The Felix Scholarship 2026 stands among the most prestigious and fully funded UK scholarships available for Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. Established with the vision to support academically brilliant and financially disadvantaged students from India and developing countries, the Felix Scholarship has transformed hundreds of lives — enabling them to study at some of the UK’s most respected universities without financial barriers.
Jointly offered by the University of Reading, SOAS University of London, and the University of Cambridge, the Felix Scholarship provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for talented Indian graduates to pursue master’s or PhD studies in the UK while having all expenses fully covered — from tuition fees and living costs to travel and academic materials.
What Is the Felix Scholarship?
The Felix Scholarship was created with the mission to “allow gifted underprivileged students to further their education and contribute to the development of their home countries.” Since its establishment, the scholarship has become a symbol of excellence and inclusion, supporting Indian students who demonstrate not only exceptional academic potential but also a commitment to giving back to society.
Each year, only five Indian students are selected through a rigorous and highly competitive process. These students receive full funding to study in the UK at one of the three participating universities.
Participating Universities for 2026
The Felix Scholarship 2026 is available at three leading UK institutions, each offering world-class academic and research opportunities:
- University of Reading – Known for its research excellence, global outlook, and strong industry connections.
- SOAS University of London – Renowned for its focus on social sciences, humanities, and global issues with an emphasis on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
- University of Cambridge – One of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, celebrated for cutting-edge research and academic distinction.
Each university offers a different academic environment and specialisation, but all three share the same Felix vision: empowering capable Indian scholars to become global change-makers.
What Does the Felix Scholarship Cover?
For Indian students, the Felix Scholarship is more than a funding opportunity, it’s complete financial freedom to study in the UK.
| Coverage | Details |
| Tuition Fees | 100% coverage of international tuition fees |
| Living Expenses | Annual maintenance allowance of approximately £17,000–£18,000 |
| Additional Grants | Allowance for books, clothing, and study materials |
| Travel | Return airfare between India and the UK (fully funded) |
| Duration | Covers the full length of the postgraduate programme (typically 1–2 years for master’s; up to 3 years for PhD) |
This makes the Felix Scholarship one of the most comprehensive scholarships for Indian students in the UK — removing financial barriers and allowing recipients to focus entirely on their academic and professional growth.
🇮🇳 Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
The Felix Scholarship 2026 is designed primarily for Indian citizens residing in India who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen currently residing in India.
- Education: Must hold at least a first-class undergraduate degree from a recognized Indian university.
- Financial Background: Must provide evidence of financial need — this scholarship is intended for students who would otherwise be unable to afford studying abroad.
- Academic Potential: Must show strong academic performance and commitment to higher education.
- Prior Study Abroad: Must not have studied outside India for more than one year.
- Return Commitment: Must intend to return to India after completing their studies to contribute toward national or community development.
For 2026, applications will open through the University of Reading’s official portal, and candidates must first hold an offer of admission from one of the participating universities before applying for the scholarship.
Felix Important Dates and Application Process (2026 Intake)
| Stage | Timeline (Tentative) |
| Application Opens | November 2025 |
| University Admission Offer Required | Before applying for the scholarship |
| Scholarship Application Deadline | January 30, 2026 |
| Shortlisting & Interviews | March–April 2026 |
| Final Results Announcement | May–June 2026 |
| Programme Start | September–October 2026 |
How to Apply
- Apply for Admission: Submit your application to a participating university (Reading, SOAS, or Cambridge) for an eligible postgraduate programme.
- Receive an Offer:You must have a confirmed offer of admission before applying for the scholarship.
- Complete the Felix Scholarship Application Form: Available on the respective university’s scholarship portal.
- Prepare Supporting Documents:
- Proof of financial need
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of Indian citizenship
5. Attend the Interview (if shortlisted): Interviews may be conducted in India or virtually.
Why the Felix Scholarship Matters for Indian Students
The Felix Scholarship is more than financial support — it’s a recognition of talent, resilience, and social purpose. For Indian students, it represents an opportunity to earn a world-class degree from the UK’s top universities while carrying forward a mission of nation-building.
1. Bridging Financial Gaps
For many bright students in India, studying abroad remains financially out of reach. The Felix Scholarship eliminates that barrier by covering tuition, living, and travel expenses entirely — enabling access based on merit, not means.
2. Global Exposure with Local Impact
The scholarship emphasizes that recipients return to India after completion. This ensures that the benefits of advanced education are reinvested in India’s development sectors — from research and education to policy, health, and entrepreneurship.
3. Academic Prestige
Studying under the Felix Scholarship at Reading, SOAS, or Cambridge immediately places scholars in the company of some of the world’s finest academic minds, expanding research opportunities, networks, and professional credibility.
4. Career Growth
Graduates from the Felix Scholarship programme often move into leadership roles in academia, business, government, and social development, contributing to India’s global influence.
Tips for Indian Students Applying in 2026
- Apply early: Start your university application at least three months before the scholarship deadline.
- Show purpose: Your personal statement should clearly highlight your goals, financial background, and how you plan to contribute to India after your studies.
- Prepare strong references: Choose recommenders who can speak about your academic excellence, integrity, and leadership potential.
- Document financial need: Provide transparent evidence (income statements, tax documents) to demonstrate eligibility.
- Practice for the interview: If shortlisted, be ready to discuss your career aspirations, your chosen field, and your plan to make an impact in India.
Apply for UK Felix Scholarship 2026 Today
The Felix Scholarship 2026 for Indian students is not just financial aid, it’s an extraordinary opportunity for India’s brightest minds to study in the UK, gain global exposure, and return home ready to lead change. With full funding and access to world-class universities, this scholarship represents a golden chance for Indian students who aspire to make a real impact.
At LCI Group, we specialise in helping international students turn their study-abroad ambitions into reality. Whether you’re applying for 2026 or planning ahead for future intakes, our guidance ensures you stay competitive and confident every step of the way. Get in touch with us today!
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible to apply for the Felix Scholarship 2026?
A. Indian citizens who are currently residing in India, have achieved a first-class undergraduate degree from a recognized Indian university, and can demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply. Applicants must not have studied abroad for more than one year and should plan to return to India after completing their studies.
Q2. Which universities in the UK offer the Felix Scholarship?
A. The Felix Scholarship is jointly offered at three leading UK universities:
- University of Reading
- SOAS University of London
- University of Cambridge
Each institution manages its own Felix Scholarship application process, but the eligibility criteria remain similar across all three.
Q3. What does the Felix Scholarship cover for Indian students?
A. The scholarship covers 100% of international tuition fees, a living allowance of approximately £17,000–£18,000 per year, allowances for books and clothing, and a return flight ticket between India and the UK. It is one of the few fully funded scholarships in the UK that supports both academic and personal living costs.
Q4. How competitive is the Felix Scholarship?
A. The Felix Scholarship is extremely competitive — only five Indian students are selected each year. Selection is based on academic excellence, financial need, leadership potential, and a commitment to contribute to India’s development after graduation. Students are encouraged to apply early and submit a strong personal statement and recommendation letters.
Q5. When is the deadline to apply for the Felix Scholarship 2026?
A. The application deadline for the Felix Scholarship 2026 is expected to be January 30, 2026. However, applicants must first secure an admission offer from one of the participating universities before submitting their scholarship application. It is advisable to begin the university application process at least three months in advance.