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Study in the UK - Turn Your Study Abroad Goals into Reality with Scholarships

Focus on your studies, not the expenses! Hamlets Education guides you in finding and securing the best funding opportunities personalized to your academic profile.

Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK

While the UK offers world-class education, tuition fees for international students can range from £12,000 to £38,000 per year, with additional living costs of £10,000 to £18,000 annually. Scholarships provide essential financial support, helping students pursue their academic goals without excessive financial strain.

Hamlets Education helps students find and apply for scholarships based on academic excellence, financial need, and other eligibility criteria. With thousands of scholarships available—ranging from £5,000 to full tuition coverage—our experts guide students in selecting the best opportunities suited to their profiles, increasing their chances of securing financial aid.

Types of scholarships for Indian students in the UK

The UK offers numerous scholarships for Indian students, ranging from Government to private scholarships. Whether you’re aiming for a top university or need financial support, there’s a scholarship for you. Start your journey to studying in the UK with the right funding today!

1. UK Government Scholarships

  • Funded by the UK government or government-affiliated organizations to attract international talent.
  • Typically cover full or partial tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs.
  • Highly competitive and often require strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and work experience.
  • May have a return-to-home-country requirement after course completion.

2. Indian Government Scholarships

  • Sponsored by the Indian government to support students pursuing higher education in the UK.
  • Some Scholarships may be fully or partially funded, covering tuition, travel, and/or living expenses.
  • Often awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, or specialization in certain fields.
  • Some scholarships are tied to service commitments, requiring students to work in India post-study

3. University-Specific Scholarships

  • Provided directly by UK universities to attract top international students.
  • Most scholarships are based on merit-based (academic excellence), need-based (financial support), or field-specific (STEM, Arts, Business, etc.).
  • Typically cover tuition discounts, partial fee waivers, or full funding, including living expenses.
  • Eligibility and award amounts vary by university and program.

4. Other Scholarships

  • Funded by private organizations, charities, trusts, and corporate sponsors.
  • Often focus on leadership potential, social impact, or career aspirations.
  • Funding ranges from partial to full tuition, sometimes including living allowances and research grants.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students in the UK

Securing a scholarship to study in the UK requires meeting various eligibility criteria, including strong academic performance, English language proficiency, and, in some cases, work experience or financial need. Here are the most common requirements students should be aware of.

Essential Eligibility Factors

1. Academic Excellence

Indian students must have a strong academic record with high marks or a first-class degree.

Must meet the course-specific academic prerequisites of the chosen UK university.

2. University Admission Offer

Applicants must hold a conditional or unconditional offer from an accredited UK university or institution before applying for most scholarships.

3. Field of Study

Some scholarships are restricted to specific disciplines, such as STEM, Business, Social Sciences, or the Arts.

Certain scholarships prioritize research-based or professional programs.

4. English Language Proficiency

Students must prove fluency in English by appearing for IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (90+), or an equivalent English test.

Some universities may waive this requirement if previous education was in English.

5. Work & Leadership Experience

Some scholarships, like the Chevening Scholarship, require 2+ years of work experience in a relevant field.

Leadership skills, volunteering, or professional achievements can strengthen the application.

6. Financial Need (For Need-Based Scholarships)

Scholarships based on economic background require students to provide proof of financial standing.

Applicants may need to submit income certificates or financial aid documents.

7. Personal Statement & Essays

Most scholarships require a well-crafted personal statement outlining academic goals, career aspirations, and why the student deserves the scholarship.

8. Recommendation Letters

Many scholarships require letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or mentors supporting the student’s academic and professional potential.

9. Post-Study Return Requirement

Some government-funded scholarships (e.g., Commonwealth Scholarship) require students to return to India after completing their studies to contribute to national development.

Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the UK

From fully funded government programs to university-specific grants, numerous scholarships make studying in the UK more affordable for Indian students. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other academic costs, easing the financial burden. Explore the best options available to support your education abroad.

UK Government Offered Scholarships

Scholarship Name
Scholarship Amount
Eligibility Criteria
Additional Details
Chevening Scholarships
Fully funded: Tuition fees, travel, living allowance, visa cost, and more.
Indian student, undergraduate degree, 2+ years of work experience, English proficiency.
For 1-year Master’s programs, it focuses on leadership, networking, and academic excellence.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Full tuition, airfare, and monthly stipend (~£1,347/month outside London).
Indian students must apply through the Ministry of Education (India), with strong academics, and financial need.
Available for Master’s and PhD; return to India post-study is required.
Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships
£8,000 towards tuition fees for 1-year full-time Master’s programs.
Indian students with an offer from a Scottish university, a strong academic profile, and interest in innovation.
Available in areas like science, technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and creative industries.
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship
Covers living expenses, accommodation, and part or full tuition (varies by award).
Indian citizens, aged 28–38, mid-career professionals in arts, heritage conservation, or humanities
For short-term courses or research; not for full degree programs. Requires relevant work experience and project proposals

