Top 10 Scholarships in UK for Indian Students and How to Avail Them

Studying abroad involves a huge amount of cost. But planning your finances in advance can help manage and reduce your expenses by a lot!

Scholarships are proven to be the best cost-cutting measure for international students.

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On average, the total cost of studying in the UK totals £22,200. The good news is that the UK has the largest number of schemes, scholarships, and opportunities that can help you reduce costs.

There are more than 160 higher education institutions in the UK, and if you follow the appropriate steps, you may be able to attend one of them and live in the UK for little to no money.

To make it easy for you, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 scholarships in UK for Indian students and instructions for applying for them.

Also Read: Post Study Work Visa In UK: Check Details, Eligibility & Process

Types of Scholarships in UK for Indian Students

In the UK, various scholarship opportunities can make studies affordable for students. These scholarship programs are managed by various organizations and associations.

In general, there are three types of scholarships in UK for Indian students:

1. Government Based Scholarship

2. University Based Scholarship

3. NGO/Trust Scholarships

The UK and Indian governments both provide scholarship opportunities for Indian students. Intergovernmental scholarships, like the Commonwealth scholarships, are also open to Indian students.

Besides this, various NGOs and trusts like the Rhodes Trust and Goa Educational Trust provide scholarship opportunities to study in the UK.

But have you ever wondered how these scholarships in UK for Indian students are awarded?

Well, these scholarships are given based on three aspects, as mentioned below:

• Merit-Based: Recognize students who do well in school and have varied interests.
• Talent-Based: Help students who are really good at something specific.
• Need-Based: Give financial aid to students with weaker financial backgrounds.

The scholarships given below are the most sought-after scholarships in the UK. 

Top Scholarships in UK for Indian Students

Now that we have seen the top scholarships in UK for Indian students, let us explore them in detail. We will discuss the different types of scholarships, their eligibility criteria, and the benefits they cover for Indian students.

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Government Funded Scholarships in UK for Indian Students

The UK government values international students and their academic and cultural contributions to the country. To make UK education more accessible, they offer various scholarship programs to help cover study costs.

Here’s a quick overview of the government scholarships for studying in the UK:

Scholarships in UK for Indian Students: British Chevening Scholarships

British Chevening Scholarships is one of the top-ranking scholarships in UK for Indian students. Chevening looks for students with a vision and desire to better the world.

Chevening Scholarship provides many benefits to selected students, from fully funding their education, flight fares, and living expenses to providing exclusive networking opportunities and giving them a chance to get the best quality education in the UK. 

Eligibility

Those aiming to qualify for this UK scholarship program need to fulfil the following criteria:

• You must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two years of work experience
• You must apply for a minimum of three courses and should possess an offer from at least one of these courses
• You must have an excellent academic background.

Benefits

• Tuition fees
• Monthly living allowances
• Travel costs

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Scholarships in UK for Indian Students: Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan have fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK and are sponsored by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

This scholarship covers your tuition fees and airfare and also provides monthly stipends. 

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship plan was established in the UK in 1959 and has benefitted more than 30,000 students. Each year, 800 students get to study in and explore the UK.

Commonwealth scholarship has been previously awarded to prime ministers, Nobel prize winners and major leaders.

Eligibility 

Here are some of the requirements for the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. 

1. You must submit proof of your financial need
2. You must have an excellent academic background.
3. If you’re shortlisted, you must attend an interview in Delhi.

Benefits

• Covers tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Flight expenses

University Funded Scholarships in UK for Indian Students

Alongside government scholarships, many universities in the UK offer their own scholarship programs for Indian students. These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in the UK.

Scholarships in UK for Indian Students: Felix Scholarships

The Felix Scholarships offer scholarships at three universities: the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) awarded to deserving students from developing nations to provide an opportunity for pursuing postgraduate programs in the UK.

The scholarship fully funds Indian students to study in the UK based on both need and merit.

Felix scholarships have benefitted 428 students; what started with six scholarships per year in 1991 has now risen to 20 scholarships per year. 

Eligibility:

Students must fulfil the following criteria to be eligible for this scholarship: 

1. You must be below 30 years
2. You must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with a first-class
3. You must apply for a full-time postgraduate course in any affiliated institution
4. You must submit proof of financial need.

Benefits

• Full tuition coverage
• Living expenses stipend
• Return flight

Scholarships in UK for Indian Students: Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarships

Established by St. John’s College, University of Cambridge, in honour of Dr Manmohan Singh, an alumnus of the college, this scholarship program is one of the most popular meritorious scholarships in UK for Indian students.

The main intention is to financially support academically talented students pursuing doctoral studies in economics, social sciences and technology. 

This scholarship is fully funded in the UK and covers your airfare, tuition, and UK visa. It even provides monthly stipends for any other expenses you may have.

Eligibility

You can qualify for this scholarship program by fulfilling the following criteria.

