Key takeaways
- Studying in the UK can be expensive for Indian students. You can use various scholarships to reduce the financial burden and avoid education loans.
- UK scholarships cover not only your tuition costs but also the living expenses, travel, food, and health insurance. This helps to reduce your overall cost of living abroad.
- The scholarships are of various types, such as merit-based, need-based, university-specific, course-specific, and region-targeted scholarships. As a result, you can easily find scholarships that align with your academic and financial needs.
- Many scholarships provide access to academic and professional networking events. These opportunities provide you with international exposure and leadership development.
Studying in the UK is a popular choice among Indian students who seek academic excellence, international exposure, and global careers. Scholarships provide you with the necessary financial support and ensure that you can focus on your studies. There are both fully funded and partially funded scholarships that you can apply for.
You might be curious to know more about the various scholarship options for your higher education. In this article, we’ll take you through the best scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK. We’ll also provide insights into the eligibility criteria, application process, and more.
Let’s guide you in securing scholarships for studying in the UK! Talk to our experts.
Table of Contents
- Why apply for scholarships to study in the UK?
- Types of UK scholarships for Indian Students
- What do UK scholarships typically cover?
- Best UK scholarships for Indian students
- Eligibility criteria for UK scholarships for Indian students
- How to apply for UK scholarships
- Tips for maximising your chances of getting a scholarship
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
Why apply for scholarships to study in the UK?
Studying in the UK may be costly for many. The various expenses, such as tuition fees, accommodation, travel, food, and leisure, can add up easily, resulting in higher monthly expenses.
The average tuition fee for undergraduate courses in the UK ranges between GBP 11,000 and GBP 39,000, while for postgraduate courses, it ranges between GBP 9,000 to GBP 30,000.
Your living costs in the UK may range between GBP 900 to GBP 1,400 per month.
Apart from the estimated expenses, international students are also required to provide proof of financial ability while applying. All these components create a huge financial burden for international students before and during their studies.
As a result, securing good scholarships is a preferred option for international students like you to manage their finances wisely. Here are the top reasons why you should apply for scholarships to study in the UK.
Reduce your financial constraints
Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burdens associated with tuition fees, living costs, food, and travel. If you secure a scholarship, you can avoid taking education loans and the associated interest expense.
Improves academic performance
Scholarships require consistent performance, where you need to maintain good grades throughout. This will motivate you to focus on your studies
Added career advantage
Studying on a scholarship is a prestigious accomplishment. You can mention it in your CV, which serves to showcase your dedication and focus.
Types of UK scholarships for Indian Students
You have access to a variety of scholarships to pursue your higher education in the UK. Based on their nature, the scholarships can be grouped as:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
- Course-specific scholarships
- Region-targeted scholarships
Merit-based scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on your academic excellence. There are both full and partial scholarships you can apply for, such as the Rhodes Scholarship and the Chevening Scholarship.
Need-based scholarships
Need-based scholarships are awarded based on your financial background. This ensures that economically disadvantaged Indian students get the support for pursuing higher education in the UK.
University-specific scholarships
University-specific scholarships are provided by individual universities to deserving students. These scholarships can be merit-based, subject-specific, or need-based, covering the full or partial tuition fee and the living costs.
Course-specific scholarships
Course-specific scholarships are offered based on your field of study, such as STEM, social sciences, or arts. For instance, the British Council provides scholarships for women who are pursuing courses in STEM.
Region-targeted scholarships
Region-targeted scholarships are offered based on your country or region. Commonwealth Scholarships are an example of this, where the scholarship is awarded to Commonwealth countries.
From fully funded scholarships like Chevening and Commonwealth to university-specific grants, there’s a scholarship for every type of Indian student aiming to study in the UK.
What do UK scholarships typically cover?
UK scholarships cover a range of expenses which you may incur during your studies in the UK. These include tuition fees, cost of living, food, travel, leisure, and visa expenses.
The scholarships provide full or partial coverage of your tuition fee, which reduces the overall cost. You can also cover your living expenses through the monthly stipend for accommodation, food, and other costs. Many scholarships also provide funds to cover your international travel and payment to the UK's National Health Service.
Note: Some scholarships provide additional support, such as English language support. If you are applying for a postgraduate scholarship, you may be eligible for funding for research projects.
Know more about scholarships for studying in the UK. Talk to our experts.
Best UK scholarships for Indian students
Here are the best UK scholarships Indian students can apply for to finance their studies.
Chevening Scholarships
You can apply for a Chevening Scholarship to pursue one year postgraduate studies in the UK. The scholarship usually covers your tuition fees and the cost of living allowance. You can apply for the scholarship if you have applied to three different courses and received an unconditional offer from at least one.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to students from Commonwealth countries to pursue a master’s or PhD. The scholarships are fully funded and cover tuition fees, cost of living, travel, and other expenses.
Felix Scholarship
The Felix scholarship provides support to pursue postgraduate courses in the UK. It offers GBP 15,038 to cover living expenses. Apart from this allowance are also provided for books, clothes, and travel.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
Inlaks scholarships are awarded for pursuing postgraduate, MPhil, or PhD courses and are applicable for a wide range of subjects, including architecture, theatre, and journalism. It covers your tuition fee, cost of living, and travel expenses.
