{"id":70508,"date":"2025-02-07T12:07:35","date_gmt":"2025-02-07T12:07:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/?p=70508"},"modified":"2026-06-22T11:59:02","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T11:59:02","slug":"great-scholarship-2025-scholarships-to-study-in-the-uk-for-indian-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/great-scholarship-2025-scholarships-to-study-in-the-uk-for-indian-students\/","title":{"rendered":"GREAT Scholarship 2026-27 for Indian Students: Amount, Eligibility and How to Apply"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\"><\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\">13<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">min read<\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"quick-read-box\">\n\n  <div class=\"qr-header\">\n    <span style=\"font-size:18px;\">\u26a1<\/span>\n    <h3 class=\"qr-title\">Quick Read<\/h3>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <ul>\n    <li>\u00a310,000 (\u2248 \u20b912,76,500) toward tuition and tuition only, so budget separately for living costs.<\/li>\n\n    <li>Open to Indian passport holders with a bachelor&#8217;s degree strong enough to get into a master&#8217;s.<\/li>\n\n    <li>Most 2026-27 windows have already closed; start prepping now for 2027-28.<\/li>\n\n    <li>Apply to each university directly, not through the British Council.<\/li>\n  <\/ul>\n\n  <div class=\"qr-footer\">\n    \ud83d\udc49 Best for: Indian students pursuing a taught master&#8217;s in the UK in 2026-27 and applying for GREAT Scholarship to cover tuition.\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"GREAT_Scholarship_Amount_and_What_It_Covers\"><\/span><strong>GREAT Scholarship Amount and What It Covers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The scholarship amount is Rs.12,76,500 (\u00a310,000) minimum, at Rs.127.65 per pound (June 2026). Some universities may offer a higher amount at their discretion, but the guaranteed minimum is \u00a310,000.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68_1 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Content<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #192a3d;color:#192a3d\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #192a3d;color:#192a3d\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/great-scholarship-2025-scholarships-to-study-in-the-uk-for-indian-students\/#GREAT_Scholarship_Amount_and_What_It_Covers\" title=\"GREAT Scholarship Amount and What It Covers\">GREAT Scholarship Amount and What It Covers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/great-scholarship-2025-scholarships-to-study-in-the-uk-for-indian-students\/#Is_the_GREAT_Scholarship_Fully_Funded\" title=\"Is the GREAT Scholarship Fully Funded?\">Is the GREAT Scholarship Fully Funded?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/great-scholarship-2025-scholarships-to-study-in-the-uk-for-indian-students\/#GREAT_Scholarship_Eligibility_Criteria_for_Indian_Students\" title=\"GREAT Scholarship Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students\">GREAT Scholarship Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/great-scholarship-2025-scholarships-to-study-in-the-uk-for-indian-students\/#How_to_Apply_for_the_GREAT_Scholarship_from_India\" title=\"How to Apply for the GREAT Scholarship from India\">How to Apply for the GREAT Scholarship from India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/great-scholarship-2025-scholarships-to-study-in-the-uk-for-indian-students\/#GREAT_Scholarship_2026-27_Timeline\" title=\"GREAT Scholarship 2026-27 Timeline\">GREAT Scholarship 2026-27 Timeline<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/great-scholarship-2025-scholarships-to-study-in-the-uk-for-indian-students\/#6_Tips_to_Win_the_GREAT_Scholarship_From_an_Indian_Scholar_Who_Did\" title=\"6 Tips to Win the GREAT Scholarship: From an Indian Scholar Who Did\">6 Tips to Win the GREAT Scholarship: From an Indian Scholar Who Did<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/great-scholarship-2025-scholarships-to-study-in-the-uk-for-indian-students\/#Common_Mistakes_Indian_Applicants_Make\" title=\"Common Mistakes Indian Applicants Make\">Common Mistakes Indian Applicants Make<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/great-scholarship-2025-scholarships-to-study-in-the-uk-for-indian-students\/#3_Takeaways_About_GREAT_Scholarship\" title=\"3 Takeaways About GREAT Scholarship\">3 Takeaways About GREAT Scholarship<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/great-scholarship-2025-scholarships-to-study-in-the-uk-for-indian-students\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_GREAT_Scholarship_for_India\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions About GREAT Scholarship for India\">Frequently Asked Questions About GREAT Scholarship for India<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Here is what it covers and what it does not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Covered:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Tuition fees, up to the scholarship value<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Not covered:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Living costs (typically Rs.9,00,000-Rs.14,00,000 per year depending on city<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Return flights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/healthcare-immigration-application\/pay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)<\/a>: Rs.99,016 (\u00a3776 per year) for a one-year course<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/student-visa\/fees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Student visa fee<\/a>: Rs.71300 (\u00a3558 for applications from outside the UK, as of 2026)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Books, materials, and course-related expenses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The scholarship funding is disbursed directly to the university after you register and is not transferred to your bank account. This procedure is standard for tuition-only awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_GREAT_Scholarship_Fully_Funded\"><\/span><strong>Is the GREAT Scholarship Fully Funded?