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UK Scholarships for Indian Students in 2024
Are you an Indian student dreaming of studying in the UK but worried about the financial burden? You’re not alone. The allure of world-class education, diverse culture, and excellent career opportunities make the UK one of the top destinations for students worldwide. However, the cost can be daunting. The good news? There are numerous UK scholarships available for Indian students available in 2024.
In this blog, we have curated all the available UK scholarships for Indian students with eligibility criteria.
Types of UK Scholarships for Indian Students
Scholarships are highly sought-after grants, especially by international students looking for financial aid when studying in the UK. That said, the British Council does explain that several different types of scholarships are available to international students. Here’s a look at the various types of scholarships available to international scholars.
1. Academic Scholarships
As the name suggests, these scholarships are awarded to individuals based on their academic achievements and capabilities.
2. Subject-Specific Scholarships
This type of scholarship is provided to individuals who are looking to take up a particular course or subject.
3. Performance-Based Scholarships
The performance-based scholarship is given to those individuals who are especially skilled in and have achieved excellence in extracurricular activities. This could be sports or arts activities.
4. Equal Access Scholarships
This scholarship type is restricted to refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution from their country of origin.
5. Disability Scholarships
Individuals with a physical disability, long-term mental health condition, or a learning impediment can apply for a disability scholarship to cover costs incurred due to their condition.
Also read: Why Indian Students Choose the UK for Higher Studies?
UK Scholarships for Indian Students in 2024
Here are some popular scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK:
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships and fellowships to students from Commonwealth countries. Indian students willing to study Master’s or PhD in the UK are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Successful applicants will get full financial support covering tuition fees, airfare, and personal and living expenses. Applications must be submitted through a National Nominating Agency, university, or a Non-Governmental Organisation recognised by the Commission.
Eligibility
- Proof of financial resources is a must.
- A strong academic record throughout is a must.
- If shortlisted, you will have to come for an interview in Delhi.
British Chevening Scholarships
British Chevening Scholarships are among the most coveted scholarships for Indian students in the UK. These fully funded scholarships cover tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses for the entire duration of the program. Eligible candidates looking to pursue a 1 year Master’s degree in the UK can apply.
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of work experience after graduation.
- Choose and apply to at least 3 courses, one of which must have accepted you.
- Good academic record.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship
Many universities and colleges in the UK offer the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship, one of the most popular UK scholarships for Indian students. This scholarship is available to students all around the world. The scholarship pays for travel and living expenses for the students during their studies.
Eligibility
- You need to have completed your undergraduate degree in your home country.
- If you are in the first year of a higher degree program, you can apply to the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters as long as you will graduate before the Master’s starts.
Also read: 8 Best UK Universities For International Students in 2024
Rhodes Scholarship
The University of Oxford offers the Rhodes Scholarship, which is a fully funded scholarship for Indian students in the UK. It covers the complete cost of Master’s and PhD programs for selected students. University and college fees are covered, and recipients are given an annual stipend. Moreover, 100 scholarships are awarded each year.
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree with highest academic honours or an equivalent distinction.
- Full-time Master’s at the University of Oxford.
- You must be within 19-25 years of age.
GREAT Scholarships
GREAT Scholarships is another popular UK scholarship for Indian students. Students from 18 countries can apply for financial aid through the GREAT Scholarships to study any subject at UK universities. The minimum scholarship is EUR 10,000 towards tuition fees for a 1 year Master’s degree. The GREAT Britain Campaign, a UK government initiative, and the British Council fund these scholarships by partnering with UK universities.
Eligibility
- Must be a citizen of one of the 18 countries: Bangladesh, Brunei, China, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam.
- Meet the English language requirement of the university/program.
Source: Scholarship websites
Also read: Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students in 2024
Other Popular UK Scholarships for Indian Students
Here are some other less-known scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK:
Felix Scholarship
The Felix Scholarship is one of the notable UK scholarships for Indian students. It’s for students from underprivileged backgrounds in India and other developing countries to study Master’s at UK universities. This scholarship is offered at the University of Oxford, the University of Reading and the School of Oriental and African Studies.
Eligibility
- Not be more than 30 years old.
- Completed a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with the highest honours.
- Your application must be for a full-time Master’s program offered by one of the partner universities/institutions.
- Proof of need for financial assistance.
AS Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship
The AS Hornby Educational Trust offers a scholarship for Master’s in the UK for Indian students, specifically aimed at English language teachers who live outside the UK. These scholarships enable them to study for a Master’s degree in English Language Teaching at the University of Warwick. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living allowance, travel tickets, visa fees and IELTS exam.
Eligibility
- 3+ years of full-time English language teaching experience and a university degree
- Candidates are required to meet the English language proficiency level set by the University of Warwick.
Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships
Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships are considered the most sought-after merit-based PhD scholarships for Indian students in the UK. This scholarship provides academically bright students from India to pursue PhD at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship covers their entire education in the fields of science, technology, economics and social sciences. Recipients get full financial support, including tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare and UK student visa costs.
Eligibility
- Postgraduate degree from an Indian institution affiliated with the scholarship program.
- Indian citizen below 35 years of age.
