Study abroad UK presents a gateway to world-class education, expansive career options, and cultural enrichment. That is why around 1 Lakh Indian students went to the UK for higher studies in 2024 alone. However, many deserving students still cannot fulfil their dreams of studying in the UK due to financial constraints. If you are one of them, don’t let a lack of finance obstruct your way to UK universities. You may find several scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK. Here is a guide that can help you regarding UK scholarships.
Types of UK Scholarships Available
Here are a few types of scholarships for Indian students studying in UK:
- Fully Funded Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships for Indian students in the UK cover various study abroad-related expenses for the students, including tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Partial Scholarships: Partially funded UK scholarships for international students reduce the tuition fees or offer stipends to financially support them.
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Many UK scholarships for Indian students are awarded based on the student’s academic excellence. The student must show their skills or accomplishments in the field of academics, art, or athletics to qualify for them.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Many international scholarships for UK students are need-based. A student must demonstrate financial constraints when applying for them.
- Subject-Specific Scholarships: These scholarships for overseas students in the UK are designed for students pursuing higher studies in specific fields of studies, such as art, business, STEM, etc.
Eligibility Criteria for UK Scholarships
To qualify for scholarships to study in the UK, you generally need to meet the following criteria:
- Academic Record: Strong marks in your most recent examinations or a high GPA.
- English Language Proficiency: Valid scores from standardised English tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Nationality or Citizenship: Some scholarships are restricted to students from specific countries or regions.
- Subject Area or Course: Certain scholarships apply only to specific fields of study or levels, for example, scholarships exclusively for Indian students pursuing a Master’s degree in the UK.
- Financial Need: For need-based scholarships, applicants must demonstrate financial shortfall or economic hardship.
- Extracurricular Activities: Some scholarships give preference to candidates active in extracurricular or community activities.
Disclaimer: Eligibility requirements vary widely across scholarships. Always review the specific criteria for each scholarship before applying.
Top Fully Funded UK Scholarships for Indian Students
Here is a list of fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK:
Scholarships for Bachelors Courses:
Global Study Award: Sponsored by the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Association, British Council IELTS, and StudyPortals
- Study Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
- Type: Cash award up to £10,000
- Coverage: Helps cover tuition fees and living expenses
Scholarships for Master’s Courses:
Commonwealth Scholarships: Awarded to students from a Commonwealth country, including India
- Study Level: Master’s, PhD, Professional Fellowships
- Type: Fully funded
- Coverage: tuition fees, return airfare, living allowance, and other expenses
Chevening Scholarship: Reserved for students studying for a Master’s degree in UK
- Study Level: Master’s
- Type: Fully funded
- Coverage: full tuition fees, return airfare, living allowance, and additional expenses
British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM: Awarded to female students from South Asia pursuing studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Study Level: Master’s
- Type: Fully funded
- Coverage: Tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, visa and health coverage fees
Felix Scholarship: Awarded to students from a few selected countries, including India
- Study Level: Master’s
- Type: Fully funded
- Coverage: Tuition fees, living expenses, return fare
Gates Cambridge Scholarship: For international students applying for postgraduate courses at Cambridge University
- Study Level: Master’s and PhD
- Type: Fully funded
- Coverage: Tuition fees, living expenses, return fare, inbound visa and health coverage
Rhodes Scholarship: Merit-based scholarship for courses at Oxford University
- Study Level: Master’s and DPhil (PhD) at University of Oxford
- Type: Fully funded
- Coverage: Tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances
Popular UK Universities Offering Scholarships for Indian Students
- University of Oxford: Rhodes Scholarships, Clarendon Fund
- University of Cambridge: Gates Cambridge Scholarships, Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships
- King’s College: London Vice-Chancellor Scholarship
- Queen Mary, University of London: Global Talent Scholarship – Undergraduate
- University of Birmingham: Outstanding Achievement Scholarships
- Anglia Ruskin University: MBA Scholarship
- University of Glasgow: International Leadership Scholarship
- University of Sussex: Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- University of Sheffield: International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship
- University of Aberdeen: Undergraduate Scholarship
- Brunel Business School: MBA Scholarship
- University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh Global Scholarships, Edinburgh Doctoral College scholarship
- University of Warwick: Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships, Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship
How to Apply for Scholarships to Study in the UK?
You must follow a specific procedure to apply for a scholarship to study in the UK for Indian students after 12th or graduation. Here is how to do that:
- Research: Research and identify the scholarship you want to apply for. Look for university-specific, government, and other programs providing partial or full scholarships for international students in the UK.
- Check Eligibility: Check the eligibility criteria to qualify for the scholarship you want to apply for. These are based on academic requirements, language proficiency, nationality, subject area, course, etc.
- Prepare the Documents: Prepare the documents required for application, such as transcripts, certificates, letters of recommendation, personal statements, English test scores, etc.
- Apply: Apply for the scholarship online or offline after filling out an application form and submitting the necessary documents.
Disclaimer: The application procedure differs for each scholarship. Check the exact steps before applying.
Conclusion
When planning to study in the UK in your preferred course or university, scholarships can help you financially to cover the expenses. Apart from full UK scholarships for international students, you will also find partial, merit-based, need-based, subject-based, and other types suitable to your needs. Check the eligibility criteria and apply early to maximise your chances of qualification. For expert guidance, get in touch with NewStrides Consulting Pvt Ltd to boost your chances.
Priya Kaur is an Assistant Vice President at NewStrides Consulting Pvt. Ltd. With over 18 years of experience in overseas education, she specializes in counseling students for UK and Ireland education. She has visited universities and explored these countries to provide prospective students with insightful guidance and accurate information to make informed decisions for their educational journeys. Her career reflects a commitment to excellence in consulting.