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No. The GREAT Scholarship is a <strong>partial scholarship<\/strong>. To understand where it sits relative to other major UK scholarships available to Indian students, here is a direct comparison:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-palette-color-5-background-color has-background has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Scholarship<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Amount<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>What It Covers<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Type<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>India Awards (approx.)<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Application Window<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/study-uk.britishcouncil.org\/scholarships-funding\/great-scholarships\/india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GREAT Scholarship<\/a><\/td><td>Rs.12,76,500 (\u00a310,000)<\/td><td>Tuition only<\/td><td>Partial<\/td><td>13<\/td><td>Apr-Jun each year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chevening.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chevening Scholarship<\/a><\/td><td>Rs.38,29,500+ (\u00a330,000+)<\/td><td>Tuition + living + flights + IHS + visa<\/td><td>Fully funded<\/td><td>100-110<\/td><td>Aug-Nov each year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.britishcouncil.in\/study-uk\/scholarships\/commonwealth-scholarships\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Commonwealth Scholarship<\/a><\/td><td>Varies<\/td><td>Tuition + stipend + flights<\/td><td>Fully funded<\/td><td>20<\/td><td>Oct-Dec each year<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Can you apply to all three at the same time? Yes. There is no rule preventing simultaneous applications. Many Indian students apply to GREAT, Chevening, and a university merit award in the same cycle, since the application processes are entirely independent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The GREAT Scholarship is generally considered more accessible than Chevening or Commonwealth because the competition pool is smaller (you apply to a single university&#8217;s scholarship, not a national pool), the process is shorter, and the eligibility criteria, while still competitive, are less stringent than Chevening&#8217;s leadership requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"GREAT_Scholarship_Eligibility_Criteria_for_Indian_Students\"><\/span><strong>GREAT Scholarship Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To be eligible, you must meet <strong>all<\/strong> of the following conditions at the time of application:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Citizenship and residency:<\/strong> Hold an Indian passport and be a permanent resident of India. You cannot apply if you are already living in the UK.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Academic qualification:<\/strong> Hold a bachelor&#8217;s (undergraduate) degree.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Program type:<\/strong> You must be applying for a <strong>full-time, one-year taught postgraduate program<\/strong> (master&#8217;s). Research degrees and part-time programs are not eligible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Start date:<\/strong> Your course must start in September of the academic year you are applying for.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>English language:<\/strong> Meet the English language requirement set by the specific university. The minimum score is usually <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/aclk?sa=L&amp;pf=1&amp;ai=DChsSEwjYqprSivqUAxWRNoMDHRZxAvkYACICCAEQABoCc2Y&amp;co=1&amp;ase=2&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw857RBhAgEiwAI-1yKDCY7gmqUaEnKVZMIRc_bRaV8WL7J-pEQIPsDPf75JN1jDptG5OtwhoCCJMQAvD_BwE&amp;ei=3_wnaqPDDJCPseMPq9vnkAg&amp;cid=CAASWeRoBKylwK3KgerkQE4UzAJib5kiI9CKwZBcq48rKIHHFs0mFRcKIAj1PsVwjLI0mgcFMLMsXFrkRq_boR-tK2Bjy1Fy4LcR0I_GCQ-1qixWoBGesJEvCsYb&amp;cce=2&amp;category=acrcp_v1_32&amp;sig=AOD64_02ACDomBEFbSbMAbqc77R4nQr6ZA&amp;q&amp;sqi=2&amp;nis=4&amp;adurl=https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/ielts-optimized-pages\/ielts-course-page?utm_source%3Dsearch%26utm_campaign%3DBL_LIY_Search_IELTS_Brand_Keywords_15-10-2025%26campaign_type%3Dliy_india%26utm_content%3DBL_LIY_IELTSCourse%26utm_term%3Dleap%2520scholar%2520ielts%2520course%26ad_id%3D186879605173%26gad_source%3D1%26gad_campaignid%3D23136353435%26gbraid%3D0AAAAACQqsFSx87xe7yeRyYEIDFMV9KEbg%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjw857RBhAgEiwAI-1yKDCY7gmqUaEnKVZMIRc_bRaV8WL7J-pEQIPsDPf75JN1jDptG5OtwhoCCJMQAvD_BwE&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjjrpPSivqUAxWQR2wGHavtGYIQ0Qx6BAgMEAE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IELTS <\/a>6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0) but varies by institution and course.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Subject area:<\/strong> Open. STEM, social sciences, business, humanities, arts, design, and performing arts are all included, depending on what each university offers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Willingness to engage as ambassador:<\/strong> GREAT scholars are expected to attend a networking event in the UK, maintain contact with the British Council, and occasionally speak to prospective applicants. This requirement is a condition of the award.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no minimum GPA or percentage stated in the official criteria. In practice, a strong academic record (typically 60% or above in your bachelor&#8217;s degree) alongside a well-structured SOP and clear career rationale significantly improves your chances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Apply_for_the_GREAT_Scholarship_from_India\"><\/span><strong>How to Apply for the GREAT Scholarship from India<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no central British Council application portal for the GREAT Scholarship. Each university runs its own application process. Here is the standard flow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> Go to the<a href=\"https:\/\/study-uk.britishcouncil.org\/scholarships-funding\/great-scholarships\/india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/study-uk.britishcouncil.org\/scholarships-funding\/great-scholarships\/india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">British Council GREAT Scholarships India page<\/a> and select the university you want to apply to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> Click through to that university&#8217;s individual scholarship page. Read the eligible courses list carefully, as not every master&#8217;s program at that university will qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 3:<\/strong> Apply for the master&#8217;s program at that university first (via the university&#8217;s standard postgraduate admissions process, typically through their own portal or UCAS Postgraduate).