Top Scholarships in UK for Indian Students: Complete Guide 2026

Studying in the UK is a goal for many Indian students but rising tuition fees and living costs can make it feel financially overwhelming. The good news is that the UK offers a wide range of scholarships specifically designed to support Indian students, covering tuition fees, living expenses, or both.

For the 2026 academic year, living costs in the UK have increased, with students in London now required to show up to £1,529 (₹1.85 lakh) per month as part of their visa application. This makes scholarships not just helpful, but essential for many families planning their finances.

This guide breaks down the top scholarships in UK for Indian students in 2026, including eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and application timelines. Whether you’re aiming for a merit-based award, a government-funded scholarship, or university-specific support, you’ll find clear, data-backed options to help make your UK education more affordable.

Why Scholarships Matter for Indian Students in the UK?

If you’ve been tracking the news, you know that the “price tag” of a global degree is rising. For an Indian student today, a scholarship isn’t just a trophy to put on your CV it’s the difference between struggling with student loans and actually enjoying your time at a world-class university.

With the cost of living in the UK reaching new highs in 2026, even a partial scholarship can cover your rent or grocery bills for an entire year. More importantly, being a “Scholar” gives you immediate status; it tells future employers that you were among the best in India before you even landed in Heathrow. It’s about making your dream of studying abroad financially sustainable so you can focus on your career, not just your bank balance.

Eligibility Criteria of Scholarships in UK for Indian Students

Most scholarships for Indian students in the UK look at the following factors:

1. Nationality: You must be an Indian citizen. Some scholarships may also require you to be residing in India at the time of application.

2. Academic performance: High-value scholarships usually expect strong academic results. A “First Class” degree typically means 60-70% or higher from a recognised Indian university.

3. English language proficiency: A valid IELTS  or TOEFL score is commonly required. In some cases, universities may waive this if your previous education was taught in English.

4. UK university offer: You usually need a conditional or unconditional offer letter from a UK university before applying for most scholarships.

UK Scholarship Intakes for Indian students

1. September / October intake: This is the main intake, with the widest range of scholarships available across government-funded, university-specific, and external awards.

2. January / February intake: Fewer scholarships are offered during this intake, and most funding options are limited to university bursaries or department-level awards.

For Indian students aiming to maximise funding opportunities, the September intake offers the best chances.

Top UK Government Scholarships for Indian Students 2026

For the 2026 academic cycle, funding is categorized into government, institutional, and university-specific schemes. Here are the top government-backed options for you:

1. Chevening Scholarships

Chevening is one of the UK government’s flagship scholarships, aimed at students with strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential.

• Best for: Indian professionals with work experience planning a one year Masters in the UK.
• Coverage:
  • Full university tuition fees.
  • A monthly living allowance.
  • Return economy airfare to India.
  • Additional grants for essential expenses such as the cost of one visa application and arrival/departure allowances.
• Deadline:
  • Applications for the 2026–27 intake typically close in early November 2026.
• Eligibility:
  • Must hold an undergraduate degree.
  • At least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience gained strictly after graduation.
  • Commitment to return to India for a minimum of two years after completing studies.

2. Commonwealth Masters Scholarships

These Commonwealth Masters Scholarships are designed for those who wouldn’t be able to afford UK studies otherwise, focusing on high-impact themes like climate change and global health.

• Best for: Talented Indian students who need full financial support to contribute to India’s development.
• Coverage:
  • Full tuition fees, a monthly stipend (£1,347(approx. INR 1,63,324) outside London, £1,652(approx. INR 2,00,305) in London)
  • Approved airfare to and from the UK.
  • A monthly personal living allowance (stipend).
  • Additional allowances for warm clothing and arrival costs.
• Deadline:
  • Applications for the 2026 intake closed on October 21, 2026; stay tuned for 2027 cycle updates.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be a permanent citizen of India.
  • Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree.
  • Demonstrate that you cannot afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.

3. GREAT Scholarships

The GREAT Scholarship is a joint effort between the British Council and the UK government, providing at least ₹12.12 lakh in funding at 12 leading universities.

• Best for: Students looking for significant tuition support across a wide variety of subjects.

