{"id":19287,"date":"2025-04-01T14:33:14","date_gmt":"2025-04-01T09:03:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/?p=19287"},"modified":"2026-04-07T16:36:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T11:06:40","slug":"scholarships-in-uk-for-indian-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/student-finances\/scholarships-in-uk-for-indian-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 7\u00a0Scholarships in UK for Indian Students\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thinking about doing your postgrad in the UK but feeling anxious about the cost? You\u2019re definitely not alone\u2014but here\u2019s 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\u2019s a scholarship for every dreamer, innovator, and change-maker. Whether you\u2019re 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\u00a0made for Indian students. Let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top Scholarships in UK for Indian Students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chevening Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s degree at any UK university. Below are the key details of Chevening Scholarship:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Category<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Details<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Funding Coverage<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Full tuition fees, monthly living stipend, return flights to\/from the UK, arrival allowance, departure allowance, visa fees, and travel grants for Chevening events\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Eligibility<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (India included) \u00a0
\u2013 Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to UK\u2019s second-class upper (2:1) \u00a0
\u2013 Have at least 2 years of work experience \u00a0
\u2013 Demonstrate leadership qualities, community engagement, and a clear career plan\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Application Process<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Applications open August and close November each year \u00a0
\u2013 Submit online form via chevening.org<\/a> \u00a0
\u2013 Include references, academic transcripts, and essay-style questions \u00a0
\u2013 Shortlisted candidates are invited for an in-person interview at the British High Commission or Deputy High Commission in India\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
\u200dTarget Audience<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Young professionals, public sector employees, NGO workers, entrepreneurs, academics, and leaders from all sectors\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Additional Perks<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Access to exclusive Chevening events, masterclasses, and mentoring sessions \u00a0
\u2013 Join an elite alumni network of diplomats, ministers, scholars, and CEOs \u00a0
\u2013 Cultural exchange with students from 150+ nations\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Scholarships Awarded<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>1,500+ globally each year; India receives over 100+ scholarships annually\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Commonwealth Scholarships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re 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. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s and PhD programs at top UK universities. Following are the key details of Commonwealth Scholarships:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Category<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Details<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Funding Coverage<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Full tuition fees, monthly living allowance (~\u00a31,347\/month), return airfare, thesis grant, warm clothing allowance, and visa reimbursement\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Eligibility<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Must be a citizen\/permanent resident of a Commonwealth country \u00a0
\u2013 Hold at least an upper second-class undergraduate degree (2:1 or equivalent) \u00a0
\u2013 Unable to otherwise afford studying in the UK \u00a0
\u2013 Committed to returning and contributing to your home country\u2019s development\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Application Process<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Apply through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) or nominating agencies in your home country \u00a0
\u2013 Submit a detailed research proposal or study plan, references, and proof of academic qualifications\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Timeline<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Applications typically open in A<\/strong>ugust\/September and close December\u2013February, depending on the program and nominating agency\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Eligible Levels<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Master\u2019s & PhD (some fellowships also available for mid-career professionals)\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Partner Universities<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Over 90 UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Edinburgh, and Sheffield\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Annual Awards<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Approximately 800\u2013900 scholarships per year across all levels and streams\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Additional Perks<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Access to Commonwealth Alumni network \u00a0
\u2013 Leadership and professional development workshops \u00a0
\u2013 Social events, seminars, and collaboration with UK development partners\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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! \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s not a traditional academic scholarship\u2014it\u2019s 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:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Category<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Details<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Funding Coverage<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Accommodation, living expenses (approx. \u00a31,000\/month), visa costs, international airfare; fees only if applicable\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Eligibility<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Indian citizen residing in India \u00a0
\u2013 Age between 25 and 38 years \u00a0
\u2013 Hold a degree\/diploma in their field \u00a0
\u2013 Minimum 5 years of relevant professional work experience\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Fields Supported<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Visual arts, performance arts, design, literature, architecture, heritage conservation, arts management, and more\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Application Process<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Submit application directly to CWIT via the British Council India website \u00a0
\u2013 Application includes a CV, work portfolio, and project proposal \u00a0
\u2013 Applications usually open in October and close by mid-December\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Program Duration<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Varies by award: most professional visits are 2\u20133 months, academic fellowships can go up to 1 year\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Additional Benefits<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Professional mentoring, exposure to UK creative institutions \u00a0
\u2013 Opportunities for exhibitions, publications, and collaborations\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Partner Organizations<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>British Council India, UK universities, galleries, museums, heritage institutions\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Felix Scholarships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014mostly from India\u2014have studied at top-tier UK universities<\/a><\/strong> like Oxford<\/a><\/strong>, Reading<\/a><\/strong>, 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:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Category<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Details<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Funding Coverage<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Full tuition fees, generous living allowance (~\u00a315,000\u2013\u00a318,000\/year), and one return flight from India to the UK\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Eligibility<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Indian national residing in India \u00a0
\u2013 Must not have studied outside India before \u00a0
\u2013 First-class bachelor\u2019s degree from a recognized Indian university \u00a0
\u2013 Under 30 years old at time of application \u00a0