1. You should have a postgraduate degree from any of the affiliated Indian institutions
2. You should be an Indian citizen under 35 years 
3. You should be fluent in English
4. You must display the skills, qualities and vision of a leader

Benefits

• Tuition fees
• International airfare
• Monthly stipend

NGO/Trust Funded Scholarships in UK for Indian Students

NGOs and Trusts in the UK fund valuable scholarships beyond those the government and universities offer. These organizations provide financial support to students, often based on specific criteria like academic scores, financial background, etc.

In addition to financial aid, these scholarships often offer mentorship opportunities, professional development, and networking connections, further enriching the educational experience and helping students achieve their academic and career aspirations.

Scholarships in UK for Indian Students: Rhodes Scholarships at the University of Oxford

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest scholarships in UK for Indian students.

You must demonstrate academic excellence, extracurricular talent, empathy, and good moral character to qualify for this scholarship. 

The scholarship covers all your tuition and international airfare, provides a settling-in allowance, and a monthly stipend of £1,442.50 or £17,310 per annum. 

Eligibility 

To qualify for this financial grant, you must fulfil the following criteria.

1. You must have an undergraduate degree with first-class or equivalent recognition.
2. You must be enrolled in a full-time postgraduation course at Oxford University
3. You must be within 19-25 years of age.

Benefits

• University fees
• Living stipend
• Travel expenses
• Health insurance

Scholarships in UK for Indian Students: The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarship

The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarship is a prestigious award for Indian students who wish to study at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge.

If you wish to apply for this scholarship, then you should have academic excellence and achievements in extracurricular activities. Moreover, you should also hold empathy and a strong moral character.

Although this scholarship does not cover the entire cost of education, it offers substantial financial assistance to help mitigate the expenses of attending these esteemed institutions.

Eligibility 

You should meet the below eligibility criteria to qualify for this scholarship:

• Be an Indian citizen under 30 as of September 1st of the application year.
• Secure admission to a full-time program at Oxford or Cambridge.
• For postgraduate applications, I graduated recently from an Indian university. For undergraduate applications, complete schooling in India.

Benefits

• Partial tuition fees

Also Read: Top 10 MBA colleges in UK for Indian students in 2024

Scholarships in UK for Indian Students: Application Process

Scholarships like the Rhodes Scholarship and Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarship are scholarships from Universities. Hence, you must apply for them during the admission process to the respective University.

However, Government or organisation-based scholarships can be applied for on the respective websites. 

Here is a general process that you can follow to apply for the scholarships in UK for Indian students:

• Find scholarships that fit your strengths (merit, talent, or need) and deadlines.
• Get transcripts and reference letters to showcase your academic strengths.
• Write compelling essays/proposals about your goals and scholarship fit.
• Apply online before the deadline, double-check, and hit submit!

Pro tip: Watch the opening dates and apply as early as possible for the best shot. Due to the high competition for these scholarships, they are usually awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Scholarships in UK for Indian students: Application Deadlines

Scholarships can really help pay for your studies in the UK.

But act fast! Scholarship applications usually have strict deadlines, so keeping track of them is super important.

If you plan to apply to any of these scholarships in 2024-25, set a reminder for the dates below!

Proven Tips to Get Scholarship in UK for Indian Students

Scholarships are crucial for paying for your studies in the UK. But with many people applying, you need a plan to stand out.

The tips below will help you showcase your strengths, explain why you need financial help, and, most importantly, increase your chances of getting that scholarship that could change your life.

Here are some tips to ace your UK scholarship applications:

• Find scholarships that match your strengths – academic excellence, talent in a specific field, or financial need.
• Note down deadlines carefully and set reminders to ensure you apply on time.
• Your essays and proposals are your chance to shine. Don’t just list grades and achievements. Tell a story that showcases your goals, unique skills, and how the scholarship fits into your aspirations.
• Request official transcripts from your institutions well in advance to avoid last-minute rushes.
• Choose professors, mentors, or employers who can write strong recommendation letters. They should be able to speak to your academic abilities, talents, or potential, depending on the scholarship.
• If applying for talent-based scholarships, provide evidence of your exceptional skills, such as awards, competition wins, or a portfolio of work.
• For need-based scholarships, prepare the necessary financial documents to demonstrate your limitations.
• When applying online, double-check everything! Ensure all documents are uploaded correctly, and proofread your essays carefully.

Remember, scholarships are competitive, so apply to multiple opportunities to increase your chances. With dedication, a strategic approach, and these above tips, you’re well on your way to conquering the UK scholarships and turning your study abroad dreams into reality!

Final Thoughts

A few other popular scholarships in the UK are GREAT Scholarships, Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships, Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships, and Hornby Scholarships. These scholarships aim to provide equal educational opportunities to students by funding their education irrespective of their economic or social backgrounds.

There are also several course-specific financial aids such as MBA and PhD scholarships. To get a full list of UK scholarships, book a free call with our experts.

Frequently Asked Questions