• Coverage:
  • A minimum of £10,000 (approx. ₹12,12,500) credited directly towards your tuition fees for a one-year taught Masters.
• Deadline:
  • Varies by university, but generally falls between April and June 2026.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be a passport holder and permanent resident of India.
  • Hold an undergraduate degree and meet the English language requirements of your chosen UK university.
  • Willingness to act as an ambassador for the GREAT Scholarships program.

4. Commonwealth Fellowship Plan

This includes specialized “Shared” and “Split-site” awards for research that directly impacts India’s development goals.

• Best for: Indian researchers and PhD students focused on collaborative global challenges. 

• Coverage:
  • Full university tuition fees and approved airfare.
  • Monthly maintenance allowance and personal expenses.
  • Additional grants for research-related travel, fieldwork, and conference attendance.
• Deadline:
  • Varies by specific fellowship; Shared Scholarships for 2026-27 typically close in December 2026.
• Eligibility:
  • Open to high-caliber Indian students who have not lived or worked in a high-income country for more than one year.
  • Must meet the requirements for a UK Master’s or PhD program.

5. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships

An “honorary badge” offered by the Scottish Government to attract future leaders to its world-class institutions.

• Best for: Bright Indian minds targeting careers in Scotland’s priority sectors like Renewable Energy or Healthcare.

• Coverage:
  • A one-time award of £8,000 (approx. ₹9.7 lakh) used specifically as a tuition fee waiver for one year of full-time study.
• Deadline:
  • Applications typically close around May 2026 for the September intake.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be an Indian citizen with a conditional or unconditional offer from a Scottish university.
  • The course must be in a priority sector: Science, Technology, Creative Industries, Healthcare, or Renewable Energy.
  • Must demonstrate you can meet the remaining tuition fees and living costs in Scotland.

UK Institution-Specific Scholarships

Beyond government funding, several private foundations and prestigious university-linked trusts offer full-ride opportunities specifically for Indian talent. These institution-specific scholarships are highly competitive and often target students with a proven track record of leadership or social impact.

1. Inlaks Scholarships

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation provides scholarships to exceptionally talented young Indians to pursue full-time postgraduate courses at top-tier global institutions. This merit-based award focuses on students demonstrating innovation and academic excellence in fields such as arts, humanities, and sciences.

• Best for: High-achieving Indian students under 30 pursuing niche subjects in the arts, humanities, or sciences.
• Coverage: Financial support up to $120,000 (approx. ₹1,00,45,200) covering tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, visa costs, and a health allowance.
• Deadline: Applications for the 2026 cycle are expected to open in mid-February 2026 and typically close by March 31, 2026.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be a resident Indian citizen born on or after January 1, 1990.
  • Hold an undergraduate degree from a recognized university in India with a minimum grade of 65%–70%.
  • Excludes subjects like Business, Finance, Computer Science, and Engineering.

2. Felix Scholarship

The Felix Scholarship aims to support high-achieving Indian students from underprivileged backgrounds who wish to pursue postgraduate education in the UK. It fosters a community of global scholars at the University of Oxford, University of Reading, and SOAS University of London.

• Best for: Academically gifted Indian students with demonstrated financial need applying to Oxford, Reading, or SOAS.
• Coverage: 100% of tuition fees, a living cost grant (approx. £19,000 or ₹23,03,750), and one return airfare to India.
• Deadline: Most applications close on January 30, 2026, but vary by course for the University of Oxford.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be an Indian national ordinarily resident in India.
  • Hold a first-class Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a recognized Indian university.
  • Must not hold a degree from a university outside of India.

3. Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships

Dr. Manmohan Singh scholarships are administered by St. John’s College at the University of Cambridge, this merit-based award supports academically outstanding Indian students pursuing doctoral studies. It aims to support the next generation of global leaders in fields like science, technology, and economics.

• Best for: Exceptional Indian researchers under 35 years old pursuing a PhD at the University of Cambridge.
• Coverage: A fully funded award covering 100% of academic tuition fees, a monthly stipend for living expenses, international airfare, and UK visa costs.
• Deadline: Applications for the 2026 intake typically close around January 15, 2026.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be an Indian national with a valid Indian passport, currently residing in India.
  • Hold a recognized Master’s degree from an Indian institution.
  • Must be below 35 years of age as of January 31 of the application year.