Indian Government Offered Scholarships

Scholarship Name
Scholarship Amount
Eligibility Criteria
Additional Details
GREAT Scholarships – India
£10,000 towards tuition fees for a 1-year postgraduate program.
Indian students, undergraduate degree, offer from a participating UK university, academic merit.
Jointly funded by the UK Government and participating UK universities; each university offers a limited number of awards.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
Up to USD 100,000 for tuition, living expenses, and travel.
Indian citizen, under 30 years, first-class undergrad degree, acceptance from a top-ranking UK university.
Not applicable for Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or Medicine. Essay + interview rounds are part of the selection.
JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
Loan scholarships ranging from ₹1,00,000 to ₹10,00,000.
Indian students, graduate from a recognized Indian university, admission to a reputed foreign university.
Repayable with low interest or interest-free; merit-based; requires online test and personal interview.
National Overseas Scholarship Scheme
Tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs for a full Master's/PhD.
Indian students, from SC/ST/OBC/EBC/minority groups, family income under ₹8,00,000/year, admission offer required
For marginalized communities; covers full cost of education; return to India post-study is mandatory.

University Offered Scholarships

Scholarship Name
Scholarship Amount
Eligibility Criteria
Additional Details
Rhodes Scholarship – University of Oxford
Fully funded: Tuition, living stipend (~£18,180/year), airfare, settling allowance
Indian students, aged 19–25, first-class undergrad degree, academic excellence, leadership, and social commitment.
Extremely competitive; covers full 1–2 years of postgraduate study at Oxford; includes personal development support.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship – University of Cambridge
Fully funded: Tuition, maintenance allowance (~£20,000/year), airfare, family support
Indian students with an outstanding academic record, admission to a full-time postgraduate course at Cambridge.
Open to all fields except undergraduate and MBA; focuses on leadership potential and commitment to improving others' lives.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship
Covers the difference between UK/EU and international tuition fees (partial funding)
Non-UK students, excellent academic profile, admission to PhD research program at the University of Edinburgh.
Around 30 scholarships awarded annually; student must cover living expenses and remaining fees.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship – University of Westminster
Full tuition fee waiver.
Indian students, strong academic record, offer letter for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course.
Priority given to students from developing countries; need-based and merit-based; does not cover living expenses.

Private or NGOs Offered Scholarships

Scholarship Name
Scholarship Amount
Eligibility Criteria
Additional Details
Felix Scholarship
Full tuition fee, living expenses (~£15,840/year), and return airfare.
Indian citizen, under 30, first-class Bachelor's degree, admission to University of Oxford, Reading, or SOAS.
Focus on students from developing countries; preference for those who haven’t studied abroad before.
British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
Full tuition fees, stipend, travel costs, visa, and health coverage
Female STEM graduates from eligible countries (including India), offer from UK university, English proficiency
Aims to support women in STEM; for Master's level study; limited to specific courses and universities
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship
Interest-free loan scholarship of up to ₹20,00,000
Indian citizen under 30, excellent academic record, admission to top international universities.
Selection through written application and interview; repayment starts one year after course completion.
KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
Loan scholarships up to ₹10,00,000 (top 3 scholars get up to ₹20,00,000)
Indian students with a first-class degree, secured admission to a recognized foreign university for postgraduate study.
Awarded based on merit and potential; written application, test, and interview part of the process.

Apply for Scholarships to study in the UK for Indian students

Every year, thousands of Indian students receive scholarships to study at leading UK universities. Prestigious programs like the Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, Felix Scholarship, and GREAT Scholarships offer substantial financial aid—often covering full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. In recent years, over £15 million worth of scholarships have been awarded to Indian students pursuing higher education in the UK.

Whether you’re applying for merit-based, need-based, subject-specific, or university-funded scholarships, these awards can significantly ease the financial burden of studying abroad. From undergraduate degrees to research-focused PhDs, UK scholarships make world-class education more accessible.

1. Research Thoroughly:

Explore scholarships offered by UK universities, government bodies (like Chevening), and private organizations. Use official university websites or platforms such as Scholarships UK to find suitable options.

2. Check Eligibility:

Carefully read through the academic, nationality, and subject-specific criteria for each scholarship to ensure you qualify.

3. Gather Documentation:

Collect all required documents including:

    • Academic transcripts and certificates
    • Scholarship essay or personal statement
    • Letters of recommendation
    • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)

4. Secure an Offer Letter:

Many scholarships require proof of admission. Apply and secure a conditional or unconditional offer from a UK university.

5. Complete Application:

Fill out the scholarship application as per guidelines (online/offline). Ensure all documents are included and essays meet word count and content requirements.

6. Track Progress:

Regularly check your application status and respond promptly to any follow-ups or document requests from the scholarship committee.

7. Prepare for Interviews:

Research the scholarship provider, understand their mission, and practice common scholarship interview questions.

8. Accept and Use Your Award:

Once selected, formally accept the scholarship and use the award letter to support your Tier 4 (Student) visa application.

Conclusion

Hamlets Education is committed to helping students find the right scholarships, perfect their applications, and maximize their chances of success. With thousands of applicants vying for limited opportunities, expert guidance can make all the difference, ensuring a strong application strategy and a competitive edge.

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