UK Scholarships for Indian Students

Table of Contents

1. Government scholarships in the UK for Indian students
2. Non-government Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students
3. University-specific scholarships in the UK for Indian students
4. How to apply for Scholarships in the UK?
5. Frequently Asked Questions

In 2021-2022, the UK hosted an impressive 679,970 international students, including a remarkable 87,045 from India. Fast forward to 2023, and the momentum persists as UK universities gear up to welcome a new wave of students. The stage is set for an exciting chapter in your study abroad!

Yet, the increasing cost of studying in the UK poses a pressing concern. Fortunately, scholarships are at your disposal as you strategize your academic journey in the UK. Find a scholarship to study in the UK and ease your financial concerns. Keep reading to grasp a comprehensive understanding of the premier scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK.

Government scholarships in the UK for Indian students

Prioritize UK government-funded scholarships – they are the crown jewels. They offer substantial amounts and full coverage. Explore your elite choices here:

Commonwealth Masters Scholarship

Exclusive to students from Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships funds your academic and living expenses in the UK. It is a prestigious option for academically bright yet financially challenged students. Your study must relate to any of the six developmental themes prescribed by the government.

Eligibility criteria

• Age must be under 40 years
• Must not receive any other scholarships or employment

Apply here for the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship

Chevening Scholarship

Funded by the UK government, the Chevening Scholarship is open to students seeking one-year Master’s courses in the UK. Getting into this scholarship program fosters your leadership skills and broadens networking opportunities. 

Eligibility criteria

• Secure admission to any of the participating universities 
• Possess at least 2 years of work experience in the field of study
• Have plans to return to home country after studies

Apply here for the Chevening Scholarship

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

If you are a woman intending a STEM Master’s in the UK, the British Council will help you with a scholarship that covers your academic and living expenses. However, you need to fulfill the eligibility criteria, including admission to any of the participating 21 universities. 

Eligibility criteria

• Demonstrated financial need
• Work or research experience in a relevant field

Apply here for the British Council Scholarships

Scotland Saltire Scholarships

If your university of admission is in the Scotland region, you are eligible to apply for the Scotland Saltire Scholarship. The scholarships are available for postgraduate study in different subjects, letting the beneficiaries learn and interact with the Scottish culture.

Eligibility criteria

• Get admission to any of the participating universities
• Intend to return to your home country after studies
• Provide valid proof of English proficiency

Apply here for the Scotland Saltire Scholarships (application is yet to open for 2023 – 2024)

GREAT Scholarships India

Funded by the UK Department for Education, a GREAT (Global Research and Education in Advanced Technology) Scholarship awaits you for the 2024 – 2025 academic year in the UK! 26 such scholarships are available for Master’s courses in different subjects. 

Eligibility criteria

• Have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field of study
• Possess relevant work experience
• Obtain proof of English proficiency

Apply here for the GREAT Scholarships

Global Study Awards

The Global Study Awards covers your tuition fee and spreads to living expenses only if the tuition fee is very low. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses are funded by the Global Study Awards.

Eligibility criteria

• Secure admission to a UK university
• Have a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and/or International Youth Travel Card (IYTC).

Apply here for the Global Study Awards

National Overseas Scholarship

The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme by the Indian government is beneficial to students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers, and Traditional Artisans category who face financial hardship. 

Eligibility criteria

• Get admission to an under-500 QS-ranked university
• Age must be under 35 years 
• Total family income must be less than INR 8 Lakhs per year

Check the detailed eligibility requirements if you are eligible for the National Overseas Scholarship.

Non-government Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students

Numerous organizations provide merit and/or need-based scholarships to support your studies in the UK. Check the table below for your top options:

Felix Scholarship

Approximately 20 students win the Felix Scholarship every year to pursue postgraduate programs at top UK universities. Apply for the Felix Scholarship if you are academically bright but in need of financial aid.

Eligibility criteria

• Have an excellent academic track till the present
• Demonstrate the need for the scholarship
• Show a commitment to return to the home country after studies

Apply here for the Felix Scholarship

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship

Indians in their late twenties to mid-forties wishing to upgrade their career must not miss the Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship. Under various categories, the scholarship empowers deserving candidates by providing them with top opportunities for networking, internships, etc. 

