Scholarships in the UK
5000+
3,00,000+
International Students study in the U.K. every year
2 Yrs PSWV
Scholarships
Apply For Upcoming Intake
UK master’s are short (often 1 year) and intense—perfect ROI if you land the right funding. Below are the most valuable, realistic scholarships for Indian students, plus quick tips to help your application stand out.
Flagship, fully funded or high-value awards
Chevening Scholarships — UK Government
What you get: Full tuition + monthly stipend + flights + visa/IHS + arrival allowances for a 1-year master’s.
Who it’s for: Early–mid career leaders with strong recommendations and impact stories.
Applications typically open Aug–Nov for the next academic year.
Commonwealth Master’s/Shared Scholarships
What you get: Generally full funding (fees, stipend, flights) for eligible master’s aligned to development themes.
Who it’s for: Citizens of Commonwealth countries (incl. India) who can’t otherwise afford UK study; strong academic track records.
Deadlines usually fall Sept–Dec via nominating agencies and universities.
Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford) — India Constituency
What you get: Fully funded study at the University of Oxford (tuition + stipend + flights).
Who it’s for: Exceptional all-rounders with leadership and service; India usually has 6 awards/year.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship (Cambridge)
What you get: Full cost of study + maintenance (guide rate ~£21,000 for 12 months in 2024/25) + flights and additional funding.
Who it’s for: Academic excellence + fit with Cambridge departments and leadership potential.
Main rounds open each September.
Clarendon (Oxford)
What you get: Fees + living grant (size varies); no separate application—all graduate applicants are automatically considered. Strong academics required.
Not sure which awards you’re eligible for?
High-impact awards with India focus
GREAT Scholarships (British Council)
What you get: Minimum £10,000 towards tuition for selected 1-year master’s; multiple UK universities participate each year (incl. streams for Law and Science & Tech).
Good to know: 2025–26 cycle lists India-specific places across partner universities. Apply directly to participating universities.
British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
What you get (typical package): Tuition + stipend (up to 12 months) + return flights + visa & IHS + test fees (e.g., IELTS) via partner universities.
Who it’s for: Women with STEM backgrounds from selected regions incl. South Asia. Cycles reopen annually.
Felix Scholarships (Oxford, Reading, SOAS)
What you get: Tuition + living stipend (Reading cites ~£17,894 as a guide) + return airfare.
Who it’s for: Academically gifted, underprivileged Indian nationals (and some developing countries), mainly for master’s/PhD. Apply via the university.
NEW: State–UK tie-ups (India)
Several Indian states now co-fund Chevening-style awards with FCDO (e.g., Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh)—fully funded 1-year master’s for selected residents. Watch state higher-ed portals during Aug–Oct.
University-specific awards (shortlist these if you’ve picked a course)
- UCL Global Master’s Scholarship: £15,000 for one year; up to 85 awards (with 5 aimed at Indian students in 2025/26). Separate application required.
- Imperial President’s PhD Scholarships: Full tuition + ~£25,980/yr stipend (2025/26) + research consumables fund; ~50 awards. Extremely competitive.
Tip: Almost every UK university also runs departmental merit awards (5–40% fee waivers). After you shortlist courses, check each “Fees & Funding/Scholarships” page and set calendar reminders before you submit your course application.
How to Win a Scholarship
- Apply early (Aug–Dec) for big schemes; many close before you receive final offers.
- Tell a change story: What problem will you solve after the degree? Chevening/Commonwealth/Rhodes reward leadership + impact, not just grades.
- Pick referees who know your work, not just your title. Strong, specific examples beat generic praise.
- Show financial reality clearly where required (GREAT/uni awards may ask).
- Mirror each scheme’s criteria (development themes, STEM focus, region/state eligibility).