4. The Global Study Awards

This initiative, partnered with the British Council, supports committed students who possess a strong global outlook and are prepared for an international academic journey. It is available for students planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program abroad.

• Best for: Goal-oriented students with a valid IELTS score and an international student identity card.
• Coverage: A single financial award of up to £10,000 (approx. ₹12,12,500) paid directly to the university to cover tuition fees.
• Deadline: Deadlines vary by intake; check the official portal in mid-2026 for specific dates for the 2026-2027 cycle.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be 18 years or older at the time of application.
  • Hold a valid IELTS test report from a British Council center.
  • Possess a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or International Youth Travel Card (IYTC).

5. Goa Education Trust (GET) Scholarships

Administered by the British Council India, the GET Scholarship supports high-achieving Indian students, with a preference for those of Goan origin, to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

• Best for: Meritorious Indian postgraduates, especially those with Goan heritage, applying to any recognized UK university.
• Coverage: Provides full or partial tuition fee coverage for a Master’s degree.
• Deadline: Typically closes around May 15, 2026, for the 2026 intake.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be an Indian national under 30 years old.
  • Hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree from an Indian university.
  • Possess an unconditional offer for a postgraduate program at a recognized UK university.

6. Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) Scholarships

CWIT offers funding for Indian professionals in arts, heritage conservation, or the humanities to undertake short or long-term training and research in the UK. These awards are geared toward mid-career professionals looking to gain international exposure.

• Best for: Mid-career Indian artists and heritage professionals seeking short-term research or professional development in the UK.
• Coverage: Long-term grants cover full tuition and living expenses; short-term research grants provide a one-off payment of £1,750 (approx. ₹2,12,187) for about 3 weeks.
• Deadline: Long-term scholarship applications close on February 6, 2026; short-term research grants close on February 27, 2026.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be an Indian citizen living in India, aged between 25 and 45.
  • Have 4 or more years of research or professional experience in your specialization.
  • Must not have received a CWIT grant within the last 5 years.

UK University-Specific Scholarships

Many institutions offer their own scholarship for masters in UK for Indian students to attract global talent.

Bachelor’s vs. Masters Scholarships

UK universities generally expect undergraduate students to be self-funded, with limited scholarships available to support high-achieving international applicants. Common features of undergraduate scholarships are:

• Usually partial funding
• Often awarded for academic merit
• May be renewable, annually based on performance

The University of Bristol’s “Think Big” initiative is one of the most accessible funding routes for international students across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It is specifically designed for fee-paying students who demonstrate how they will contribute to the Bristol community.

• Coverage: Tuition fee waivers valued at £6,500, £13,000, or £26,000 per year of study.
• Deadline: Applications for the 2026 intake close on April 10, 2026.
• Eligibility: Open to overseas applicants who have applied for any full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program (excluding medicine and dentistry).

This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving students from select countries, including India, to support their journey at one of the UK’s most prestigious research universities. It recognizes both academic excellence and the potential to contribute to global social challenges.

• Coverage: £10,000 (approx. ₹12,12,500) for the first year of study for Master’s; for undergraduates, £10,000 per year for up to three years.
• Deadline: Master’s applications must be submitted by April 24, 2026; undergraduate applications by March 26, 2026.
• Eligibility: Must hold an offer from the University of Manchester and demonstrate exceptional academic performance in Class 12 or undergraduate studies.

Master’s & PhD Scholarships in the UK

The majority of postgraduate funding, including MBA scholarships in UK for Indian students, is concentrated in this sector. Whether you are pursuing a professional taught degree or advanced research, these awards provide critical financial support.

1. Taught Master’s Scholarships

These scholarships primarily focus on one-year courses that build specific professional skills, such as the Chevening or GREAT programs.

• Chevening Scholarships
  • Coverage: Full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, return economy-class airfare to India, and additional grants for essential costs.
  • Deadline: Applications for the 2026-27 intake generally close in early November 2026.
• GREAT Scholarships
  • Coverage: A minimum award of £10,000 (approx. ₹12,12,500) credited directly toward tuition fees for a one-year taught postgraduate course.
  • Deadline: Varies by participating institution, typically falling between April and June 2026.