Eligibility criteria

• Belong to the age group of 25 – 45 years
• Must not receive this scholarship in the last 5 years
• Choose any of the eligible fields of funding as shown on the official website

Apply here for the Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship

Amber Scholarship

Don’t miss out on applying for Amber Scholarships if you are planning to enroll in the UK January 2024 intake. On selection, you stand to win an amount from a total of 5,000 GBP under 3 categories.

Eligibility criteria

• Students must apply for the January 2024 intake
• Should have an SOP detailing eligibility 

Apply here for the Amber Scholarship

Inlaks Scholarship

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation’s scholarships aim to support eligible Indian students to pursue higher education abroad. More than financing your studies, it is an excellent opportunity to network, upskill, and get guidance to shine bright in your future. 

Eligibility criteria

• Get admission for an eligible course as prescribed on their website every year. 
• Maximum age limit: 30 years by 01/01/2023

Apply here for the Inlaks Scholarship

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

Students exploring admission to a UK university must look into the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship, which is a 50% scholarship and 50% loan. You will be free to study without any financial concerns as the repayment starts only after 6 months of your course completion. 

Eligibility criteria

• Show financial need for the scholarship
• Have an excellent academic record 
• Secure admission for an eligible course

Apply here for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship

Getting an interest-free loan scholarship to fund your studies is exciting, isn’t it? Apply for the Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship and grab your opportunity, if your course is shortlisted for the scholarship. 

Eligibility criteria

• Age must be under 30 years
• Must be waiting to enroll in the Fall intake to a top-ranking university

Apply here for the Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship

JN Tata Endowment Scholarship

With the credit of helping around 5,600 students so far, the JN Tata Endowment offers you a low-interest loan scholarship to study in the UK for Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral courses. 

Eligibility criteria

• Age must be under 45 years
• Obtain at least 60% score in bachelor’s 
• Secure admission to a reputed university

Apply here for the JN Tata Endowment Scholarship

Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship

Indian women seeking a career in social work, social sciences, education, healthcare, and medicine can apply for the Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship. The merit cum need-based scholarship is one of the prestigious education grants from the Tata Trusts. 

Eligibility criteria

• Have a bachelor’s degree from a reputed Indian institution
• Maintain a track of academic excellence till present
• Possess 2 years of work experience (not mandatory)

Apply here for the Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship

University-specific scholarships in the UK for Indian students

Many UK universities actively offer a variety of scholarships to international students. Some of the university-specific scholarships in the UK for Indian students include the following: 

Ms. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship

Every year, the Indian government funds one passionate researcher of Modern Indian Studies in History, Economics & Political Science for Ms Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship at St. Antony College, the University of Oxford London.

Eligibility criteria

• Age must be between 30 – 40 years
• Have graduate or postgraduate-level teaching experience of at least 3 years 

Apply here for the Ms. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship

Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship supports the bright students who secure admission to the University of Oxford. Being a Rhodes Scholar is a prestigious achievement for international students as the community dates back to 1902.

Eligibility criteria

• Have received formal education in India for the last 10 years
• Must possess an undergraduate degree

Apply here for the Rhodes Scholarship

Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship

Are you planning your doctoral studies at St. John College, the University of Cambridge? Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship can be your funding option, provided your program of study is MPhil and Ph.D. degrees in Science and Technology, Economics, and Social Sciences.

Eligibility criteria

• Secure admission to St. John College, the University of Cambridge
• Be academically bright with excellent grades in the past
• Possess relevant work or relevant experience

Apply here for the Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship

Clarendon Scholarship

Don’t miss out on applying for the prestigious Clarendon Scholarship if you secure admission to the University of Oxford for a Master’s or DPhil program. Your selection will be based on your academic achievements, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, and so on. 

Eligibility criteria

• Full-time or part-time course admission to the University of Oxford
• Maintain an excellent academic record

Apply here for the Clarendon Scholarship

University of Manchester Scholarships

Admission to the University of Manchester is to be aligned with various undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship applications. For different subjects, you can explore scholarships of varying amounts and conditions. 