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 4:<\/strong> Apply separately for the scholarship using the university&#8217;s scholarship application form. This is usually a short form plus a personal statement (SOP) of 500-800 words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 5:<\/strong> Submit before the university&#8217;s specific deadline. Deadlines vary: some fall as early as April, others as late as June. Check each university page individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 6:<\/strong> The university notifies successful scholars. Scholarship funding is released directly to the university after you register in September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Documents Checklist<\/strong> <strong>for GREAT Scholarships<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Bachelor&#8217;s degree mark sheets and degree certificate (attested)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indian passport (valid for the duration of study)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Updated CV (2 pages maximum)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2-3 <a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/letter-of-recommendation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Letters of Recommendation <\/a>from professors or senior employers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><u><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/statement-of-purpose-format-and-meaning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Statement of Purpose:<\/a><\/u><\/strong> 500 to 800 words (see tips below for what to cover)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>English language proficiency certificate: IELTS, <a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/exams\/toefl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TOEFL<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/exams\/pte\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PTE <\/a>(check the specific university&#8217;s minimum requirement)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Portfolio (for art, design, music, or performing arts programs only)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Counsellor Insight:<\/em><\/strong><em> Most students get eliminated at the SOP stage, not the credentials stage. Put 80% of your preparation time into your statement of purpose. Have someone outside your field read it. If they cannot explain your career goal after one reads it, rewrite it. The GREAT Scholarship assessors want more than grades; they want a specific, credible story about why this course and university matter and what you will do with it when you return to India.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"GREAT_Scholarship_2026-27_Timeline\"><\/span><strong>GREAT Scholarship 2026-27 <\/strong>Timeline<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most GREAT scholarship deadlines for the 2026-27 cycle fell between April and June 2026. If you are reading this now, most universities for this cycle have either closed or are closing imminently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use this time to prepare a strong application for 2027-28. The 2027-28 cycle will follow roughly the same calendar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-palette-color-5-background-color has-background has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Timeframe<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Action<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>June-August 2026<\/td><td>Shortlist 2-3 universities from the list of participating universities. Research which master&#8217;s programs are eligible. Check QS rankings and course content for your field.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>August-September 2026<\/td><td>Draft your SOP. Ask your referees if they are willing to write a strong LOR, and give them 8-10 weeks&#8217; notice.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>September-October 2026<\/td><td>The British Council typically confirms the participating universities for 2027-28. Check the India page for updates.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>October-November 2026<\/td><td>Begin submitting master&#8217;s program applications. Most UK universities accept applications from October onwards for entry in September 2027.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>January-March 2027<\/td><td>Scholarship application windows typically open. Submit your scholarship application as soon as the form goes live. Do not wait until the deadline.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>April-June 2027<\/td><td>Await scholarship results. Prepare your<a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/student-visa-uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/student-visa-uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">student visa<\/a> documents in parallel.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>July-August 2027<\/td><td>If awarded, accept the offer, pay the CAS deposit, and apply for student visa.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting your master&#8217;s application in early (before December) signals seriousness to the admissions team and often strengthens your scholarship candidacy as well, since the same faculty may be involved in both decisions at smaller universities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Counselor Insight: <\/em><\/strong><em>The biggest advantage you can give yourself for 2027-28 is getting your master&#8217;s application in before December 2026. At smaller participating universities, the scholarship and admissions decisions involve the same faculty. Early applicants are reviewed first, and early review strengthens your scholarship candidacy even before the scholarship window formally opens.