Top 7 Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
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Thinking about doing your postgrad in the UK but feeling anxious about the cost? You’re definitely not alone—but here’s the good news: there are plenty of fully and partially funded scholarships just for Indian students! From prestigious awards like the Chevening Scholarship and Rhodes to cultural gems like the Charles Wallace India Trust and globally recognized programs like Erasmus Mundus, there’s a scholarship for every dreamer, innovator, and change-maker. Whether you’re a young leader, an aspiring researcher, a creative professional, or a social impact enthusiast, this guide walks you through the top 7 scholarships in UK made for Indian students. Let’s dive in!
Top Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards offered by the UK Government, empowering future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from across the world. Since its launch in 1983, over 55,000 global scholars, including thousands of Indian students, have studied in the UK under this program.
Every year, over 1,500 Chevening Scholarships are awarded globally, with India being one of the top recipient countries. The scholarship is ideal for young professionals who want to pursue a fully funded one-year Master’s degree at any UK university. Below are the key details of Chevening Scholarship:
| Category | Details |
| Funding Coverage | Full tuition fees, monthly living stipend, return flights to/from the UK, arrival allowance, departure allowance, visa fees, and travel grants for Chevening events |
| Eligibility | – Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (India included) – Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to UK’s second-class upper (2:1) – Have at least 2 years of work experience – Demonstrate leadership qualities, community engagement, and a clear career plan |
| Application Process | – Applications open August and close November each year – Submit online form via chevening.org – Include references, academic transcripts, and essay-style questions – Shortlisted candidates are invited for an in-person interview at the British High Commission or Deputy High Commission in India |
| Target Audience | Young professionals, public sector employees, NGO workers, entrepreneurs, academics, and leaders from all sectors |
| Additional Perks | – Access to exclusive Chevening events, masterclasses, and mentoring sessions – Join an elite alumni network of diplomats, ministers, scholars, and CEOs – Cultural exchange with students from 150+ nations |
| Scholarships Awarded | 1,500+ globally each year; India receives over 100+ scholarships annually |
Commonwealth Scholarships
If you’re from a Commonwealth country and dream of studying in the UK without the financial burden, the Commonwealth Scholarships are a golden opportunity! Launched in 1959, these scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to support talented students who would otherwise not afford to study abroad.
To date, over 30,000 scholars from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Kenya, have received funding through this prestigious program. In recent years, around 800 scholarships have been awarded annually for Master’s and PhD programs at top UK universities. Following are the key details of Commonwealth Scholarships:
| Category | Details |
| Funding Coverage | Full tuition fees, monthly living allowance (~£1,347/month), return airfare, thesis grant, warm clothing allowance, and visa reimbursement |
| Eligibility | – Must be a citizen/permanent resident of a Commonwealth country – Hold at least an upper second-class undergraduate degree (2:1 or equivalent) – Unable to otherwise afford studying in the UK – Committed to returning and contributing to your home country’s development |
| Application Process | – Apply through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) or nominating agencies in your home country – Submit a detailed research proposal or study plan, references, and proof of academic qualifications |
| Timeline | Applications typically open in August/September and close December–February, depending on the program and nominating agency |
| Eligible Levels | Master’s & PhD (some fellowships also available for mid-career professionals) |
| Partner Universities | Over 90 UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Edinburgh, and Sheffield |
| Annual Awards | Approximately 800–900 scholarships per year across all levels and streams |
| Additional Perks | – Access to Commonwealth Alumni network – Leadership and professional development workshops – Social events, seminars, and collaboration with UK development partners |
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
Are you an Indian professional working in arts, heritage conservation, literature, or humanities and dreaming of studying or working in the UK? Then the Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) Scholarships could be your golden opportunity!