Eligibility criteria

• Enroll in a full-time course at the University of Manchester
• Show your ability to fund your studies 

Apply here for the University of Manchester Scholarships

How to apply for Scholarships in the UK?

Wondering how to get a scholarship in the UK for Indian students? Here are the steps to get a scholarship in the UK for a bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D., etc. 

• Research well: Broaden your search to find the best offerings for your course. We have gathered information on many UK scholarships for Indian students in this blog. But, when it comes to your specific university and course, you need to exhaust multiple websites for scholarships. 
• Check your eligibility: Dive into the eligibility details to ensure you’re a match for the scholarship. Apply only for opportunities that align with your qualifications. Remember, meeting the essential criteria is crucial for consideration, even with an impressive application.
• Pay attention to the application timeline: Stay well-organized. Stay ahead of deadlines for funding, courses, and visas. Strategize in advance, consolidate all timelines in a user-friendly format, and ensure you hit every milestone seamlessly on your application journey.
• Prepare customized applications: Take some time, and carefully read the scholarship details to identify the intended areas. Craft each application tailoring to the unique questions and demands of each scholarship provider.

Seek assistance from trustworthy friends, teachers, or anyone in your network who can provide valuable input. Connect with current or past scholars from the scholarships or universities you’re applying to on LinkedIn. Request them to review your application and offer feedback as their firsthand experience gives them insight into what application reviewers are seeking, having navigated the process themselves.

Embarking on your quest for UK scholarships for Indian students? Great choice! But don’t forget these:

1. While scholarships are great funding options, the competition is high for them. 
2. You must show proof of funding to apply for many scholarships

Is that a red flag? NO! This is where an education loan becomes invaluable – it assists you in meeting the funding requirements for studying in the UK, alleviating repayment concerns. 

Nomad Credit’s dedicated experts are here to guide you through exploring education loan options, whether collateralized or not, connecting you with leading lenders in the market. Thanks to your experience, our counselors can easily evaluate your profile for top education loan options. Simplify your financial journey toward achieving your educational goals in the UK.

Frequently asked questions

What are the scholarships for Masters in the UK for Indian students?

Top scholarships for Master’s in the UK for Indian students: 

• Commonwealth Masters Scholarship
• Rhodes Scholarship
• Chevening Scholarship
• British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
• Scotland Saltire Scholarships
• Clarendon Scholarship
• GREAT Scholarships India
• Global Study Awards
• National Overseas Scholarship
• Felix Scholarship
• Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship
• Amber Scholarship
• Inlaks Scholarship
• Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
• Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship
• JN Tata Endowment Scholarship
• Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship

Explore the blog for more details. 

What are fully funded scholarships for Indian students in the UK?

Top fully funded scholarships for Indian students in the UK include the following: 

• Commonwealth Masters Scholarship
• Chevening Scholarship
• British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
• GREAT Scholarships India
• National Overseas Scholarship
• Rhodes Scholarship
• Ms. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship
• Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship

See the blog for more details on scholarships in the UK for Indian students. 

Are MBA scholarships for Indian students available in the UK? 

Yes. You can apply for MBA scholarships in the UK as listed below: 

• Commonwealth Masters Scholarship
• Rhodes Scholarship
• Chevening Scholarship
• British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
• Scotland Saltire Scholarships
• Clarendon Scholarship
• GREAT Scholarships India
• Global Study Awards
• National Overseas Scholarship
• Felix Scholarship

What are PhD scholarships for Indian students in the UK?

Top scholarships for PhD in the UK for Indian students include the following: 

• Commonwealth Fellowships
• British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
• National Overseas Scholarship
• Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship
• Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
• Inlaks Scholarship
• Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
• JN Tata Endowment Scholarship
• Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship

How can I get a scholarship to study in the UK?

Research your options and identify the top ones based on your eligibility. Follow the guidelines prescribed for each scholarship. For details on how to apply for scholarships in the UK for Indian students, refer to the blog above.