2. Research Masters & PhD Scholarships

Research-based funding often includes “full-ride” awards designed to cover the entire duration of a multi-year PhD program.

• Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships
  • Coverage: Full University tuition fees and an annual living stipend equivalent to the UKRI rate (approx. £19,237 to £20,780).
  • Deadline: Varies by academic school, with many deadlines in early 2026 (e.g., February 2, 2026, for Business and Economics).
  • Eligibility: Open to international students starting a PhD research program in the 2026-2027 session based on high academic merit.
• Gates Cambridge Scholarships
  • Coverage: Full cost of study at the University of Cambridge, including tuition, a maintenance allowance (£21,000 for 12 months), and inbound visa costs.
  • Deadline: For Indian applicants, the deadline is either December 3, 2026, or January 7, 2027, depending on the specific course.
  • Eligibility: Open to outstanding applicants from outside the UK pursuing a full-time PhD, MLitt, or eligible one-year postgraduate course.

Eligibility Criteria for UK Scholarship for Indian Students

While every award has its unique fine print, most UK scholarship for Indian students share a core set of “general” eligibility requirements.

• Nationality & Residence: You must be an Indian citizen and a permanent resident of India at the time of application.
• Academic Excellence: Most scholarships require a minimum of 60%–70% (a UK 2:1 equivalent) in your previous degree. Exceptional academic records are mandatory for “full-ride” awards like the Rhodes or Gates Cambridge.
• English Proficiency: A valid score in tests like IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL, or PTE is mandatory. Some universities may offer waivers if your medium of instruction in India was English, but prestigious scholarship bodies rarely do.
• Admission Offer: Most scholarship applications require you to have already applied to a UK university and hold at least a conditional offer.
• Return Intent: Many government-funded awards (like Chevening or Commonwealth) require you to sign a legal commitment to return to India for at least two years after your studies to contribute to national development.

Master the Scholarship Application: A Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Students

Securing a scholarship is a structured process, not a race. By following a clear sequence and focusing on genuine storytelling rather than “résumé padding,” you can manage the application journey effectively.

Phase 1: Preparation and Research (12–15 Months Before Intake)

Before applying, you must align your profile with the specific goals of each funding body.

1. Identify Your Target Awards: Shortlist 5–7 scholarships that match your academic level (UG, Master’s, or PhD).
2. Verify Eligibility Meticulously: Confirm that you meet the age, residency, and academic score requirements (typically 60%–70% for Indian degrees).
3. Take Your English Tests: Complete your IELTS or TOEFL early. Most scholarships require these scores upfront.

Phase 2: Building Your Application Toolkit

A strong application is built on authentic documents that reflect who you are as a student and a future professional.

• Academic Transcripts: Consolidate official records of your 10th, 12th, and undergraduate scores. Missing pages can lead to immediate disqualification.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): Write a 500–1,000 word essay. Focus on “University Fit” and how the course specifically facilitates your future plans rather than just listing past achievements.
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Secure two to three references from mentors who can speak to your specific character and leadership potential, not just your grades.

Phase 3: The Application Sequence (Step-by-Step)

Follow this logic to ensure you meet all requirements without the last-minute rush.

1. Apply for University Admission First: Most scholarships, including GREAT and Felix, require you to hold an offer from a UK university before you can apply for funding.
2. Submit to the Scholarship Portal: Once you have your offer, log into the specific provider’s portal (e.g., British Council or university funding page) to submit your separate application.
3. Prepare for the Interview: If shortlisted for high-value awards like Chevening or Commonwealth, you will be invited to an interview. Practice clear responses about your vision for contributing to India post-graduation.

The Strategic Application Timeline for 2026-27 Intake

Conclusion

Securing Scholarships in UK for Indian Students is a life-changing step that requires meticulous planning. With stricter maintenance rules for 2026, getting early professional support is critical to ensure your application stands out in a competitive field.

Ready to start your UK journey?

Planning for the September 2026 intake? Start your prep now, and if you’d like professional guidance on shortlisting, SOPs, or interviews, LeapScholar experts are here to help you every step of the way. Book your free counseling session today.

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