Established in the 1980s, CWIT has supported 3,000+ mid-career Indian professionals with funding to undertake short-term residencies, research, and professional development programs in the UK. It’s not a traditional academic scholarship—it’s more of a cultural and creative development grant, tailored for those already working in their field. Following are the key details of Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) Scholarships:
| Category | Details |
| Funding Coverage | Accommodation, living expenses (approx. £1,000/month), visa costs, international airfare; fees only if applicable |
| Eligibility | – Indian citizen residing in India – Age between 25 and 38 years – Hold a degree/diploma in their field – Minimum 5 years of relevant professional work experience |
| Fields Supported | Visual arts, performance arts, design, literature, architecture, heritage conservation, arts management, and more |
| Application Process | – Submit application directly to CWIT via the British Council India website – Application includes a CV, work portfolio, and project proposal – Applications usually open in October and close by mid-December |
| Program Duration | Varies by award: most professional visits are 2–3 months, academic fellowships can go up to 1 year |
| Additional Benefits | – Professional mentoring, exposure to UK creative institutions – Opportunities for exhibitions, publications, and collaborations |
| Partner Organizations | British Council India, UK universities, galleries, museums, heritage institutions |
Felix Scholarships
The Felix Scholarship is a powerful opportunity for bright, underprivileged students from India and other developing countries to pursue a fully funded postgraduate education in the UK. Established in 1991, over 400 students—mostly from India—have studied at top-tier UK universities like Oxford, Reading, and SOAS London through Felix support. This scholarship was created by a generous donor to support students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and a commitment to improving their home communities. Below are key details of Felix Scholarship:
| Category | Details |
| Funding Coverage | Full tuition fees, generous living allowance (~£15,000–£18,000/year), and one return flight from India to the UK |
| Eligibility | – Indian national residing in India – Must not have studied outside India before – First-class bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university – Under 30 years old at time of application – Financial need and academic excellence are both required |
| Participating Universities | University of Oxford, University of Reading, and SOAS University of London |
| Application Process | – Apply for admission to your chosen university’s postgraduate program first – Check the scholarship box or submit a Felix application form if required – Submit by each university’s Felix-specific deadlines (usually December–January) |
| Eligible Programs | Most full-time Master’s and PhD courses across arts, sciences, humanities, development, and more |
| Additional Benefits | – Join a respected alumni network of academics, leaders, and change-makers – Regular networking and support events for Felix Scholars |
Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is more than just financial support—it’s a life-changing gateway to Oxford University, leadership development, and a prestigious global community. Established in 1902 by Cecil Rhodes, this is the oldest international scholarship in the world, and arguably one of the most respected.
Each year, the Rhodes Trust awards over 100 scholarships, and India is one of the six founding countries with a dedicated number of slots—usually 5 scholarships awarded to Indian citizens annually. Rhodes Scholars from India have gone on to become Supreme Court judges, social entrepreneurs, scholars, authors, and national leaders. Below are the key details of Rhodes Scholarship:
| Category | Details |
| Funding Coverage | Full Oxford University and college tuition fees, annual living stipend (~£18,180/year), one economy-class round trip airfare from India to the UK |
| Eligibility | – Indian citizen or person of Indian origin – Age between 19 and 25 as of October 1, 2025 – First-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) by June/July 2025 – Proven leadership, moral integrity, and drive to make a difference |
| Application Process | – Applications open in June and close by August annually – Submit online via www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk – Includes personal statement, CV, academic transcripts, and 4–5 referees – Finalists are invited for a social event + interview with the Indian Rhodes Selection Committee |
| Host University | University of Oxford (across all departments and disciplines) |
| Courses Covered | Most full-time postgraduate courses including MPhil, MSc, BCL, DPhil (PhD) |
| Annual Awards for India | Approximately 5 scholarships for Indian nationals each year |
| Extra Benefits | – Lifetime membership in the Rhodes Scholar global community – Access to exclusive events, mentorship, leadership training & funding for projects |
GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarships program is a joint initiative between the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and selected UK universities, offering Indian students the chance to pursue one-year postgraduate studies in the UK with £10,000 in tuition support. Each year, over 20 top UK universities participate in the scheme, and India is one of the priority countries under this program.
