annual maintenance) and GBP 1,500 (annual contingency and equipment allowance)
- Deadline: May-June 2025
- Application Process: Apply through the official portal
- Eligibility: Applicable only to SC, ST, Denotified & Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers, Traditional Artisans, etc. Applicants should possess an excellent academic record, with at least 60%, and should be no more than 35 years of age.
Cost of Study at University of Leicester
The University of Leicester offers a relatively affordable study option for international students, including those from India. The average annual tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around GBP 15,000-18,000, depending on the course.
For postgraduate students, the tuition fee ranges between GBP 17,000-21,000. In terms of living expenses, students should budget between GBP 9,000 and GBP 12,600 per year to cover accommodation, food, transportation, and personal needs.
| Tuition Fee (Per Year) | GBP 15,000-18,000 (undergraduate) GBP 17,000-21,000 (postgraduate) |
| Living Expenses in Leicester (Per Year) | GBP 9,000 to GBP 12,600 |
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
The University of Leicester offers Indian students an excellent platform to pursue high-quality education in a vibrant, multicultural environment. With a wide range of scholarships tailored for international learners, the university ensures that financial constraints do not hinder academic dreams.
Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, these funding opportunities, combined with Leicester’s strong academic support and global reputation, can make your UK education both affordable and rewarding. Indian students are encouraged to explore these scholarships early and apply with a strong academic profile to maximize their chances of success.
FAQs
What types of scholarships are available for Indian students at the University of Leicester?
The University offers merit-based, subject-specific, and need-based scholarships for Indian students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Some are automatically awarded based on academic performance, while others require a separate application.
How can I apply for scholarships at the University of Leicester?
Most scholarships can be applied for via the university’s online application portal. Some awards are automatic with your course application, while others require a separate scholarship form and supporting documents.
When is the ideal time to apply for scholarships at Leicester?
It’s best to apply as early as possible—ideally when submitting your academic application. Deadlines vary by scholarship, but most fall between January and June each year.
Can I receive more than one scholarship at the University of Leicester?
This depends on the specific terms and conditions of each scholarship. Some can be combined, while others are exclusive. Always review the eligibility and combining rules carefully.
Are there any scholarships specifically for Indian postgraduate students?
Yes, Leicester offers various scholarships targeted at Indian postgraduate applicants, including the President’s Postgraduate Scholarship, College-specific awards, and externally funded options like Chevening and GREAT Scholarships.
