Fully Funded Scholarships in UK 2026-27: Complete Guide for Indian Students

For the 2026-27 academic year, Indian students have a chance a study in the UK at zero tuition cost. This is possible through fully-funded scholarships in UK, such as Chevening, Commonwealth, Rhodes, Clarendon, Felix, Gates Cambridge, and several university-specific awards. These prestigious scholarships not only cover tuition fees (ranging from £15,000–£45,000 or ₹15–45 lakh per year) but also include living stipends, airfare, and other allowances. 

The competition for these scholarships is intense, for example Chevening scholarship receives over 60,000 applications from around the world and gives out about 1,500 awards each year. This makes early preparation the most essential part of the end-to-end scholarship process. Applications for most of these scholarships are open 8-12 months before the course starts. So, now is the right time to start shortlisting your programs and browsing through the funding options in UK. 

Understanding Fully Funded Scholarships in UK

For UK scholarships, fully funded typically covers: full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, and key travel/visa costs. Program pages spell out specifics, like higher London stipends or extras such as arrival allowances, warm-clothing grants, and research or thesis support. Read what your scheme covers, as amounts can vary by city and academic year. Here is what you can expect from a  fully funded scholarship for Indian students in UK:

• Full coverage on tuition fees: Fully funded scholarships in UK usually cover the tuition fees worth £15,000–£45,000 or ₹17–53 lakh per year, depending on the course/university.
• Monthly living expenses:  Usually, these scholarships tend to provide a stipend of £1,100–£1,600 or ₹1.3–1.9 lakh per month, and even higher if you are located in London.
• Travel & Visa: Fully funded scholarships in UK for international students usually cover return airfare, visa fees, and NHS surcharge.
• Additional allowances: Some scholarships also involve an amount dedicated to arrival grants, warm-clothing allowances, family/ dependant support, or research/ thesis funds. 

Popular Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students (2026–2027)

Note: All INR figures below are approximate, based on the current GBP to INR rate (₹118 per £1). Rates vary, so keep a 5–8% extra buffer in your budget.

1. Chevening Scholarship (One-year Master’s)

Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s flagship scholarship for future leaders. This scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for exceptional students from over 160 countries, including India. It covers full tuition, a living stipend (£1,378+/month outside London), return economy flights, a warm clothing grant, and study-related travel allowances. For 2026, India remains on the list of eligible countries published by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). Available only for specific master’s courses aligned with CSC development themes.

Eligibility (2026 Intake):

• Indian citizenship or a citizen of any Chevening-eligible country or territory
• You have a clear intent of moving back to your home country for at least two years after your scholarship ends.
• At least 2800 hours of work experience after an undergraduate degree. Roughly 2 years of work experience before you apply for the Chevening scholarship.
• You have to have pursued an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master’s program. You must have graduated from the university 2 years before the application.
• Apply to three different UK university courses that you are eligible for. Hold an unconditional offer from at least one of the universities. 
• Strong academic background (usually a first-class or upper-second-class degree.

Application Window: Open for applications until 7 October 2025, at 12:00 (UTC)

Since the course list changes yearly, check the CSC website early to secure an eligible program.

2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (FCDO/CSC)

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for students from eligible Commonwealth countries, including India. The scholarship is managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). To date, over 30,000 students have bagged the Commonwealth Scholarships ever since the group of 175 Scholars arrived in the UK in the year 1960. Over the years, the scholarship has constantly evolved, adapting to the different needs of the 53 Commonwealth nations that it caters to. 

It covers the tuition, living stipend (£1,452 per month or £1,781 per month for students in London-based universities), airfare, and study-related expenses. For the 2026 intake, India is listed by India’s Ministry of Education. This scholarship focuses on development-oriented master’s programs. 

Eligibility (2026 Intake):

• Be an Indian citizen or hold a citizenship of an eligible Commonwealth country with a proven permanent residence in the said country.
• Students who are starting their academic studies in the UK by the 2026 September intake.
• You should hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard or a lower second-class degree, along with a relevant post-graduate degree (a master’s degree). If you are willing to apply for a second master’s degree in the UK, make sure you provide a relevant justification as to why you wish to pursue a second master’s degree.
• Proof that you are unable to afford studying in the UK without aid.

• Offer for an eligible master’s program
  Application Deadline:  16.00 (BST) on Friday 22 August 2025

If you are looking for development-focused funding with comprehensive support, apply early through both the CSC portal and the Government of India’s nomination system to meet dual application requirements.

3. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (course-specific, taught Master’s)

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (CSS) is a joint effort scholarship that is provided by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and some of the top UK universities in collaboration. These are specifically for students from lower-income families who are residents of Commonwealth countries, including India. CSM mainly targets subjects or domains that align with sustainability. This scholarship covers full-tuition fees of the universities they have collaborated with, a living stipend, airfare to and from the UK, and some additional allowances. The students are chosen based on their excellent academic performance, but they are from a financially disadvantaged part of the country. 

Shared Scholarships are fully funded and delivered with specific UK universities. Coverage includes full tuition, monthly stipend, return airfare, and smaller allowances such as warm-clothing or study travel grants, as detailed by universities for each cycle. Applicants must be from eligible countries and meet the course lists published annually. 

Eligibility (2026 Intake):

• You are a citizen or have been granted refugee status by a Commonwealth Country.
• You should reside in the country where you claim to have citizenship or refugee status.
• You are willing and able to start studies in the UK by the academic year start in the UK, which is September.
• By the September of your application year to the university, you should hold a first degree or at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours. A lower second-class degree in post-graduation (a master’s degree)
• You mustn’t have studied or worked for more than one year in a developed nation (high-income country)
• Demonstrated financial need, you should be unable to study in the UK without a scholarship.
• Must submit any required documents with due diligence.

Application Window: Sept–Dec 2025 (A specific deadline will be available around November 2025)

Since the course list changes yearly, check the CSC website early to secure an eligible program.

4. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)

Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world’s most competitive scholarships. The scholarship is funded by the Rhodes Trust and supports exceptional leaders from different constituencies (countries or regions) and especially from India. It covers Oxford application and course fees, provides a stipend, and pays for flights to and from the UK. India is a named constituency with its own selection. Funding can extend to a second degree at Oxford if approved. Selection weighs academic excellence, leadership, character, and service. For the academic year 2024-25, the stipend was somewhere around £19,800 per annum (£1,650 per month), which is ₹23.36 lakh/year and ₹1.95 lakh/month respectively.  

Eligibility (2026 Intake):

• Indian citizenship or residency in India
• Age between 19–24 as of October 1, 2026
• First-class or equivalent undergraduate degree
• Proven leadership, character, and service record

Application Window: 23 July 2025 (Indian Standard Time)

Keep in mind that Rhodes requires extensive references and personal statements, plus a competitive interview process.

5. Gates Cambridge (University of Cambridge)

Gates Cambridge fully funds a Cambridge degree, covering the full cost of study, a maintenance allowance (2024–25 rate £21,000), one economy airfare at the start and end of the course, visa and immigration health surcharge, and possible family/fieldwork support. Indians are eligible; selection focuses on academic excellence and fit to Cambridge. In total, Gate Cambridge offers around 80 fully-funded scholarships, with 25 awarded to students in the USA and the rest from around the world. 

Eligibility (2026 Intake):

• Indian citizenship (A citizen of any country outside the UK)
• Strong academic record and leadership potential
• Offer for an eligible full-time postgraduate course at Cambridge

Application Window: Application for the academic year 2026-27 opens in early September 2025.

Given its global competition, focus on an exceptional research proposal and references to stand out.

6. Clarendon Scholarships (University of Oxford)

Clarendon covers course fees in full for all nationalities and provides a living grant at least equal to the UKRI minimum stipend for full-time scholars. Awards are made for the full duration of fee liability (Master’s or DPhil). No separate application, automatic consideration if you apply to Oxford by the January deadline. 

Eligibility (2026 Intake):

• Indian citizenship (No restrictions on nationality, residence, or the course you choose)
• Academic excellence and potential for high achievement in the chosen field.
• Application to an eligible Oxford postgraduate program by the relevant deadline.

Application Window: December or January, Deadline basis your course. (course dependent)

Since selection is automatic, submitting a strong Oxford course application is key.

7. Felix Scholarships (Oxford, Reading, SOAS)

Felix Scholarships are targeted at academically gifted, financially disadvantaged Indian nationals. At Oxford, the scholarship covers 100% of course fees, a living-cost grant, and one return flight from India; similar coverage exists at Reading and SOAS under their Felix agreements. Awards are for the full period of fee liability. 

Eligibility (2026 Intake):

• Indian citizenship and residence in India.
• First-class undergraduate degree from a recognised Indian university
• Proof of financial need.
• An admission offer to an eligible full-time master’s or doctoral program at Oxford, Reading, or SOAS.

