The vibrant and diverse culture of UK attract students from all over the world to engage in academic activities. The scholarship programs administered by various universities and trusts helps them to fulfill their aspirations.
Have a look on those opportunities of seeking scholarships for Indian students in UK including benefits, eligibility and much more
Table of Contents
- Importance of Scholarships for Indian Students
- Why Study in UK?
- Scholarships for Indian Students in UK
- University Scholarships for Indian Students- Undergraduate
- University Scholarships for Indian Students – Postgraduate
- University Scholarships for Indian Students – Postdoctoral
- Documents Checklist
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Importance of Scholarships for Indian Students in UK
Scholarships are a way of granting financial aid to deserving students who cannot afford tuition fees, living expenses or both abroad. When students in the UK need to focus only on studying and not work part-time, they can avail of scholarships to fulfill their aspirations.
UK being a student-friendly country and home of the world’s top universities also assists Indian students financially so that they just need to focus on study without worrying about expenses.
Why Study in UK?
Top-Class Education System
The UK is home to several of the finest universities in the world, renowned for their dedication to research and innovation, as well as their strict academic standards.
Recognition of Degrees
According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, four of the top ten global institutions are based in the UK. Degrees from the United Kingdom are highly valued credentials for future employment prospects, and they are acknowledged and regarded by employers around the world.
Fulfillment of Dreams
Apart from these, a wide variety of courses and specializations are available to students, guaranteeing that there is a program that fits their academic interests and professional aspirations.
Financial Assistance
International students get financed by universities and private establishments to complete their academic goals without worrying about expenses or loans.
Scholarships For Indian Students in UK 2024
Chevening Scholarship
Individuals from a variety of backgrounds who show promise for becoming future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers in their respective industries are given Chevening Scholarships by the Government of UK.
Benefits-
For the chosen candidates who are going to pursue Master’s degree program in the UK, the scholarship provides complete financial support, covering living expenses, tuition, and travel costs.
Eligibility-
- Hold citizenship in a nation or territory that qualifies for Chevening.
- After your course has finished, you must return to your country of citizenship for a minimum of two years.
- Apply to three different UK universities that meet the requirements, and by the deadline shown on the application schedule, receive an unconditional offer from one of these options.
- Possess a minimum of 2,800 hours, or two years, of job experience.
- Strong command on the English language
Application Process
Apply through the Chevening Portal on their official website.
Application Cycle
For the 2024 Fall intake, the application cycle has been closed now. It will commence in September 2025 tentatively for the next intake.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship 2024
Since 1976, Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships have been granted to Indian students to read at top-rated UK institutions in full-time Master’s programmes in any university. It allows young people with scientific, artistic and cultural abilities to broaden their vision abroad and improve their skills to operate in society, thus making them a future vehicle of change in their environment.
Benefits-
Selected students will get the maximum amount of scholarship US £78,850 which covers the tuition fees, one-way travel allowance, and living expenses. The scholarship is given only for Western Classical Music and Documentary Filmmaking In the fields of Music and Film respectively.
Eligibility
- The applicant needs to be a citizen and resident of India at the time of application.
- Passed Undergraduate degree course with minimum B+ grade
- Candidates with a postgraduate qualification or already enrolled (e.g. Master’s or PhD) from universities abroad are not eligible to apply.
- For Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Fine Arts, Architecture & related subjects, candidates must have a minimum academic grade of 65%, CGPA of 6.8, or GPA of 2.6 from a recognized university/institution.
- For Mathematics, Sciences, Environment and related subjects, candidates must have a minimum academic grade of 70%, CGPA of 7.2, or GPA of 2.8 from a recognized university/institution
Application Process-
The application can be made on the official website of Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation.
Application Cycle–
For 2024 intakes, the application process has been started and it will be continued till March 2024.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) 2024
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) to citizens of Commonwealth countries, including India. The scholarship aims to allow people to pursue higher education and foster their careers in the UK and other Commonwealth nations.
Benefits-
A lump sum of £1,516 living allowance is also provided to students (PG & Postdoctoral) with a weaker financial background and excellent academic scores.
Eligibility-
- Applicants need to be permanent residents of the commonwealth country.
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class honours standards or a second-class degree.