Maintaining academic excellence, leadership involvement, and a strong personal statement are key to securing a UK scholarship.
There are more scholarships that you might wish to explore. Check out the table below for an overview of the popular UK scholarships.
| Scholarship | Coverage | Eligibility | Benefits |
| Chevening Scholarships | Tuition fees, living expenses, visa fees, and airfare | Academic excellence, 2+ years of work experience | Fully funded for a 1-year master's degree |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Tuition, living costs, and airfare | Commonwealth country students, academic merit | Fully funded scholarships for master’s/PhD |
| Rhodes Scholarships | Tuition, monthly stipend, visa, and health insurance | Academic excellence, leadership, and community service | Fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Oxford |
| GREAT Scholarships | Partial tuition fee coverage ( minimum of GBP 10,000) | Various disciplines, including STEM, Finance, Law | GBP 10,000 towards 1-year postgraduate tuition fees |
| University-Specific Scholarships | Partial to full tuition waivers, sometimes living costs | Merit or need-based; varies per university | Varies widely |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Tuition, living expenses, and airfare | Exceptional Indian students pursuing master’s, MPhil, or PhD | Amount up to USD 1,00,000; Merit-based and need-based |
| British Council Women in STEM Scholarships | Tuition fee, monthly stipend, visa, travel expenses | Women pursuing postgraduate studies in STEM subjects at selected UK universities | Financial support for tuition and living expenses |
| Felix Scholarships | Tuition and living expenses | Students from developing countries with financial need. Support for postgraduate education. | Offered at the University of Oxford, part of the University of London, the University of Reading and the School of Oriental and African Studies. |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarships - University of Cambridge | Tuition, living expenses, travel | Academic excellence, leadership, and social commitment | Fully funded PhD and master’s at the University of Cambridge |
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Related articles
Eligibility criteria for UK scholarships for Indian students
You can apply for UK scholarships if you meet the specified eligibility criteria. The educational track record is considered while awarding the scholarships. You must have strong academic scores and also meet the course-specific academic requirements of your university.
Note: You should hold an unconditional or conditional offer from an accredited institution in the UK.
You should be fluent in the English language and have to provide the English language proficiency test scores, such as IELTS or TOEFL. Certain scholarships also require work experience or leadership experience.
There are several other documents that you must collect, such as a personal statement showcasing your objective and recommendation letters. You must also make clear that you’ll be returning to your home country once you complete your studies.
If you are applying for a need-based scholarship, you may need to provide proof of your financial situation.
How to apply for UK scholarships
Here are the steps you must follow to apply for UK scholarships:
- Research the various scholarships and identify the scholarships that are suited for your studies.
- Review the scholarship information and ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Check the application deadlines and prepare ahead.
- Create a strong personal statement.
- Create applications customised for each scholarship.
- Visit the online application portals and submit the applications.
Note: Seek support from your friends, teachers, or professional service providers who can help you navigate the process easily.
Tips for maximising your chances of getting a scholarship
Following certain guidelines can make it easy to secure a scholarship. Identify the right scholarships that are aligned with your academic, financial, and career needs.
Research extensively so that you can choose the best-suited scholarships. Since many scholarships consider your academic performance, ensure that you maintain academic excellence and achieve top grades in your studies.
Note: Securing a high GPA can maximise your scholarship chances.
Develop a strong extracurricular profile. Participate in community service and student organisations. Engage in activities where you have to demonstrate your leadership skills.
Work and achieve good scores in the standardised tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Highlight your academic and career objectives in your personal statement. Begin the preparation early so that you have time to gather all the required documents and secure good test scores.
Scholarships also involve interviews. Prepare for the interviews and focus on presenting your academic achievements and other strong points.
Final thoughts
Indian students can access several UK scholarships to support their higher education in the UK. The scholarships are often a good choice compared to education loans since you can avoid paying high interest. While applying for the scholarships, ensure that you choose the right scholarship that aligns with your academic and financial needs.
Prepare in advance so that you can avoid chances of rejection. If required, seek support from your teachers or professional consultants to apply without any challenges.
Let us help you in securing scholarships for studying in the UK right away!
Frequently asked questions
Are there scholarships for undergraduate Indian students to study in the UK?
Yes, there are several scholarships for Indian undergraduate students to study in the UK, which include both government and private scholarships. Undergraduate students can take advantage of fully funded or partially funded scholarships and reduce their financial burden.
Can scholarship winners also work in the UK?
Yes, scholarship winners are usually allowed to work in the UK. However, this may vary based on the scholarship and visa type. You must check the conditions mentioned in your visa and scholarship to confirm.
Where can I find university-specific scholarship details?
You can locate the university-specific scholarship details on the official website of the university. Search for the financial aid or student funding or scholarships section on the website.
Are there fully funded scholarships for Indian students in the UK?
Yes, there are many fully funded scholarships for Indian students in the UK that you can apply for. These include government-funded scholarships, university-specific scholarships, and more. You can check scholarships such as the Commonwealth and Chevening scholarships.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
You can apply for multiple scholarships at the same time, which is often recommended as well. This can ensure that you meet your financial commitments. However, you must check the specific terms of the scholarships you are applying for, as this might differ based on the scholarship.
