Scholarships for Masters in UK for Indian Students in 2024-2025

13 min read

Are you looking to be among the 94,149 Indian students who have chosen to study in the UK for their master’s studies, but the fees worry you? Don’t fret! Many scholarships for a master’s in the UK are here to be your financial lifeline.

But how do you know which one’s for you? 

In this guide, you’ll explore the top scholarships for a master’s in the UK that can help you turn your dream into a reality. 

Dive in! 

Key Highlights 

Here are the key details you need to know about scholarships for a master’s in the UK.  

Highlight	Details
Types of Scholarships for a Master’s in the UK	GovernmentPrivateUniversitySubject-based
Top Scholarships for a Master’s in the UK	Chevening ScholarshipGates Cambridge ScholarshipCommonwealth Master’s Scholarship
Average Reward Amount	GBP 1K to GBP 8K (INR 1L to 8.6L) in total
Eligibility Criteria	Academic Merit, Nationality Requirement, Admission Offer

What Do Scholarships for Master’s in UK Cover?  

Scholarships for a master’s in the UK can significantly ease your financial burden by waiving part or total tuition fees that average INR 12L to 48.7L (GBP 11K to GBP 45K) per year. 

Some scholarships offer stipends for living expenses, including accommodation, food, and travel. 

The Chevening Scholarships are an example that provides complete financial backing for one-year postgraduate programs at 150 top universities in the UK. But how can you avail of these opportunities? Read on. 

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships for Masters in UK 

Before you start dreaming of studying in the UK with a scholarship to make an impact, as Bill Clinton did, you must understand the eligibility criteria. 

Here’s a table outlining the general criteria for postgraduate scholarships in the UK for international students. 

Eligibility Criteria	Description
Academic Merit	GPA: 3.3+ | Percentage: 65% to 80% in graduation
Nationality	Check if your country is listed in the scholarship eligibility
Admission Offer	Attach the offer letter from a UK institution
Financial Need	Demonstrate financial need
Language Proficiency	IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL iBT: 92-100
Personal Statement	Keep an essay or statement about achievements and goals ready

Also Read: SOP for MBA: Proven Tips, Strategies and Samples to Secure Admission. 

Types of Scholarships for Master’s in UK

With 210 GREAT scholarships being offered by 71 universities for the 2024-25 academic year, many opportunities like this await you. 

To help you find your perfect fit, here’s a breakdown of the different types of master’s scholarships available in the UK. 

1. Government-Funded Scholarships UK

The UK government offers several scholarships that are highly attractive to Indian students. These include the Chevening Scholarships, a highly prestigious award that provides full financial support to international students. 

2. Private Scholarships UK

Corporations, foundations, and individuals fund private scholarships in the UK. These scholarships typically focus on academic excellence and financial need and substantially support students across various disciplines. 

An example is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 

3. University-Based Scholarships UK

Many UK universities offer ​​scholarships to Indian students, such as the University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships. These help cover tuition fees and living costs and make quality education more accessible.  

4. Subject-Based Scholarships UK

Subject-based scholarships are awarded based on academic performance and financial need. They focus on specific fields, such as engineering and medicine. 

An example is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree Scholarship. It is known for its fully funded, high-quality programs offered through a consortium of European universities. 

Top 10 Scholarships for Masters in UK

With a whopping 446,924 sponsored study visas granted in the year ending March 2024, it’s clear that the quest for a top-notch education is more sought after than ever. So, is there a scholarship that can help you be a part of the fantastic education system in the UK, too? Sure! 

Explore the table below to discover the top scholarships for a master’s in the UK. 

Scholarship	Average Award Amount
Chevening Scholarship	GBP 30K (INR 32.4L) a year
Gates Cambridge Scholarship	GBP 30K to 45K (INR 32.4L to 48.7L) a year
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship	GBP 1.4K to 1.7K to (INR 1.5L to INR 1.8L)  living allowance + full tuition fee
Rhodes Scholarship	GBP 19.1K (INR 20.6L) per year
Felix Scholarships	Tuition fees + GBP 17.8K (INR 19.2L) total living allowance
GREAT Scholarship	GBP 10K (INR 10.8L) in total
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree Scholarships	GBP 1.2K (INR 1.3L) per month allowance
Scotland Saltire Scholarships	GBP 8K (INR 8.6L) per year
Inlaks Scholarships	Up to 77.7K (INR 84L) in total
University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships	GBP 11.5K (INR 12.4L) total living allowance

1. Chevening Scholarship

The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious UK government award that provides full financial support for outstanding students from 160+ countries, including India, to pursue a one-year master’s degree. 

Here are the eligibility criteria for Indian students for this master’s scholarship in the UK. 

Criteria	Description
Citizenship	Must be from a Chevening-eligible country (India included)
Commitment to Return	Return to your home country for at least two years after the scholarship.
Work Experience	At least two years (2,800 hours)
Academic Qualifications	Hold an undergraduate degree
University Application	Apply to three UK courses and secure an unconditional offer from one.

2. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Since its inception in 2001, over £142 million has been spent supporting scholars from more than 700 universities globally with the GATES scholarship. 

Here are the eligibility criteria for this fully funded scholarship for a master’s in the UK.

Criteria	Description
Citizenship	Non-UK citizen
Academic Courses	MLitt, or a one-year postgraduate course
Application Status	Concurrent application to Cambridge and scholarship
Academic Excellence	Demonstrated intellectual ability
Leadership & Commitment	Leadership potential and social impact commitment

Also Read: How to Get Into Cambridge University: Application Guide?

3. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is a notable option among master’s scholarships in the UK. It is aimed at students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including India. 

Here are the eligibility criteria for these scholarships for a master’s in the UK. 

Eligibility Criteria	Description
Citizenship	Must be from a low or middle-income Commonwealth country
Age	Below 40 years
Academic Qualifications	Hold an undergraduate honours degree in at least upper second-class
Work Experience	Relevant experience or potential to contribute to development
Financial Need	Demonstrated financial need

4. Rhodes Scholarships

The Rhodes Scholarship offers over 100 outstanding students each year the opportunity to pursue a fully-funded postgraduate degree at the University of Oxford. 

Here are the eligibility criteria for these scholarships for a master’s in the UK.  

Criteria	Details
Formal Education	Completed 4 to 10 years of formal education in an Indian institution
Age	Between 19 to 25 years old
Academic Achievement	Hold an undergraduate degree with a first-class or equivalent level of achievement.

5. Felix Scholarships

The Felix Scholarships offer total funding to outstanding students from India and other developing countries to pursue a postgraduate degree (Master’s or PhD) at selected UK universities. 

These include the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. 

Here are the eligibility criteria for these scholarships for a master’s in the UK.

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Indian/Non EEA
Academic Excellence	Must be academically gifted and underprivileged
Degree Requirement	First-class Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university
Recommendation	Must be recommended by their chosen university

6. GREAT Scholarships

The GREAT Scholarships offer students from 15 countries the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree at participating UK universities. 

Here are the eligibility criteria for these UK master’s scholarships for international students. 

Criteria	Details
Citizenship	Must be a citizen of India
Educational Background	Must hold an undergraduate degree
Motivation	Must be motivated and interested in the proposed subject area
English Language Requirement	Must meet the English language requirement of the UK university
Engagement with the UK	Must engage with the UK as a scholar, both personally and academically
Networking Event Participation	Must attend a networking event for UK-based GREAT scholars
Ambassador Role	Must maintain contact with the British Council as an ambassador
Alumni Engagement	Must be willing to speak to potential candidates about their experience

7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree Scholarships

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree Scholarships offer students worldwide the opportunity to pursue a fully funded, high-quality Master’s degree. 

Here are the eligibility criteria for these scholarships for a master’s in the UK.

Criteria	Details
Educational Qualification	A first degree equivalent to 180 credits or 180 ECTS
Practitioner Experience	Minimum of two years of experience in human rights
Letters	Work experience letter, LORs and motivation letter
English Proficiency	IELTS/TOEFL scores

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8.  Scotland Saltire Scholarships

The Scotland Saltire Scholarships are prestigious awards the Scottish Government offers in partnership with universities.  

Here are the eligibility criteria for these scholarships for a master’s in the UK. 

Criteria	Details
Citizenship	Must be a citizen permanently and ordinarily resident in India
Course Level	Full-time one-year Master’s program at the University of Edinburgh
Eligible Subjects	Science, Technology, Creative Industries, Healthcare and Medical Sciences, Renewable and Clean Energy
Admission Requirement	Must have an offer from the University of Edinburgh
Undergraduate Restriction	Must not have completed an undergraduate degree in Scotland
Selection Criteria	Must have or expect to obtain the international equivalent of UK first class or 2:1 honours degree
Exclusions	Online distance learning Master’s programs are not eligible

9. Inlaks Scholarships

The Inlaks Scholarships are prestigious awards for Indian students who want to pursue postgraduate studies at top universities abroad. These are specific to studying humanities, social sciences, fine arts, law, architecture, and allied fields. 

Here are the eligibility criteria for these scholarships for a master’s in the UK. 

Criteria	Details
Citizenship	Indian passport holders residing in India
Age	Born on or after 1st January 1994
Degree Certificate	Degree from a recognised Indian university or final year students awaiting results
Minimum Grades (Arts and Social Science)	Percentage: 65% | CGPA: 6.8/10
Minimum Grades (Science)	Percentage: 70% | CGPA: 7.2/10
Admission Requirement	Must have prior admission to the chosen institution
Postgraduate Qualifications	Not eligible if holding a Master’s or PhD from an institution abroad

10. The University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships 

The University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships offer a 50% reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving international students pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Sussex. 

Here are the eligibility criteria for these scholarships for a master’s in the UK. 

Criteria	Details
Offer Acceptance	Accepted offer for an eligible full-time or part-time Master’s at Sussex
Application Requirement	Submit a statement of academic interests
Statement Contents	Academic achievements, Post-Masters aspirations, Relevant work or activities

Scholarships for Master Specialisations in the UK 

Did you know that cheese rolling is a sport in the UK? Ready to experience this fun activity among the others? Sure, but first, you must choose the right scholarship based on your field. 

