UK Scholarship Opportunities for Indian Students: A Complete Guide (2025)

June 23, 2025

Studying in the UK is a dream for many Indian students. The country is home to some of the world’s top universities, such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics.

However, the cost of education in the UK can be high, especially when you include tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. That’s where scholarships come in.

If you’re an Indian student looking to pursue further education abroad, undergraduate, postgraduate, or research programs in the UK, you’ll be happy to know that there are numerous scholarships available, both government-funded and university-specific.

This guide explores all the major UK scholarships available for Indian students in 2025, how to apply, eligibility criteria, and tips to improve your chances of success.

Why Choose the UK for Higher Education?

Before diving into scholarships, it’s important to understand why the UK continues to be a top destination for Indian students:

Globally recognized degrees: UK universities consistently rank among the top in global education rankings.
Shorter course durations: Most undergraduate degrees are 3 years, and postgraduate degrees are often 1 year, saving both time and money.
Work opportunities: The UK Graduate Route allows international students to stay and work for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) after completing their course.
Multicultural environment: The UK hosts a large Indian student community and offers an inclusive environment.

Top Government-Funded Scholarships for Indian Students

1. Chevening Scholarships

Offered by: UK Government (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
Level: Postgraduate (Master’s)
Coverage: Full tuition fee, living allowance, airfare, and additional grants
Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (India included)
- Must have an undergraduate degree and at least 2 years of work experience
- Apply to three different eligible UK university courses
Application timeline: Applications usually open in August and close in November for the following academic year.
Website: www.chevening.org

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

Offered by: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Level: Master’s and PhD
Coverage: Tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses
Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (India included)
- Must demonstrate financial need and academic excellence
- Apply through the official nominating agency (UGC or Ministry of Education, India)
Application timeline: Generally opens around September–October.
Website: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk

Scholarships Offered by UK Universities

Many UK universities offer generous scholarships specifically for Indian and other international students. Here are some notable ones:

1. Rhodes Scholarships – University of Oxford

Level: Postgraduate (Master’s/PhD)
Coverage: Full tuition, stipend, and airfare
Eligibility:
- Indian citizen with an outstanding academic record
- Age between 18–24 (some flexibility for postgraduates)
- Leadership and community engagement experience
Highly competitive and requires a personal statement, references, and interview.

2. GREAT Scholarships

Offered by: British Council in partnership with UK universities
Level: Postgraduate
Amount: £10,000 toward tuition fees
Eligibility:
- Must be an Indian citizen
- Strong academic background
- Accepted for a one-year postgraduate course at a participating university
Participating universities include: University of Edinburgh, University of Bristol, University of Nottingham, and many others.
Website: study-uk.britishcouncil.org

3. University of Oxford – Felix Scholarships

Level: Postgraduate (mostly Master’s)
Eligibility:
- Indian citizen residing in India
- Academic excellence and financial need
- Admission into a full-time master’s program at Oxford
Coverage: 100% tuition, living costs, and airfare
Website: www.ox.ac.uk

4. University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Level: Postgraduate (Master’s/PhD)
Coverage: Full cost of studying at Cambridge
Eligibility:
- Non-UK citizen (India included)
- Admission to a full-time postgraduate course at Cambridge
- Leadership potential and academic excellence
Website: www.gatescambridge.org

5. University of Warwick – Chancellor’s International Scholarships

Level: PhD
Coverage: Tuition + maintenance stipend
Eligibility:
- International student (India eligible)
- Applied or planning to apply for a PhD at Warwick
- Strong academic background
Website: warwick.ac.uk

6. University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships

Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Coverage: Partial tuition waivers and merit-based scholarships
Eligibility:
- Academic excellence
- Offer letter from the University of Edinburgh
Website: www.ed.ac.uk

Other Popular Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK

1. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

Level: Postgraduate (specific courses only)
Coverage: Tuition + living expenses up to $100,000
Eligibility:
- Indian citizen with an undergraduate degree from a recognized institution
- Admission offer from a top UK university
- Age below 30 years
Website: www.inlaksfoundation.org

2. Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Loan Scholarships

Type: Interest-free loan for higher education abroad
Amount: Up to INR 20 lakh
Eligibility:
- Indian student with excellent academic record
- Admission into a top-tier UK university
Website: www.narotamsekhsaria.org

3. JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians

Type: Loan scholarship
Amount: INR 1–10 lakhs with partial grants
Eligibility:
- Indian citizen under 45 years of age
- Excellent academic record
- Admission to a full-time postgraduate course
Website: www.jntataendowment.org

Tips to Increase Your Scholarship Chances

Applying for scholarships can be competitive. Here are tips to improve your odds:

Start Early: Begin your scholarship search at least 12 months before your course start date.
Check Eligibility Carefully: Each scholarship has specific criteria—age limits, academic scores, or course preferences.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Clearly express your goals, achievements, and how the scholarship will help you.
Get Solid References: Academic or professional references add weight to your application.
Stay Organized: Create a checklist and track deadlines to avoid missing important dates.
Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Don’t rely on just one; increase your chances by applying to several.
Prepare for Interviews: Some scholarships, like Chevening or Rhodes, require interviews. Practice with mock interviews.

Conclusion

With world-class education, global exposure, and shorter course durations, the UK remains a top choice for Indian students.

While studying abroad may seem expensive, the wide range of scholarships available can significantly ease the financial burden.

From government-funded awards like Chevening and Commonwealth to university-specific and private scholarships, opportunities are abundant for deserving Indian students.

Start your scholarship search early, ensure a strong academic record, and apply strategically. With careful planning, your dream of studying in the UK can become a reality.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can Indian students get fully funded scholarships for the UK?
Yes, scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, Rhodes, and Gates Cambridge offer full funding for Indian students.

Q2: What is the minimum academic score required to apply for UK scholarships?
While it varies, most scholarships require at least a first-class or 60%+ academic score in undergraduate studies.

Q3: Do I need an offer letter before applying for a scholarship?
Many scholarships require a confirmed offer from a UK university, especially university-specific ones.

Q4: Are there scholarships for undergraduate Indian students in the UK?
Yes, several universities like Edinburgh, Nottingham, and Warwick offer scholarships for undergraduates.

Q5: Is IELTS mandatory to apply for scholarships?
Most scholarships require proof of English proficiency. IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent tests are usually accepted.