The dream of pursuing higher education in a prestigious institution is shared by countless Indian students. The United Kingdom, home to some of the world’s most respected universities, is often a top choice for students seeking quality education and global exposure.
However, the high cost of education can sometimes act as a barrier. Thankfully, there are numerous scholarships in UK for Indian students that can make this dream more accessible. In this blog, we will explore these opportunities and help you understand how you can apply for them.
Why Study in UK?
UK institutions are known for providing high-quality education, world-class faculty, and a vibrant student life. Moreover, the UK is known for its diverse culture, rich heritage, and exceptional academic standards.
Additionally, universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics have attracted students from across the globe, making the UK one of the most popular study-abroad destinations. Not only do you get to study in an enriching academic environment, but you also gain valuable skills that can enhance your employability on a global scale.
But what about the cost? Fortunately, the good news is that there are several scholarships in the UK for Indian students that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs. So, let’s dive into the list of popular scholarships available for Indian students looking to study in UK.
Popular Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
Here is a list of some of the most generous scholarships in the UK for Indian students:
- Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT)
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- Scholarship Type: Merit-based
- Level of Study: Masters
- Scholarship Value: Fully funded, including £700 for travel expenses
- Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025-26 academic year will open shortly
- Details: CWIT offers two long-term scholarships every year to aspiring artists. This scholarship is very competitive and is available for artists and heritage professionals aged 28 to 38.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be an Indian citizen.
- You must have a degree, diploma, or professional qualification in your field. CWIT prefers working professionals.
- You must not have received a CWIT grant in the last five years.
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- Scholarship Type: Need-based
- Level of Study: Masters
- Scholarship Value: Fully funded
- Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025-26 academic year are about to open
- Details: Every year, about 700 students pursue a Master’s degree in the UK with Commonwealth Scholarships. This scholarship is for those needing financial help. It funds different study formats to help future leaders and innovators.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be a permanent citizen of a Commonwealth country, including India.
- You must have an honors degree or an upper second-class (2:1) degree.
- You must prove that you need financial support.
- Chevening Scholarships
- Scholarship Type: Merit-based
- Level of Study: Masters
- Scholarship Value: Fully funded
- Application Deadline: Open until 5th November 2024 for the 2025-26 academic year
- Details: Chevening is a UK Government scholarship. It also provides networking opportunities to help Indian students succeed in the UK.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be from a Chevening-eligible country.
- You must have a bachelor’s degree in a related subject.
- You need at least two years of work experience.
- You must have an unconditional offer from one of the universities you applied to.
- You must return to your home country for at least two years after the scholarship.
- British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
- Scholarship Type: Need-based
- Level of Study: Masters
- Scholarship Value: Fully funded
- Application Deadline: Currently closed, but will reopen for the 2025-26 session
- Details: This scholarship is for women with a bachelor’s degree in STEM who need financial help. It encourages women to pursue STEM careers and create a diverse professional environment.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- You must start your studies in September/October.
- You need to show financial need.
- You must have a relevant bachelor’s degree.
- You need to be active in your field and have work experience.
- You must be passionate about your studies and committed to becoming an alumni member.
- Inlaks Scholarship
- Scholarship Type: Merit-based
- Level of Study: Masters, MPhil, Doctoral
- Scholarship Value: Fully funded up to USD 100,000
- Application Deadline: Applications for 2025-26 will open soon
- Details: This scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, healthcare, and airfare. It is for students applying for a Master’s, MPhil, or Doctoral degree at selected universities.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be an Indian citizen living in India during the application.
- If you studied your bachelor’s abroad, you must have lived, worked, or studied in India for at least two years after your degree.
- You must meet the academic conditions set by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation.
- Oxford India Center Scholarships (OICD)
- Scholarship Type: Merit-based
- Level of Study: Masters, DPhil
- Scholarship Value: Fully funded
- Application Deadline: Based on your course’s deadline; you will be automatically considered
- Details: OICD offers scholarships for students working on sustainable development challenges in India. This includes scholarships like the Oxford Indira Gandhi Scholarship.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be an Indian citizen.
- You need a degree from an Indian higher education institution.
- You should show exceptional academic merit.
- The Rhodes Scholarships India
- Scholarship Type: Merit-based
- Level of Study: Masters
- Scholarship Value: Fully funded
- Application Deadline: Applications for 2025-26 will open soon
- Details: Rhodes Scholarships allow talented students worldwide, including Indians, to study at Oxford. The goal is to develop leaders and promote international understanding.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- You need an Indian passport or document showing Indian citizenship.
- You must be between 18 and 23 years old.
- You must have a relevant bachelor’s degree from an Indian university.
- GREAT Scholarship India
- Scholarship Type: Merit-based
- Level of Study: Masters
- Scholarship Value: £10,000
- Application Deadline: Varies by university
- Details: If you have a bachelor’s degree and want to study further, you can apply for this scholarship. It is funded by the UK government and the British Council.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be an Indian citizen.
- You should have a bachelor’s degree and interest in your chosen course.
- You must meet the English language requirements of your chosen UK university.
- You must stay in touch with the British Council and their universities as a GREAT scholarship representative.
Why Choose SAGA Studies for UK Student Visa?
Now that you know about the various scholarships in the UK for Indian students, it is also important to consider the process of getting your UK Student Visa. This is where SAGA Studies Pvt Ltd can be of great help. With 20+ years of experience, SAGA Studies offers complete support with documentation, visa interviews, and other formalities. Furthermore, our counsellors ensure you secure your UK student visa smoothly, allowing you to focus entirely on your studies.
Conclusion
The chance to study in the UK can truly change your life, and scholarships make it possible for many Indian students. Moreover, with financial help and professional guidance from SAGA Studies, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your dreams. Therefore, take the first step towards an exciting educational journey by exploring these scholarships and let SAGA Studies help you with the UK Student Visa process.