The goal? To support talented students across disciplines—from law and business to STEM and humanities. For the 2024/25 academic cycle, over 200+ GREAT Scholarships are expected to be awarded globally, including a significant number for Indian students. Below are the key details of GREAT Scholarships:
| Category | Details |
| Funding Coverage | £10,000 toward tuition fees for one-year postgraduate taught programs |
| Eligibility | – Must be an Indian citizen – Hold an undergraduate degree with strong academic performance – Meet English language requirements – Display interest in subject area and willingness to engage in UK-India relations |
| Participating Universities | Over 20 UK universities, including – University of Manchester – University of Bristol – University of Warwick – University of Nottingham – University of Bath (Updated list available on the Study UK portal) |
| Application Timeline | Applications typically open in January–February and close by May, depending on university deadlines |
| Additional Perks | – Exclusive networking events with UK and Indian scholars – Access to British Council events and cultural exchange programs – Gateway to further scholarships or career opportunities in the UK |
Erasmus Mundus
Although not UK-exclusive, the Erasmus Mundus program includes many UK universities and offers a fully funded opportunity for Indian students to earn a joint degree from multiple institutions across Europe.
It’s perfect for students who want international exposure, interdisciplinary learning, and the experience of living in 2 or more countries during their degree. Each year, thousands of students globally—including hundreds from India—receive Erasmus funding. It’s considered one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships for international master’s students. Below are the key details of Erasmus Mundus:
| Category | Details |
| Funding Coverage | Full tuition fees, monthly stipend (€1,400–€1,600), travel allowance, insurance, visa support |
| Eligibility | – Indian students with a Bachelor’s degree – Strong academic record – Motivation for multicultural education – No restrictions based on age or stream (varies by program) |
| Participating Institutions | Over 100 universities across Europe, including several in the UK (e.g., University of Glasgow, University of Kent, Loughborough University) |
| Application Timeline | Applications typically open in October and close by January of the following year |
| Program Format | 1–2 year joint master’s degrees in subjects like environmental science, data science, public health, economics, arts, etc. |
| Special Perks | – Earn a degree jointly awarded by 2–3 universities – Live and study in multiple countries – Be part of a vibrant, multicultural cohort from all over the world |
Conclusion
And there you have it—7 incredible scholarships that can make your UK education affordable, achievable, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether it’s the full-package deal of Felix, the leadership boost of Chevening, the cultural spotlight of CWIT, or the cross-border learning of Erasmus Mundus, there’s something here for every kind of student. Remember, the earlier you start your application process, the better your chances. So, stay organized, polish your personal statements, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top scholarships available for Indian students to study in the UK?
Several prestigious scholarships cater specifically to Indian students, including:
- Chevening Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships for one-year master's degrees in any subject at any UK university.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: For students from Commonwealth countries, covering tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses.
- Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) Scholarships: Support for mid-career professionals in arts, heritage conservation, and humanities.
- Felix Scholarships: For underprivileged students from India and other developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies.
How can I apply for top UK scholarships for Indian Students?
Each of these top scholarship in UK has its own application process:
- Chevening Scholarships: Applications open in August and close in November. Apply online through the official Chevening website.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: Applications are typically submitted through nominating agencies in your home country, with deadlines varying between December and February.
- CWIT Scholarships: Applications are usually submitted directly to the CWIT, with deadlines typically in December for the following academic year.
- Felix Scholarships: Applications are made through participating universities, including the University of Oxford, University of Reading, and SOAS University of London. Deadlines vary by institution but generally fall between December and January.
What are the eligibility criteria for top scholarships in UK for Indian students?
While each of the top scholarships in UK has specific eligibility requirements, common criteria include:
- Academic Excellence: A strong academic record is essential.
- Work Experience: Some scholarships, like Chevening, require a minimum of two years of work experience.
- Leadership Qualities: Demonstrated leadership potential and community involvement are often sought after.
- Financial Need: Scholarships like Felix assess financial need alongside academic merit.
- Nationality: Most scholarships are open to Indian citizens residing in India.
Are there any top scholarships in UK that cover full tuition and living expenses?
Yes, several scholarships offer comprehensive funding:
- Chevening Scholarships: Cover full tuition fees, monthly living stipend, return flights, and other allowances.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: Provide full tuition fees, living allowance, airfare, and additional grants.
- Felix Scholarships: Include full tuition, generous living allowance, and return airfare.
- Rhodes Scholarships: Cover all university and college fees, a personal stipend, and airfare.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships; however, it's important to check each scholarship's terms and conditions regarding holding multiple awards.
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