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Are you an Indian student dreaming of studying in the UK but worried about the financial burden? You’re not alone. Thousands of students face this challenge every year, but there’s good news: scholarships can make your dream a reality. By the end of this article, you’ll know about 15 fully funded and partial Scholarships for Indian students in UK, how to apply for them, and whether you qualify. Plus, we’ve included a scholarship eligibility quiz and an annual deadline calendar to help you stay on track.
Why Scholarships Are Essential for Indian Students in the UK
Studying abroad is expensive, with tuition fees ranging from £10,000 to £38,000 annually. Add living expenses, and the total cost can exceed ₹30 lakhs per year. Scholarships are a lifeline, covering tuition, accommodation, and even travel costs. According to a report by the British Council, over 70% of Indian students rely on scholarships or financial aid to fund their education in the UK.
This guide will walk you through the top scholarships for Indian students, eligibility criteria, application processes, and tips to increase your chances of success.
Top 15 UK Scholarships for Indian Students in 2024
Fully Funded Scholarships
These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs.
1. Chevening Scholarships
- Eligibility: Master’s degree applicants with leadership potential.
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare.
- Application Deadline: November 2023 (for 2024 intake).
- How to Apply: Submit an online application via the Chevening website.
2. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)
- Eligibility: Students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees.
- Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, and living allowance.
- Application Deadline: December 2023.
- How to Apply: Apply through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission portal.
3. GREAT Scholarships
- Eligibility: Indian students applying to specific UK universities.
- Coverage: Up to £10,000 towards tuition fees.
- Application Deadline: Varies by university.
- How to Apply: Check eligibility on the British Council’s GREAT Scholarships page.
Partial Scholarships
These scholarships cover a portion of tuition fees or other expenses.
4. Rhodes Scholarship
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic achievers and leaders.
- Coverage: Full tuition at Oxford University.
- Application Deadline: October 2023.
- How to Apply: Submit an application through the Rhodes Trust website.
5. Felix Scholarships
- Eligibility: Indian students applying to the University of Reading.
- Coverage: Full tuition and living expenses.
- Application Deadline: January 2024.
- How to Apply: Apply directly to the Felix Scholarships portal.
6. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- Eligibility: Students pursuing Master’s degrees in select fields.
- Coverage: Up to $100,000 for tuition and living expenses.
- Application Deadline: March 2024.
- How to Apply: Visit the Inlaks Foundation website.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many UK universities offer scholarships exclusively for Indian students.
7. University of Westminster International Scholarships
- Eligibility: Undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Coverage: Full tuition.
- Application Deadline: May 2024.
- How to Apply: Apply directly to the University of Westminster Portal.
8. University of Birmingham India Scholarships
- Eligibility: Indian students applying to any program.
- Coverage: £3,000–£5,000 tuition fee waiver.
- Application Deadline: June 2024.
- How to Apply: Submit an application through the University of Birmingham portal.
9. University of Edinburgh India Scholarships
- Eligibility: Postgraduate students.
- Coverage: £5,000 tuition fee discount.
- Application Deadline: April 2024.
- How to Apply: Apply via the University of Edinburgh portal.
Field-Specific Scholarships
These scholarships are tailored for students in specific disciplines.
10. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
- Eligibility: Students in arts, heritage conservation, and humanities.
- Coverage: Full tuition and living expenses.
- Application Deadline: February 2024.
- How to Apply: Submit an application through the CWIT website.
11. Royal Society Grants
- Eligibility: Students in STEM fields.
- Coverage: Research grants and travel allowances.
- Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
- How to Apply: Apply through the Royal Society’s website.
Private Organization Scholarships
These scholarships are offered by private foundations and NGOs.
12. Tata Scholarship
- Eligibility: Indian students applying to Cornell University (partnerships with UK institutions).
- Coverage: Full tuition.
- Application Deadline: January 2024.
- How to Apply: Submit an application through the Tata Trusts portal.
13. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
- Eligibility: Students from developing countries.