\u2013 Financial need and academic excellence are both required\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Participating Universities<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>University of Oxford, University of Reading, and SOAS University of London\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Application Process<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Apply for admission to your chosen university\u2019s postgraduate program first \u00a0
\u2013 Check the scholarship box or submit a Felix application form if required \u00a0
\u2013 Submit by each university\u2019s Felix-specific deadlines (usually December\u2013January)\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Eligible Programs<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Most full-time Master\u2019s and PhD courses across arts, sciences, humanities, development, and more\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Additional Benefits<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Join a respected alumni network of academics, leaders, and change-makers \u00a0
\u2013 Regular networking and support events for Felix Scholars\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Rhodes Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Rhodes Scholarship is more than just financial support\u2014it\u2019s 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. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each year, the Rhodes Trust awards over 100 scholarships, and India is one of the six founding countries with a dedicated number of slots\u2014usually 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:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Category<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Details<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Funding Coverage<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Full Oxford University and college tuition fees, annual living stipend (~\u00a318,180\/year), one economy-class round trip airfare from India to the UK\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Eligibility<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Indian citizen or person of Indian origin \u00a0
\u2013 Age between 19 and 25 as of October 1, 2025 \u00a0
\u2013 First-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) by June\/July 2025 \u00a0
\u2013 Proven leadership, moral integrity, and drive to make a difference\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Application Process<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Applications open in June and close by August annually \u00a0
\u2013 Submit online via www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk<\/a> \u00a0
\u2013 Includes personal statement, CV, academic transcripts, and 4\u20135 referees \u00a0
\u2013 Finalists are invited for a social event + interview with the Indian Rhodes Selection Committee\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Host University<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>University of Oxford (across all departments and disciplines)\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Courses Covered<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Most full-time postgraduate courses including MPhil, MSc, BCL, DPhil (PhD)\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Annual Awards for India<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Approximately 5 scholarships for Indian nationals each year\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Extra Benefits<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Lifetime membership in the Rhodes Scholar global community \u00a0
\u2013 Access to exclusive events, mentorship, leadership training & funding for projects\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

GREAT Scholarships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The GREAT Scholarships<\/strong> program is a joint initiative between the UK Government\u2019s GREAT Britain Campaign and selected UK universities, offering Indian students the chance to pursue one-year postgraduate studies in the UK with \u00a310,000 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. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal? To support talented students across disciplines\u2014from 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:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Category<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Details<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Funding Coverage<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u00a310,000 toward tuition fees for one-year postgraduate taught programs\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Eligibility<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Must be an Indian citizen \u00a0
\u2013 Hold an undergraduate degree with strong academic performance\u00a0
\u2013 Meet English language requirements \u00a0
\u2013 Display interest in subject area and willingness to engage in UK-India relations\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Participating Universities<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Over 20 UK universities, including \u00a0
\u2013 University of Manchester \u00a0
\u2013 University of Bristol \u00a0
\u2013 University of Warwick \u00a0
\u2013 University of Nottingham \u00a0
\u2013 University of Bath \u00a0
(Updated list available on the Study UK portal)\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Application Timeline<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Applications typically open in January\u2013February and close by May, depending on university deadlines\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Additional Perks<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Exclusive networking events with UK and Indian scholars \u00a0
\u2013 Access to British Council events and cultural exchange programs \u00a0
\u2013 Gateway to further scholarships or career opportunities in the UK\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Erasmus Mundus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s 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\u2014including hundreds from India\u2014receive Erasmus funding. It\u2019s considered one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships for international master\u2019s students. Below are the key details of Erasmus Mundus:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Category<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Details<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Funding Coverage<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Full tuition fees, monthly stipend (\u20ac1,400\u2013\u20ac1,600), travel allowance, insurance, visa support\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Eligibility<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Indian students with a Bachelor\u2019s degree \u00a0
\u2013 Strong academic record \u00a0
\u2013 Motivation for multicultural education \u00a0
\u2013 No restrictions based on age or stream (varies by program)\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Participating Institutions<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Over 100 universities across Europe, including several in the UK (e.g., University of Glasgow, University of Kent, Loughborough University)\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Application Timeline<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Applications typically open in October and close by January of the following year\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Program Format<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>1\u20132 year joint master\u2019s degrees in subjects like environmental science, data science, public health, economics, arts, etc.\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Special Perks<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\u2013 Earn a degree jointly awarded by 2\u20133 universities \u00a0
\u2013 Live and study in multiple countries \u00a0
\u2013 Be part of a vibrant, multicultural cohort from all over the world\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

And there you have it\u20147 incredible scholarships that can make your UK education affordable, achievable, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether it\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019t hesitate to ask for help.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Thinking about doing your postgrad in the UK but feeling anxious about the cost? You\u2019re definitely not alone\u2014but here\u2019s 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":19317,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[975],"tags":[229],"class_list":["post-19287","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-student-finances","tag-united-kingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19287","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19287"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19287\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19317"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19287"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19287"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19287"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}