Here are the best scholarship options for master’s specialisations in the UK. 

1. MBA Scholarship in the UK

The Chevening Scholarship is the best option if you’re looking to pursue an MBA in the UK. It provides full financial support for a one-year MBA at any UK university, focusing on leadership and networking. 

Also Read: Pursuing an MBA in the UK Without Work Experience in 2024. 

2. MS Scholarship in the UK

If you want to pursue an MS in the UK, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is the best option. It offers total funding for an MS at the University of Cambridge, focusing on your exceptional academic ability and a commitment to leadership and social impact.  

Also Read: MS In UK 2024: Top Universities & Course Details. 

3. MA Scholarship in the UK 

The Rhodes Scholarship is an outstanding choice for pursuing an MA in the UK. This prestigious scholarship offers full financial support for your studies at the University of Oxford. 

It’s awarded to individuals like you who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and a solid commitment to positively impacting the world.

4. MBBS Scholarship in the UK 

The GREAT Scholarship is an excellent option if you aim to pursue an MBBS in the UK. This scholarship, funded by the UK government in partnership with UK universities, offers financial support for international students, including those from India. 

5. Master’s in Law UK Scholarship

If you’re pursuing a Master’s in Law (LLM) in the UK, the Chevening Scholarship is one of the best options. Funded by the UK government, this prestigious scholarship provides full financial support for a one-year LLM program at any UK university.

How to Apply for Scholarships for Masters in UK?

Applying for scholarships for master’s in the UK can be a competitive process, but with careful planning and preparation, you can increase your chances of success. This section outlines the key steps to help you get through the application process effectively.  

Documents Required 

When applying for scholarships for a Master’s program in the UK, you typically need to prepare the following documents. 

1. Completed scholarship application form
2. Statement of Purpose
3. Academic transcripts
4. Degree certificate(s)
5. CV or Resume
6. Letters of Recommendation
7. Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
8. Research proposal (if applicable)
9. Offer Letter from the university (conditional or unconditional)
10. Passport copy
11. Financial statement or proof of income (if required)
12. Portfolio (for certain courses like art, design, or architecture)
13. Work experience certificates or letters (if applicable)
14. Proof of residency or nationality (if applicable)

Application Process

Here are the steps to apply for scholarships for a Master’s program in the UK. 

1. Start by identifying scholarships that match your eligibility, focusing on those specific to your field, nationality, or the universities you are interested in.
   
2. Carefully review the requirements for each scholarship to ensure you meet the academic, professional, and personal qualifications needed.
   
3. Gather essential documents, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency.
   
4. Craft a compelling personal statement highlighting your academic achievements, career goals, and why you deserve the scholarship.
   
5. Ensure all application materials are submitted well before the deadlines to avoid any last-minute issues.
   
6. After submission, track your application status and prepare for any potential interviews that may be part of the selection process.

Tips to Get Scholarships for Masters in UK

With all the information given to you above, you may feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry! 

Here are some essential tips on how to get a scholarship for a master’s in the UK. 

Tip	Details
Research Early	Start searching for scholarships well in advance
Tailor Your Application	Customise each application to the specific scholarship criteria
Highlight Achievements	Emphasise academic and extracurricular successes
Strong Personal Statement	Craft a compelling and authentic narrative
Secure Strong References	Obtain recommendations from reputable sources like professors

Reasons Why Scholarships Get Revoked 

Scholarships can be revoked for several reasons, often due to unmet academic or behavioural standards.

Here are the most significant reasons to keep in mind so you can avoid them entirely. 

Reason	Details
Academic Performance	Falling below the required GPA or grades
Violation of Terms	Breaching scholarship agreement terms
Misconduct	Involvement in unethical or illegal activities
Incomplete Enrollment	Failure to maintain full-time status
False Information	Providing inaccurate application details

Working While Studying in the UK

Even with scholarships, working while you study in the UK can help cover extra costs and gain valuable experience. 

Here’s what you need to know about working hours and regulations.

Category	Details
Term-Time Working Hours	Up to 20 hours per week
Vacation Periods	Full-time work allowed
Type of Work	Doctor Dentist Entertainer Sports Self-Employment
Visa Requirements	Must hold a valid Tier 4 (Student) visa
Minimum Wage (Per hour)	23 years and above: INR 1.13K (GBP 10.42) 21-22 years: INR 1.1K (GBP 10.18)

Also Read: Career Opportunities In The UK For Indian Students In 2024: Complete Guide

Conclusion 

Did you know the average UK monthly salary is INR 2.1L (GBP 2K)? So investing in your education through scholarships for a master’s in the UK is an intelligent way to pave the path toward a prosperous career. 

Need expert guidance? Leap Scholar counsellors are here to guide you through the entire study abroad process, helping you find the best opportunities to make your UK study experience successful and affordable. 

Frequently Asked Questions