- Coverage: 50% tuition grant.
- Application Deadline: March 2024.
- How to Apply: Apply through the Aga Khan Foundation website.
14. Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships
- Eligibility: Students pursuing higher education abroad.
- Coverage: Interest-free loans up to ₹20 lakhs.
- Application Deadline: April 2024.
- How to Apply: Apply through the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation website.
15. JN Tata Endowment Scholarships
- Eligibility: Indian students pursuing higher studies abroad.
- Coverage: Partial funding up to ₹10 lakhs.
- Application Deadline: May 2024.
- How to Apply: Apply through the JN Tata Endowment portal.
How to Apply for Scholarships for Indian Students in UK
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process:
- Research Early: Start researching scholarships at least 6–12 months before your intended start date.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all requirements, including academic qualifications, language proficiency, and field of study.
- Prepare Documents: Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose (SOP), and proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS scores).
- Submit Applications: Follow the instructions on the scholarship provider’s website carefully.
- Track Deadlines: Use our Scholarship Deadline Calendar below to stay organized.
Conclusion
Securing a scholarship to study in the UK as an Indian student is challenging but entirely possible with the right preparation. By leveraging these 15 scholarships, you can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. Remember to apply early, tailor your applications, and stay organized with our deadline calendar.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation with Uninist to get personalized guidance on scholarships, university admissions, and visa applications.
FAQ
What are the best fully funded scholarships for Indian students in the UK?
The top fully funded scholarships include:
Chevening Scholarships: Covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, and airfare.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) : Offers full tuition, airfare, and a living allowance.
Rhodes Scholarship: Provides full tuition at Oxford University and covers living expenses. These scholarships are highly competitive but offer comprehensive financial support.
Are there any scholarships specifically for STEM students?
Yes! Scholarships like the Royal Society Grants and GREAT Scholarships often prioritize STEM fields. Additionally, university-specific scholarships such as those from the University of Birmingham and the University of Edinburgh may also cater to STEM students.
What are the eligibility criteria for Chevening Scholarships?
To qualify for Chevening Scholarships, you must:
Be applying for a Master’s degree.
Demonstrate leadership potential through work or extracurricular activities.
Have at least two years of work experience.
Meet English language requirements (usually IELTS).
How can I apply for university-specific scholarships in the UK?
University-specific scholarships require you to apply directly through the university’s portal. For example:
University of Westminster International Scholarships: Apply via their official website.
University of Birmingham India Scholarships: Submit your application through the university’s admissions portal. Always check the specific scholarship page for detailed instructions.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each. However, ensure that you tailor each application to the specific scholarship requirements and deadlines.
What documents are required for scholarship applications?
Commonly required documents include:
Academic transcripts.
A statement of purpose (SOP).
Letters of recommendation (LORs).
Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL scores).
A valid passport copy. Some scholarships may also require a detailed CV or portfolio.
Are there scholarships for undergraduate students?
While most scholarships target postgraduate students, some options exist for undergraduates:
University of Westminster International Scholarships offers full tuition waivers for undergraduate students.
GREAT Scholarships may also be available for select undergraduate programs at participating universities.
What is the deadline for applying to UK scholarships in 2024?
Deadlines vary by scholarship. Here are a few key dates:
Chevening Scholarships: November 2024 (for 2025 intake).
Commonwealth Scholarships: December 2024.
Felix Scholarships: January 2025. Use our Scholarship Deadline Calendar to stay organized and avoid missing important dates.
Do I need to take an English proficiency test to apply for scholarships?
Most scholarships require proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores. Minimum score requirements vary by scholarship and university. For instance, Chevening typically requires an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher.
How can I increase my chances of winning a scholarship?
To boost your chances:
Start early and research thoroughly.
Tailor your application to highlight achievements relevant to the scholarship.
Write a compelling SOP that reflects your goals and passion.
Secure strong recommendation letters from professors or employers.
Double-check all application materials for errors before submission.