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Tips_to_Win_the_GREAT_Scholarship_From_an_Indian_Scholar_Who_Did\"><\/span><strong>6 Tips to Win the GREAT Scholarship: From an Indian Scholar Who Did<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/study-uk.britishcouncil.org\/blog\/top-tips-applying-great-scholarship-funding-uk-masters-study\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Diona from India won a GREAT scholarship<\/a> to study a master&#8217;s in education, inclusion, and special needs at the University of Hull in 2021-22. The British Council asked her to share what made her application successful. Here is what she said, along with context for Indian applicants:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Check eligibility and stick to the word limit: these are the automatic filters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first round is algorithmic. If you exceed the word limit on your SOP, your application does not reach a human reader. Meet the eligibility criteria. Stay within the word count. These two things guarantee you reach Round 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. List every achievement; do not self-censor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Diona&#8217;s advice: &#8220;Don&#8217;t be ashamed to talk about all of your achievements and the extra activities you have engaged in over the last few years. It could be something as simple as being part of the school dramatics association. Just make sure you show how this has been beneficial and how being involved has given you different skills.&#8221; Indian applicants often undersell themselves out of modesty. The assessors can only evaluate what you show them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Be honest: there are no right or wrong answers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When Diona asked the assessors why they chose her, they said, &#8220;One of the best things about your application was that you were totally honest about who you are. They liked my flow of writing.&#8221; Write like a person, not like a brochure. Assessors read hundreds of applications. Authenticity stands out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Show where this degree takes you, specifically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vague career goals weaken applications. Diona wrote that after graduating from Hull she wanted to stay in the UK briefly to gain experience in special education before returning to India to set up a school with inclusive, accessible education. That is a specific, credible, and forward-looking career narrative. Build yours the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Show how you will give back to India<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This aspect is explicitly evaluated. In the words of the British Council, &#8220;You will be assessed on your ambitions, including in the longer term, and in relation to the value that receiving a GREAT Scholarship will add to your home community.&#8221; Diona emphasized creating &#8220;opportunities for women and other disadvantaged groups to find stable and meaningful employment.&#8221; What is your version of that? Answer it directly in your SOP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. If rejected, ask for feedback and reapply<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Diona&#8217;s advice: &#8220;If you don&#8217;t get accepted for the scholarship, don&#8217;t be upset about it. Instead, see it as a learning experience. Ask for feedback from the panel who received your application and implement what they&#8217;ve told you in future scholarship applications.&#8221; The 2027-28 cycle will have the same universities. A polished application is more likely to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistakes_Indian_Applicants_Make\"><\/span><strong>Common Mistakes Indian Applicants Make<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Applying to the wrong university.<\/strong> Not all universities participate every year, and not all participating universities accept India as an eligible country. Always start from the<a href=\"https:\/\/study-uk.britishcouncil.org\/scholarships-funding\/great-scholarships\/india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/study-uk.britishcouncil.org\/scholarships-funding\/great-scholarships\/india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">India-specific page<\/a>, not the general GREAT Scholarships page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Applying to a course not on the eligible list.<\/strong> Each university specifies which master&#8217;s programs qualify. Many students apply for the scholarship without checking the list, then find their preferred course is excluded. Read the university&#8217;s scholarship page before applying to the master&#8217;s program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Writing a generic SOP.<\/strong> &#8220;I am passionate about [field] and want to contribute to India&#8217;s development&#8221; appears in thousands of applications. It says nothing. Your SOP must include a specific career story, a clear reason for choosing this university and this program, and a well-defined plan for returning to India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Missing the word limit.<\/strong> Automatic elimination. No exceptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Treating it as one application.<\/strong> Applying to three GREAT Scholarship universities means three separate master&#8217;s applications plus three separate scholarship applications, which is six submissions total. Budget time accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Applying late.<\/strong> Some universities review applications on a rolling basis. Waiting until deadline day means competing against applicants whose submissions were already reviewed weeks earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Assuming the scholarship covers everything.