What scholarships are available for UK universities and what are the eligibility criteria for a Postgraduate?
Key UK postgraduate scholarships include Chevening (fully funded, for emerging leaders), Commonwealth (for citizens of eligible nations), GREAT (minimum GBP 10,000 towards fees), and Gates Cambridge. You need at minimum a 2:1 degree and strong English scores for most of these.
If you are planning a postgraduate degree in the UK, scholarships can significantly reduce your financial burden - and in some cases, cover everything from tuition to airfare and living costs. The landscape is divided into government-funded programmes, non-governmental awards, and university-specific bursaries, each with distinct eligibility criteria and application windows. Understanding which category fits your profile is the first step to building a targeted application strategy.
Major UK Postgraduate Scholarships Overview
| Scholarship | Funding Coverage | Target Profile | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening | Full: tuition, living allowance, airfare, visa | Emerging leaders from 140+ countries | Undergraduate degree, 2 years work experience, leadership record |
| Commonwealth Masters | Full: tuition, airfare, living stipend | Citizens of Commonwealth nations | Upper second-class (2:1) degree, financial need demonstrated |
| GREAT Scholarships | Minimum GBP 10,000 toward tuition | Students from 18 countries including India | Citizen of eligible country, undergraduate degree, course-specific criteria |
| Gates Cambridge | Full: tuition, maintenance, travel | Outstanding academics globally | Exceptional intellectual ability, leadership, commitment to improving lives of others |
| British Council Women in STEM | Partial, varies by university | Female students in Science, Tech, Engineering, Math | Financial need, qualifying undergraduate degree in a STEM field |
University-Specific Bursaries and Excellence Awards
| University | Award | Value | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Bristol | Think Big Scholarship | GBP 6,500 to GBP 13,000 | International taught Master's students |
| University of Edinburgh | Global Excellence Scholarship | GBP 5,000 to GBP 15,000 | International postgraduate taught students |
| UCL | Denys Holland Scholarship | Full fees plus maintenance | Students demonstrating financial hardship |
| Aston University | International Excellence Award | Up to GBP 6,000 | High-achieving international PGT applicants |
| University of Manchester | Global Futures Scholarship | GBP 10,000 | International Master's students in priority subjects |
My Advice
Start your scholarship research at least 12 to 18 months before your intended course start date - Chevening and Gates Cambridge especially have application cycles that open a full year in advance. If you are from India, the GREAT Scholarship is one of the most accessible routes because it partners directly with British Council India and has relatively less competition than Chevening. Secure your university admission letter first, as most awards require proof of a conditional or unconditional offer from a specific UK university before your scholarship application is even considered valid.
More expert answers
Yes, there are several scholarships available for Indian students pursuing a Master's in Economics in the UK for the September 2026 intake. Many top universities offer funding, such as the University of Birmingham’s Postgraduate Chancellor's Scholarship, UCL’s India Excellence Scholarship, and the University of Kent’s British Council GREAT Scholarship, among others. Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application steps. Generally, most require you to have an offer of admission and to submit additional documents like academic transcripts and a Statement of Purpose. For detailed guidance and help with the application process, please connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.
Yes, there are several scholarships available for Indian students pursuing a Master's in the UK for September 2026.
Key options include:
- Chevening Scholarship: Fully funded, covers tuition, living expenses, and travel. Requires returning to India for at least two years after graduation. Applications for 2027-28 expected to open in Aug 2026. Subject to change.
- Commonwealth Master's Scholarship: Covers full tuition, airfare, and a monthly stipend. Also requires returning to your home country. Nomination deadline: 31 May 2026. Subject to change.
- GREAT Scholarships: Offers £10,000 towards tuition for a one-year Master's. Deadlines and availability vary by university.
- University-specific awards: Examples include UCL India Excellence Scholarship (£5,000), UCL Global Master's Scholarship (£15,000), and University of Westminster International Postgraduate Excellence Award (£3,000). Amounts and deadlines vary.
Eligibility and deadlines differ for each scholarship and are subject to change. Given your strong academic and professional profile, you may be a competitive candidate.
For next steps, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor to get guidance on the best-fit scholarships and application process.
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