Studying in the UK can be a significant financial investment, but numerous scholarships help Indian students reduce their education costs. Here’s a list of the top scholarships available for Indian students aspiring to study in the UK.
1. Chevening Scholarships
Overview:
- Funded by the UK Government.
- Covers tuition fees, travel, living expenses, and other allowances.
- Open to students with strong leadership potential and academic excellence.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Indian citizenship.
- Undergraduate degree with at least 2 years of work experience.
- Must return to India for a minimum of 2 years after completing studies.
How to Apply:
- Applications open in August and close in November.
- Apply through the Chevening website.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Overview:
- Sponsored by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
- Covers full tuition, airfare, and living costs.
- Aimed at students from Commonwealth countries, including India.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have a first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree.
- Should be planning to study a Master’s or PhD in the UK.
- Commitment to contributing to India’s development after graduation.
How to Apply:
- Apply via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.
- Requires nomination by the Indian Ministry of Education.
3. GREAT Scholarships
Overview:
- Joint initiative by the UK government and UK universities.
- Offers £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate program.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be an Indian national.
- Hold an offer for a full-time postgraduate course at a participating university.
- Strong academic background.
How to Apply:
- Check participating universities and apply directly on their websites.
- Deadlines vary by university.
4. Rhodes Scholarship
Overview:
- One of the world’s most prestigious scholarships, covering tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses.
- Available for students applying to Oxford University.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age limit: 19-25 years.
- Must have an outstanding academic record.
- Demonstrated leadership and community involvement.
How to Apply:
- Applications open in June and close in August.
- Apply through the Rhodes Trust website.
5. Felix Scholarships
Overview:
- Covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare.
- Available for Indian students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Offered at Oxford, Reading, and SOAS University of London.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have a first-class undergraduate degree.
- Must be below 30 years of age.
- Preference for students who haven’t studied abroad before.
How to Apply:
- Apply through the respective university’s scholarship portal.
- Deadlines vary by institution.
6. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
Overview:
- Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Available for students pursuing full-time Master’s, MPhil, or doctoral programs.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Must have a good academic record and strong extracurricular achievements.
- Not applicable for Business, Engineering, Computer Science, and Medical degrees.
How to Apply:
- Applications open in January and close in April.
- Apply through the Inlaks Foundation website.
7. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
Overview:
- Supports mid-career professionals in arts, heritage conservation, and humanities.
- Covers living costs and fees for short-term courses.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be an Indian citizen aged 25-45.
- Relevant work experience in arts or heritage fields.
How to Apply:
- Applications open in September.
- Apply through the British Council India website.
8. University-Specific Scholarships
A. University of Oxford – Clarendon Fund Scholarships
- Covers full tuition and living expenses.
- Based on academic merit.
- No separate application required; automatically considered.
B. University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarships
- Covers full tuition, living costs, and travel.
- Highly competitive and requires leadership potential.
C. University of Edinburgh – Global Research Scholarships
- Offers partial or full tuition fee coverage for PhD students.
- Research-oriented students preferred.
Final Thoughts
Applying for scholarships can significantly ease your financial burden while studying in the UK. Research each scholarship’s eligibility criteria and deadlines carefully, and prepare strong applications with well-crafted personal statements and recommendation letters.
For personalized guidance on scholarships and admissions, Univyaa is here to help! Contact us today to maximize your chances of securing funding for your studies in the UK.