<\/strong> Plan your finances for the full year. The Rs.12,76,500 (\u00a310,000) covers part of your tuition. You still need to fund living costs in the UK (Rs.9,00,000-Rs.14,00,000), IHS, visa fees, flights, and personal expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Takeaways_About_GREAT_Scholarship\"><\/span><strong>3 Takeaways About GREAT Scholarship<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Rs.12,76,500 (\u00a310,000) off your tuition is meaningful but not complete funding. Budget for the full picture: living costs of Rs.9,00,000-Rs.14,00,000 per year, a student visa fee of Rs.71,000 (\u00a3558), and an Immigration Health Surcharge of Rs.99,016 (\u00a3776). The GREAT Scholarship reduces your burden; it does not eliminate it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unlike Chevening, which selects from a national pool of hundreds, each university awards the GREAT Scholarship individually. That means your competition is the applicant pool at one institution for one course. A strong SOP with a specific India-return narrative, solid LORs, and early submission is enough to win.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the 2026-27 cycle has closed, begin preparing now. Shortlist universities, draft your SOP, and line up referees before October 2026. The scholars who win the 2027-28 cycle are the ones who started a full year early, not the ones who rushed an application in the final week.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Verified by:<\/strong> LeapScholar&#8217;s UK counseling team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Have questions about the GREAT Scholarship?<\/em><em><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/webflow_progressive_form?utm_source=Counselling_SEO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><\/em><em><u><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/webflow_progressive_form?utm_source=Counselling_SEO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Book a free session with a LeapScholar counselor.<\/a><\/u><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_GREAT_Scholarship_for_India\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions About GREAT Scholarship for India<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<ul class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<li id=\"faq-question-1781012151498\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Is the GREAT Scholarship fully funded?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No, and this is probably the most important thing to understand before you apply. The scholarship pays Rs.12,76,500 (\u00a310,000) towards your tuition and nothing else. Rent, food, flights, your student visa fee, and the Immigration Health Surcharge all come out of your pocket.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1781012154778\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Does the GREAT Scholarship include living expenses?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It does not. A lot of students assume otherwise and end up surprised. The Rs.12,76,500 (\u00a310,000) goes directly to your university against your tuition bill. Budget separately for living costs: roughly Rs.9,00,000-Rs.14,00,000 per year depending on where in the UK you study (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ukcisa.org.uk\/Information--Advice\/Studying--living-in-the-UK\/Living-costs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UKCISA<\/a>), plus your Immigration Health Surcharge and visa fees.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1781012162663\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Can I apply for GREAT Scholarship and Chevening at the same time?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, and many Indian students do exactly that. The timelines do not overlap. GREAT applications close between April and June, while Chevening opens in August and closes in November. Apply to both and see what comes through. There is no penalty for trying.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1781012170246\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What is the GREAT Scholarship amount in rupees?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Rs.12,76,500, calculated at Rs.127.65 per pound as of June 2026. That is the guaranteed minimum across all participating universities. Some universities offer a higher amount at their discretion, so check the specific scholarship page for your chosen institution rather than assuming it is always exactly \u00a310,000.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1781012184787\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Is the GREAT Scholarship available only at top-ranked universities?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Not at all. The 13 participating universities for India in 2026-27 include the University of Bristol (Russell Group, QS Top 100) but also the Royal College of Art, which does not rank highly on global tables but is one of the most respected postgraduate art and design schools in the world. The list is deliberately wide. What matters more is whether the scholarship is offered for your specific course, not just the institution&#8217;s overall rank.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1781012192888\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What subjects can I apply for?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Almost anything. Eligible subjects span STEM, business, social sciences, humanities, arts, design, music, and performing arts. The important detail is that not every program at every participating university qualifies for the scholarship. Check the scholarship page for your chosen university before you apply for the master&#8217;s program, not after.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1781012199708\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>When do GREAT Scholarship applications open for 2027-28?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The British Council typically confirms participating universities for 2027-28 around September\u2013October 2026. Scholarship applications at individual universities then open from roughly January 2027, with most closing by June 2027. Set a reminder to check the British Council India page from September 2026 onwards.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1781012206227\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Do I need IELTS to apply for the GREAT Scholarship?