Why Study in the UK?
Let us consider some of the major attributable factors responsible for drawing international students to the shores of the United Kingdom. They are as as under:
- World-Class Education: Home to universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College, the UK offers top-notch education backed by advanced research facilities and renowned faculty.
- Shorter Course Durations: Many UK degree programs are shorter, with undergraduate courses lasting three years and master’s programs only one year, reducing overall costs.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities: The UK’s Graduate Route visa allows students to work for up to two years after graduation, enabling them to gain valuable international experience.
- Cultural Diversity: With students from over 180 countries, the UK provides a multicultural environment that fosters global perspectives and connections.
- Availability of Scholarships: From the Chevening Scholarship to university-specific awards, numerous funding options ease the financial burden for Indian students.
While studying in the UK can be expensive, scholarships and funding programs play a transformative role in making this dream a reality for many Indian students. These opportunities not only provide financial relief but also inspire academic and professional excellence by recognising merit and potential. By securing the right scholarship, students can focus on their studies without facing undue financial stress while paving the way for a brighter future.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in The UK: Sheffield University Scholarships
The University of Sheffield ranks among the world’s top 100 universities. It is a member of the Russell Group of leading UK research universities. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to students holding an admission offer to one of its eligible courses.
- International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship: It offers competitive awards worth £10,000 towards the tuition fee.
- International Undergraduate Scholarship: It provides course fee discounts in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and Faculty of Social Sciences worth £2,000 per year and £2,500 per year for the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Health, and Faculty of Science. No separate application is needed for this scholarship and it renews yearly subject to academic performance.
- Delhi Public School Society (DPS) Undergraduate Merit Scholarship: It offers an amount of £10,000 towards the tuition fee for new students from the DPS institution.
- International Baccalaureate Merit Scholarship: Worth £10,000 scholarship amount is on offer towards the tuition fee for students pursuing or holding an International Baccalaureate Diploma.
- International Engineering Excellence Scholarship: It provides up to £3,000 to students with overseas fee-status.
- International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship: It offers £10,000 towards the tuition fee for full-time master’s students.
- International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship: Worth £2,000 scholarship is offered as the course fee discounts in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and Faculty of Social Sciences and £2,500 for the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Health, and Faculty of Science. No separate application is needed for this scholarship.
Application Timeline:
Applications for the current academic year are open. Visit the official website for application dates, documents requirements and processes.
Contact: The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN.
Number – +44 114 222 2000.
Email – study@sheffield.ac.uk
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in The UK: Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships offer exceptional emerging leaders from around the globe the chance to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK. This opportunity is provided by the Government of the United Kingdom in collaboration with UK universities. It offers financial assistance to students who demonstrate outstanding leadership and influence, allowing them to study any subject at any of the UK universities for a one-year master’s program.
Benefits:
- University course tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Travel costs to and from the UK
- Arrival allowance
- Homeward departure allowance
- Cost of one visa application
- Travel grant to attend Chevening events in the UK
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be citizens of a Chevening-eligible country or territory, including India.
- They must possess an undergraduate degree that enables entry into a postgraduate program at the UK university before applying. This is typically equivalent to an upper second-class 2:1 honours degree in the UK but can vary depending on the course and university choice.
- Applicants should have at least two years of work experience (equivalent to 2,800 hours).
- Selected applicants must agree to return to India for a minimum of two years after the scholarship ends.
Application Process and Timeline:
- Visit the official page and choose a scholarship through the provided scholarship search function.
- Select India from the list of countries and the appropriate year.
- Fill in the required information to register. This will send a verification mail to the provided email address.
- Take the eligibility test and acquire the access code for the application portal.
- Enter the valid access code to receive mail with the application link on the portal.
- Provide the necessary information on the portal for the application and submit it.
Applications for the academic year 2025-26 are closed. Check the official website and Buddy4Study Page for the scholarship in 2026-27.
Contact: Government of the UK, Commonwealth and Development Office, London, United Kingdom, SW1A 2AH.
Email – india@chevening.org
Scholarships Offered by the British Council to Indian Students: GREAT Scholarships
Every year, various UK universities participate in the scholarship offerings under the GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council. These scholarships are targeted specifically towards Indian students willing to establish an engagement with the UK as a scholar, through personal and academic fulfilment. Postgraduate scholarships worth £10,000 can be availed by applying through the official website of the participating universities. For more information, visit the scholarship page or the list of GREAT scholarship opportunities that are currently live on the Buddy4Study website.
Also Read: Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia
Scholarships Offered by the British Council to Indian Students: Women in STEM Scholarships
Indian women with a Bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and a demonstrable need for financial aid are the rightful recipients of STEM scholarships in multiple universities in the UK. These scholarships offer tuition assistance, living costs, travel and visa costs, and health coverage. Applicants can apply through the individual university websites after checking the application windows on the official website. The scholarship for the academic year 2025-26 is yet to be announced.
