UK Scholarships for Indian Students

UK Scholarships for Indian Students: Complete Guide 2025

Studying in the UK has always been a dream for Indian students due to its rich academic tradition, globally recognized universities, and excellent career prospects. However, the financial commitment often becomes a concern. Thankfully, several government, university-specific, and external scholarships make studying in the UK more accessible for Indian students. This blog serves as a comprehensive guide to UK scholarships in 2025, covering government-funded schemes, university scholarships, bachelor’s and master’s scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application processes.

To learn more about scholarships available to study in the UK, book a free consultation with LCI Group today!

Why Scholarships Matter for Indian Students in the UK

The UK is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities and offers an array of programs across disciplines. From Bachelor’s programs with strong foundations to Master’s degrees with placement opportunities, the country provides exceptional learning experiences. Scholarships bridge the financial gap, enabling more students to benefit from these opportunities.

Financial aid also reduces reliance on student loans and part-time work, allowing students to focus on academics and research. With tuition fees ranging between £10,000 to £40,000 per year depending on the course and institution, scholarships are often the deciding factor in making the UK a feasible destination.

Government Scholarships in the UK

1. Chevening Scholarships

• Type: Fully funded postgraduate scholarship
• Coverage: Tuition fees, living allowance, airfare
• Eligibility: At least 2 years of work experience, strong academic background, leadership potential

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

• Type: Government-funded postgraduate scholarships.
• Coverage: Tuition fees, airfare, living costs.
• Eligibility: From Commonwealth countries, including India; must demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.

3. GREAT Scholarships

• Type: Joint UK Government and British Council initiative.
• Coverage: Minimum £10,000 towards tuition fees.
• Eligibility: For one-year taught master’s programs.
• Availability: Over 25 scholarships available for Indian students in 2025.

4. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships

• Type: Funded by the Scottish Government.
• Coverage: £8,000 towards tuition.
• Eligibility: Open to students from India pursuing full-time master’s in science, technology, creative industries, healthcare, and renewable energy.

5. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

• Type: Short-term scholarships for arts, heritage conservation, and humanities.
• Coverage: Living costs, accommodation, international fares.
• Eligibility: Early to mid-career professionals.

Related reading: Ten Reasons Why You Should Study in the UK

University-Specific Scholarships

Many UK universities provide scholarships designed exclusively for Indian and international students. 

Read: Top UK Universities for MS in Artificial Intelligence

Bachelor’s Scholarships in the UK

While most government scholarships focus on postgraduate students, Indian undergraduates can still benefit from university-based awards:

• University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships: £6,500 to £13,000 per year for tuition.
• University of Birmingham Global Scholarships: £1,500 fee reduction for first-year tuition.
• University of Nottingham Undergraduate Excellence Award: Merit-based scholarships of up to £7,000.
• University of Westminster Undergraduate Scholarships: Partial tuition fee waivers for outstanding international students.

Master’s Scholarships in the UK

Taught Master’s Scholarships

These are for one-year postgraduate taught programs like MSc, MA, MBA:

• GREAT Scholarships: £10,000 towards tuition.
• Scotland’s Saltire: £8,000 contribution.
• Clarendon Fund: Fully funded for Oxford.
• University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarships: Up to £6,000.

Research Master’s & PhD Scholarships

• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships: For doctoral research.
• Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships (Oxford): Tuition, living expenses, and leadership development.
• University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Full funding plus stipend.

Students seeking research pathways often combine scholarships with assistantships or university fellowships.

Eligibility Criteria for UK Scholarships

Though eligibility differs across scholarships, general requirements include:

• Strong academic performance (usually a minimum of 65–70% in undergraduate studies)
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or other accepted tests
• Leadership qualities and extracurricular achievements (for Chevening and Rhodes)
• Financial need (for Felix and Commonwealth).
• A clear statement of purpose and recommendation letters.

Read: Top Five English Language Tests Accepted by Universities Worldwide.

UK Scholarships Application Process: What, How, and Why

What You Need

• Academic transcripts.
• English proficiency test scores.
• Recommendation letters.
• Personal statement/Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• Proof of work experience (where required).

How to Apply

• Identify relevant scholarships through university websites or official portals.
• Prepare documentation well before deadlines.
• Apply online via the scholarship’s official platform.
• Attend interviews (if required).

Why Apply

• Reduce financial burden.
• Boost career opportunities.
• Enhance networking through alumni networks.
• Gain recognition and prestige associated with awards like Chevening or Rhodes.

Apply for UK Scholarships

Studying in the UK doesn’t have to be financially overwhelming. With numerous scholarships available for Indian students, ranging from prestigious government-backed programs to university-specific awards, funding your education is more achievable than ever. Whether you’re aiming for a Bachelor’s in the UK, a Master’s with placement opportunities, or a research-focused PhD, there are scholarships tailored to your goals.

To learn more or apply for UK scholarships, book a free consultation with LCI Group today!

FAQs

1. Can Indian students get fully funded scholarships to study in the UK?

A. Yes, scholarships like Chevening, Rhodes, Clarendon, and Commonwealth offer full funding.

2. Do I need IELTS for UK scholarships?

A. Most scholarships require proof of English proficiency, commonly through IELTS.

3. Are there UK scholarships for bachelor’s students?

A. Yes, several universities such as Bristol, Birmingham, and Nottingham offer undergraduate merit-based scholarships.

4. Can I apply to multiple scholarships in the UK?

A. Yes, students are encouraged to apply for all scholarships they are eligible for. However, most awards cannot be combined.

5. When should I apply for UK scholarships?

A. Most major scholarships close between September–December of the year prior to admission. For example, Chevening applications for the 2026–27 cycle close in October 2025.

6. Which is better for scholarships: the UK or the USA?

A. Both countries offer excellent funding opportunities. However, the UK has more government-backed programs like Chevening and Commonwealth, while the USA offers broader university assistantships.

7. Do scholarships in the UK cover living costs?

A. Yes, fully funded scholarships like Chevening, Rhodes, and Clarendon include living stipends.