- Age limit below 40 years.
- A minimum score of 60% in Social science & 65% in Science subjects is required.
Application Process–Visit the CSC Application page here
Application Deadlines- 15th April 2024 (2024 intake)
National Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2024
The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme is a Government of India-sponsored program in India that provides financial assistance to deserving Indian students of backward and scheduled castes to pursue higher education in UK Universities in any course of study.
Benefits-
Annual maintenance of £12143 and Annual contingency and equipment allowance of £1208 are granted to students. Tuition fees will be covered on actuals basis. It also finances Visa fees.
Eligibility-
- Applicants must be Indian citizens.
- The scheme is typically designed to assist students from SC, ST, Denotified & Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers, Traditional Artisans, and Safai Karamcharis, among other marginalized communities.
- Applicants should possess an excellent academic record, usually with a minimum required percentage in their relevant qualifying examination.
- An age restriction of 35 years, beyond which candidates cannot apply.
Application Process–
For application, visit the official website of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
Application Deadlines-
The application will be open from 15th February 2024. The last date of application is 31st March 2024 (2024 intake).
GREAT Scholarship
GREAT Scholarship is jointly funded by the GREAT Britain Campaign of the Government of the UK and the British Council. It offers scholarships to students from over 15 countries including India, especially in the fields of Science & Technology and Law and Social Justice.
Benefits-
This scholarship program covers tuition fees worth £10,000.
Eligibility-
- The applicant needs to be a citizen and resident of India at the time of application.
- Passed Undergraduate degree course with minimum B+ grade
- Must be motivated and interested in fulfilling necessary academic requirements.
Application Process-
For application, visit the GREAT scholarship application portal of pursuing university since every institution has its own process.
Application Deadlines-
Visit your university website as different universities have separate deadlines.
University Scholarships For Indian Students – Undergraduate
Rich Oxford Scholarship-University of Oxford
Benefits-
All international students coming from low-income countries are eligible for this program and it covers tuition fee for all courses except medicine, living costs and one return airfare per year till the completion of the course. It grants 2-3 awards per year to newly admitted students.
Eligibility-
- Fully enrolled in the University of Oxford and its affiliated colleges
- Candidates who have received an offer and who are of the highest academic ability.
- Applicants should be intending to return to their country following their studies.
Application Process-
Apply online on the UCAS portal
Application deadline–
7th February 2024 (2024 intake)
Cambridge University Scholarship Program-University of Cambridge
Benefits-
The scholarship scheme is administered by Cambridge Trust, UK on the behalf of University of Cambridge for all undergraduate courses available at the university. It covers tuition fees and living expenses of needful students who pay fees at an overseas rate.The average award worth £25,000 is granted to students each year.
Eligibility
- A Student must be academically strong and deserving to apply
- Must be fully enrolled in any undergraduate program at Cambridge University and its affiliated colleges
Application Process-
Once a candidate is admitted to university, they will get an offer from their college to complete the process.
Application Deadlines-
Last date of application process of an undergraduate program
Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Mathematics Scholarships-University of Edinburgh
Benefits-
Several awards are available to all international students who want to seek admission in the undergraduate program in School of Mathematics. It covers the living costs of a student worth £5,000 which is subject to satisfactory academic progress each year.
Eligibility–
- Must be enrolled in full-time course
- A Student must be academically strong and deserving to apply
Application Process-
Applicants should have applied to the University of Edinburgh through the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS), but do not need to have received an offer to begin the scholarship application process.
Application Deadlines-
28th March 2024 (2024 intake)
University Scholarships For Indian Students – Postgraduate
UCL India Excellence Scholarship-University College London
University College London (UCL) offers a distinguished program called the UCL India Excellence Scholarship to help Indian students with exceptional academic records pursue full-time Master’s degrees.
Benefits-
An amount of £5,000 (for a full year) is granted to potentially pursuing postgraduate education scholars
Eligibility-
- All postgraduate taught programs are eligible, except for distance learning programs.
- Students must have a bachelor’s degree from an institution listed in the top 100 of the Government of India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)
- Have a bachelor’s degree GPA equivalent to a first-class degree in the UK
Application Process-
It does not have its application process. Applicants will be considered after successful submission of the course application on the UCL website.