Application Window: Nov 2025–Jan 2026 (university-specific deadlines)
Applicants must first secure admission to the partner university, then complete the Felix Scholarship application through the respective institution’s scholarship office.

8. Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships & Leadership Programme (Oxford)

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships & Leadership Programme (Oxford) is a fully funded scheme that covers 100% of fees and offers a living-cost grant (Oxford notes “at least £19,237”) alongside a structured leadership programme. Open to candidates from developing and emerging economies across eligible Oxford courses. 

Eligibility (2026 Intake):

• Indian citizenship
• Strong academic record and proven leadership skills
• Commitment to returning to the home country to work in the field of study.
• Application to an eligible Oxford graduate course by the deadline

Application Window:
Dec 2025–Jan 2026 (course dependent)

Applicants must apply to both the University of Oxford and the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship program, completing the separate scholarship statement at the time of course application.

9. British Council Women in STEM (Master’s)

For women in STEM from eligible regions (including India in relevant cycles), this programme covers full tuition, a monthly stipend (£1,300–£1,600/month, ₹1.5–1.9 lakh, higher in London), return flights, visa and health coverage fees, and may refund IELTS where needed. It is tied to partner UK universities and specific STEM programs each year.

Eligibility (2026 Intake):

• Indian citizenship
• Strong academic background in a STEM discipline
• Demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to promoting gender equality in STEM
• Offer to study an eligible STEM master’s program at a participating UK university

Application Window:

• Expected: Feb–Mar 2026 (varies by university)

Applicants should focus on showing both academic merit and a track record of advocacy or leadership in STEM-related community or professional work.

How to Maximize Your Chances of Securing a Fully Funded Scholarship

Selectors look for evidence that you can thrive academically in the UK and deliver impact back in India. Competitive profiles usually show:

• Consistent first-class or strong CGPA, with a clear academic fit to the target course.
• Leadership outcomes projects, policy work, startups, and campus roles with measurable results.
• A compelling India impact narrative aligned to scholarship missions (development, leadership, research).
• Strong referees who can speak to your results and potential.
• For Oxford/Cambridge schemes: alignment with department research strengths and supervisor fit.

Application Timeline for 2026–2027 (month-by-month)

This planning grid reflects typical windows; always check your programme’s live page:

• Aug–Oct 2025 – Chevening opens and closes in this window; draft essays, secure references, submit early. British Council Women in STEM partner calls also appear around these months. 
• Sep–Dec 2025 – Apply to Oxford/Cambridge courses by December/January funding deadlines for Clarendon, Weidenfeld-Hoffmann, Gates Cambridge consideration.
• Nov 2025–Feb 2026 – Commonwealth Master’s/Shared portals and university lists publish; align course choice with CSC themes and partner lists.
• Jan–Apr 2026 – Shortlists and interviews for major awards; arrange passports, degree transcripts, and statement updates.
• May–Aug 2026 – Final offers, CAS, visa documents, and pre-departure briefings; budget for any upfront expenses that reimbursed later.

Required Documents & Strong-Application Tips

Documents: Valid passport, academic transcripts and degree certificates, CV, course offer (if required), personal statements/essays, two to three referees, English evidence if asked, and proof of achievements.
Tips that may help Indian applicants:

• Build a sharp India problem statement with data and specific beneficiaries; link your UK course to a realistic implementation plan at home.
• Use the STAR framework (Situation-Task-Action-Result) in essays to prove leadership outcomes.
• Pick referees who can quantify your impact and potential; brief them early with bullets and your essay themes.
• Mirror each programme’s purpose that includes development themes for CSC, leadership, and return intent for Chevening, academic excellence, and research fit for Oxford/Cambridge schemes. 

Common Mistakes Indian Applicants Should Avoid

• Treating “fully funded” as generic is one of the major mistakes. You need to verify exact coverage and city-specific stipend differences.
• Missing Oxford/Cambridge January funding deadlines while waiting for later course cycles.
• Applying to ineligible courses for the Commonwealth Shared without knowing that only the listed programs qualify.
• Submitting Chevening or Commonwealth applications without a clear post-study return plan that shows impact in India.
• Ignoring currency value changes and not keeping a small financial buffer, even when costs are covered.

Conclusion

Start with your course shortlist and line up deadlines such as Oxford or Cambridge by December or January, Chevening by early October, and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission as per its annual schedule. Draft evidence-rich essays that connect your UK education goals to India’s development needs. Confirm coverage and dependent eligibility on the official page before finalising your choice. This approach keeps your plan focused, fundable, and realistic for 2026–2027.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)