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>There is no single IELTS requirement set by the scholarship itself. Each university sets its own language threshold, and most ask for IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Several universities also accept TOEFL or PTE. Check the admissions requirements for your specific program rather than assuming the minimum applies everywhere.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1781012215689\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Can I apply to multiple GREAT Scholarship universities?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, and there is no rule against it. Just be realistic about the workload. Applying to three universities means three master&#8217;s applications and three scholarship applications: six total submissions, each with its deadline, course eligibility verification and SOP. Spread yourself thick enough that each application gets the attention it needs.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1781012222591\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Is there a bond or return-to-India obligation?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>There is no financial bond and no legal requirement to return to India. What the British Council asks is that scholars maintain contact, attend a networking event in the UK during their studies, and occasionally speak to future applicants about their experience. It is more of a soft ambassador role than a formal contractual obligation.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1781012230722\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What percentage or GPA do I need?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The scholarship does not publish a minimum percentage anywhere in the official criteria. In practice, a strong academic record helps, but past scholars and assessors consistently say the SOP, career narrative, and community impact story carry more weight than a transcript. Most competitive applicants sit at 60% or above in their bachelor&#8217;s degrees. A specific, honest application at 62% will beat a generic one at 75%.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1781012237969\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Which university is easiest to get the GREAT Scholarship from in India?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>There is no publicly available acceptance rate data by university, so nobody can give you a definitive ranking. What is true is that each university typically awards one scholarship per country, which means the competition pool at every institution is small regardless of the university&#8217;s overall size or prestige. Specialist institutions like the Royal College of Art, the RNCM, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland attract only applicants with strong creative portfolios, so the competition is narrower but more focused. Universities with broader programs, such as Anglia Ruskin, University of Kent, or UWE Bristol, attract a wider applicant mix. The honest answer: the easiest university is the one where your course fits best and your SOP and career narrative are strongest.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1781012244537\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Can I defer the GREAT Scholarship to the following year?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>In almost all cases, no. The scholarship cannot be deferred. If you accept an award but cannot take up your place, you must decline it and reapply in the next cycle. The University of York, for example, states this policy explicitly: deferring your university place means you also lose the scholarship. Since each university administers its process, check directly with the institution if your circumstances change after an award. Do not assume a deferral is an option.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1781012251486\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Is the GREAT Scholarship taxable in India?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. Under<a href=\"https:\/\/taxguru.in\/income-tax\/scholarship-exemption-section-1016-income-tax-act-1961.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Section 10(16) of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961<\/a>, scholarships granted to meet the cost of education are fully exempt from income tax, with no upper limit specified. The GREAT Scholarship is a tuition-only award paid directly to a UK university, which fits squarely within that exemption. Courts have also upheld that scholarships received abroad for pursuing education remain exempt in India. The one caveat: if a scholarship amount somehow exceeds your actual educational expenses, the surplus could technically be treated as taxable income. For your specific situation, consult a chartered accountant.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\"><\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\">13<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">min read<\/span><\/span> \u26a1 Quick Read \u00a310,000 (\u2248 \u20b912,76,500) toward tuition and tuition only, so budget separately for living costs. Open to Indian passport holders with a bachelor&#8217;s degree strong enough to get into a master&#8217;s. Most 2026-27 windows have already closed; start prepping now for 2027-28. Apply to each university directly, not through the British Council. \ud83d\udc49 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":88,"featured_media":79661,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,9],"tags":[382,363],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70508"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/88"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=70508"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70508\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":80141,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70508\/revisions\/80141"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/79661"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70508"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=70508"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=70508"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}