Scholarships Offered by the British Council to Indian Students: Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) scholarships are aimed towards Indians in the early to mid stages of their careers pursuing their ambitions. Since its establishment 3,000 grants have been awarded over a span of 40 years.
Long-Term Grant: Course fees, travel and accommodation costs for early to mid-career professionals with working experience.
Short Research Grant: £1,750 towards the cost of staying in the UK, for usually around 3 weeks.
Visiting Fellowship: For postgraduate humanities students, writers, and translators.
Final Year Doctoral Grant: Up to £1,000 to fill funding gaps in the final stages of doctorate studies.
Scholarships Offered by the British Council to Indian Students: Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth scholarship opportunities offer variable awards including full findings for students under particular developmental themes. Since 1960, over 31,000 individuals have received Commonwealth Scholarships or Fellowships, including numerous Prime Ministers, Nobel Prize winners, and leaders in various fields. After completing their programs, recipients join a vibrant global alumni community, allowing them to connect with a diverse network of scholars and alumni across the Commonwealth through various activities. The options offered are as under:
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for least developed countries and fragile states)
- Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships (for low and middle-income countries)
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
- Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for high-income countries)
- Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
The application deadline for Commonwealth Scholarship is usually around the month of December. Please check the individual dates and requirements for each opportunity on the official website.
Also Read: Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK: Chatham House Fellowships
The Chatham House was established in 1919 as a non-profit organisation and has remained a source of independent analysis, trusted dialogue, and influential ideas for over a century. It provides financial assistance alongside building leadership skills through intensive programs to selected individuals who undertake philanthropic research and study. Every fellow receives alumni support, global recognition, and a 5-year membership at the House.
Richard and Susan Hayden Academy Fellowship: Monthly stipend of £2,365 towards living costs for graduate researchers in the fields of academia, NGO, business, government departments, civil society or the media.
Schwarzman Academy Fellowship: Monthly stipend of £2,365 for current members of Schwarzman scholars and pursuing their master’s degree.
The Chatham House also covers “reasonable costs” related to relocation, travel to the UK, visas, UK’s immigration healthcare surcharge, fieldwork, research, events, and more.
Application Timeline:
The applications for the year are currently closed. Keep an eye on the official website for updates on dates and timelines.
Contact: The Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James’s Square, London SW1Y 4LE, United Kingdom.
Number: + 44 (0)208 713 0313.
Email: contact@chathamhouse.org
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in The UK: Brunel University
Brunel University offers multiple scholarships to international students including discounts, waivers, and stipends. Some of these opportunities are currently available on their official website.
Contact: Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH.
Number – +44 (0)1895 274000.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students: King’s College
King’s College London has launched the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for postgraduate students, offering a £10,000 fee reduction specifically meant for Indian students. This initiative reflects King’s commitment to investing in talented individuals who can leverage the skills and knowledge they gain to make a positive impact on society. Applications for the upcoming year are yet to be announced.
Contact: King’s College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS.
Number – +44 (0)20 7836 5454.
Also Read: Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students Abroad
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK – FAQs
Why has the UK become a preferred overseas study destination?
The UK offers top-tier universities, globally recognised degrees, diverse career opportunities, and visa approvals through the Graduate Route.
By what percentage has Indian student enrollment in the UK increased between 2019 and 2023?
Indian student enrollment in the UK rose by 273.9%, from 36,612 in 2019 to 1,36,921 in 2023.
How many Indian nationals were granted sponsored study visas in the UK as of June 2024?
As of June 2024, 1,10,006 Indian nationals were granted sponsored study visas in the UK.
I don’t see an application link for the scholarship I want to apply for, what does this mean?
Most scholarship opportunities are available for a limited period of time. If the scholarship deadline has passed, students should wait patiently for the next application window.
Why has the UK become an attractive study destination for Indian students?
The UK offers high-quality education and a wide range of internationally-recognised courses for Indian students. Coupled with the fact that most students can settle down after completing their studies in a culturally diverse country, it is also a hub for networking opportunities.
Is it possible to get a 100% scholarship in the UK as an Indian student?
Yes, it is entirely possible to receive a fully-funded scholarship in the UK. Opportunities like Chevening, Commonwealth and GREAT scholarships are prominent examples of full scholarships.
Is IELTS/TOEFL mandatory for a scholarship in the UK?
English language proficiency is necessary for studying in the UK. This can be supported by popular internationally recognised tests or a language proficiency degree in the application.
What is the value of the GREAT Scholarships offered by the British Council?
The GREAT Scholarships offer postgraduate scholarships worth £10,000 for Indian students through participating UK universities.
Who is eligible for the Women in STEM Scholarships?
Indian women with a Bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and a demonstrable financial need are eligible for Women in STEM Scholarships.
What expenses do the Women in STEM Scholarships cover?
The scholarships cover tuition assistance, living costs, travel and visa costs, and health coverage.