- English language proficiency.
- Leadership skills and vision.
Also read: 2024’s Most Affordable Cities in the UK for International Students
Inlaks Scholarship
Inlaks Scholarships is one of the prestigious UK scholarships for Indian students, aimed at supporting academically excellent students in pursuing higher education in the UK. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses and one-way airfare for full-time Master’s, MPhil or PhD programs at UK universities. The maximum amount provided by the foundation is USD 100,000.
Eligibility
- Only Indian passport holders living in India, born on or after January 1, 1994, and from a recognised Indian University can apply. Those awaiting final results can also apply.
- If you have earned your Bachelor’s degree from a recognised foreign university, you must have lived, worked or studied in India for at least 2 years after completing your undergraduate studies.
- Prior admission to the institution and course is mandatory at the time of application.
- If the offer letter requires English proficiency language certification, please get it before applying for the scholarship.
- Postgraduate degree holders (Master’s or PhD) from foreign universities cannot apply.
- Students already studying or have started their postgraduate education abroad are not eligible to apply.
Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships
In collaboration with Scottish universities, the Scottish Government provides a scholarship for Master’s in the UK for Indian students across various disciplines. These scholarships are worth GBP 8,000 and are for one year only. A minimum of 50 awards are available to successful applicants.
Eligibility
- Canada, China (including Hong Kong), India, Pakistan, and US citizens can apply.
- You must have a conditional or unconditional offer of admission from a Scottish university.
- If you have already graduated from a Scottish university, you cannot apply.
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT)
The scholarships are for artists and heritage professionals aged 28-38 and offer the opportunity to study a one-year Master’s course at a UK university. Each year, CWIT offers up to two long-term awards for artists across all disciplines, usually 10 months. These scholarships cover accommodation and living costs in the UK and a GBP 700 contribution towards international travel costs.
Eligibility
- Applicants must hold Indian citizenship and reside in India.
- Their age should fall within the range of 28 to 38 years.
- Individuals who have received a CWIT grant within the past five years are ineligible.
- Possession of a bachelor’s degree, diploma, or professional qualification in their field of specialisation is required. CWIT favours applicants with substantial work experience.
Goa Education Trust Scholarship
The scholarships give Goans a chance to access the best programs in their desired field. It provides scholarships and research fellowships to students so they can pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. These scholarships cover full or partial tuition fees for the chosen program.
Eligibility
- Must be an Indian citizen and a resident of Goa or Goan descent.
- Applicants must not exceed 30 years of age.
Source: Scholarship websites
Also read: Study in UK Without IELTS in 2024
Eligibility Criteria for UK Scholarships for Indian students
Scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK require a good academic record. However, it also depends on location, level of education, and subject area. Many scholarships consider extracurricular activities to be part of the criteria. While some scholarships only require an application, others may ask for essays or additional documents. To be eligible for these scholarships, candidates must be Indian citizens and have completed previous education at an English-medium school.
Get Scholarships to Study in the UK with The WorldGrad
The WorldGrad also offers certain exclusive scholarships to Indian students to study in a UK university. Indian students studying in a UK university through our Global Year 1 Program are eligible for the SmartGrad Scholarship and Director’s Merit Scholarship.
The SmartGrad Scholarship awards a 20% scholarship on tuition fees upon admission to a UK university. The scholarship is limited to 22 students. The student must have 75% or above in Class 12 (CBSE or equivalent) / 80% for State Boards, and there must be no academic gap.
The Director’s Merit Scholarship is only applicable to those students who have topped our Smart Program. Eligible students will get a financial reward of INR 50,000, and there are only 22 limited scholarships. The candidate must attain an overall Distinction grade to secure this scholarship.
UK Scholarships for Indian Students FAQs
Q1. What are the best fully funded scholarships for Indian students in the UK?
A1. Commonwealth scholarships, British Chevening scholarships, Rhodes scholarships, GREAT scholarships and Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship are some of the best fully-funded scholarships for Indian students in the UK.
Q2. What are some of the best PhD scholarships for Indian students in the UK?
A2. Indian students have many options for PhD scholarships in the UK. The Royal Society Grants, Newton-Bhabha Fund, Saltire Scholarships, Goa Education Trust Scholarships, Carnegie PhD Scholarships, Gates Cambridge Scholarships and many more. These scholarships provide financial support to Indian students to study in the UK.
Q3. Do UK universities offer undergraduate scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK?
A3. Yes, some UK universities offer undergraduate scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK. These include Lancaster University, the University of Leicester, Leeds and Beckett University, Kingston University London, and the University of East Anglia.
Q4. What are the scholarships for MBA in the UK for Indian students?
A4. Inlaks Scholarship, Felix Scholarship, Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Masters Scholarships, the Global Study Awards, GREAT Scholarships and Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships. These are the scholarships for MBA in the UK for Indian students.
Q5. How can Indian students get a full scholarship in the UK?
A5. To get scholarships in the UK, you need to meet certain criteria. Outstanding grades or financial needs are common. You also need to meet nationality and university entry criteria. Some scholarships may have extra requirements. Always check the eligibility criteria for each scholarship you are applying for.
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