Application Deadlines-
29th February 2024 (2024 intake)
India Future Leaders Scholarship-Imperial College London
This scholarship program is a merit-based program administered by Imperial College London, which provides financial assistance to deserving Indian students seeking a master’s degree in business, engineering, natural sciences, or medicine.
Benefits-
For a maximum of two years of study, the scholarship offers a £10,000 annual tuition fee relief.
Eligibility-
- Must be enrolled in full-time course
- A Student must be academically strong and deserving to apply
Admission Process-
Apply on the official website of the college
Admission Deadlines-
11th May 2024 (2024 intake)
South Asia Postgraduate Excellence Awards-University of Nottingham
The South Asia Postgraduate Excellence Awards are administered by Nottingham University to South Asian countries including India.
Benefits-
It covers the master’s tuition fees worth £4,000 and £8,000 per year for high-achieving South Asian students.
Eligibility–
- The students must be a native citizen of South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Srilanka, Nepal or Bangladesh
- They must hold an offer of a full-time Master’s degree program at the University of Nottingham
Application Process-
Apply on the official website of the University of Nottingham
Application Deadlines-
15th May 2024 (2024 intakes)
India Chancellor’s Scholarship-University of Birmingham
India Chancellor’s Program imparts financial assistance to Indian students who want to pursue a Master’s degree from the University of Birmingham. It provides awards to 15 selected students each year.
Benefits-
The university provides a scholarship worth £4,000 to cover tuition fees per year to selected Indian students
Eligibility-
- The student must be enrolled in the full-time postgraduation program of the university
- Start their studies by September 2024
- Upon enrolment in September 2024, pay their net tuition fees for the first year by 1 November, immediately following enrolment.
Application Process-
Apply on the official website of the University of Birmingham after completing the admission process and depositing payment
Application Deadlines-
31st May 2024 (2024 intakes)
Tetley and Lupton Scholarships 2024-University of Leeds
One-year fee scholarships for full-time taught Masters, Masters of Research and Masters by Research degrees.
Benefits-
It offers a total of 5 awards worth £26,000 to all international students who want to pursue a Master’s, Master’s of Research and Master’s by Research degrees at the University of Leeds.
Eligibility-
- The student must be enrolled in the full-time Master’s program
- They must have a first-class undergraduate degree
Application Process-
Complete the application process on the official website of the University of Leeds after completing the course admission process
Application Deadlines-
1st February 2024 (2024 intakes)
University Scholarships For Indian Students – Postdoctoral
Shri Ratan Tata Fellowship-London School of Economics & Political Science
LSE administered this fellowship program at their International Inequalities Institute which invites researchers and academics involved in Social science research from India or other South Asian countries.
Benefits-
The Selected Fellows will be provided with travel expenses, a monthly subsistence allowance of GBP 1750, a shared workspace and access to research facilities at the LSE.
Eligibility-
- Applicants should be engaged in permanent employment
- They should work on Social science with a focus on South Asia’s Economic and Social Development
Application Process–
Applications can be submitted on the official website of the London School of Economics and Political Science. The applicant will be selected by the fellowship committee of LSE
Application Deadlines–
The update will be published once the dates are released
Also read- Ways to Fund Your Overseas Education
Documents Checklist
We are giving a list of general documents that need to be submitted during the application process for the scholarship programs. However, sometimes universities/foundation consider course-specific documents before proceeding with the application. In that case, you can visit the official website of the university/foundation in which you are applying.
- Complete Application Form
- Copy of Passport and Identity Proof
- Academic transcripts
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Standardised Test scores like TOEFL, IELTS etc.
- Proof of Income
Conclusion
The scholarship and bursaries help in reducing the financial burden on students who want to pursue their dreams in the UK’s top Universities. There are lots of opportunities to get scholarships in UK for Indian students. By investing in education programs, universities, the government of UK and private establishments are encouraging students to take part in innovation and research so that real problems of the dynamic world can be handled with enthusiasm and unity.
FAQs
Why seeking scholarship opportunities are highly competitive in UK?
Where to apply for the scholarship in UK?
When to apply for scholarships in UK?
Also read- KC Mahindra Scholarship
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
