The United Kingdom (UK) is a popular destination for Indian students seeking higher education. Studying in the UK offers Indian students the opportunity to receive a world-class education, gain international exposure, and experience a diverse culture. However, the cost of studying in the UK can be quite high, which can deter some students from pursuing their academic dreams. Thankfully, there are many UK scholarships available for Indian students that can help reduce the financial burden.
Here are some of the top UK scholarships available for Indian students:
- Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship programme that offers Indian students the opportunity to study for a one-year Master’s degree at any UK university. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and other costs associated with studying in the UK. One has to be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory like India with a completed undergraduate degree.
Website for application: https://www.chevening.org/scholarship/india/
2. Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship is another fully-funded scholarship program that offers Indian students the opportunity to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in any subject area at a UK university. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. One must be a citizen of a commonwealth country to avail the scholarship. One is also eligible if they are a refugee or a British-protected person.
Website for application: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/
- Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships: The Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships offer Indian students the opportunity to undertake short-term research, professional visits, or fellowships in the UK. The scholarship covers travel expenses, living expenses, and research expenses. The candidate should be an Indian citizen based in India, aged between 28 & 38 and holds a degree, diploma or professional qualification appropriate for their specialisation.
Website for application: https://www.charleswallaceindiatrust.com/scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships: The GREAT Scholarships program is a joint initiative between the British Council and UK universities. The scholarship offers Indian students the opportunity to receive a tuition fee discount of up to £10,000 for a one-year Master’s degree program in any subject area.
Website for application: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding/great-scholarships/india
- Hornby Scholarships: The Hornby Scholarships are designed for Indian students who are interested in studying for a Master’s degree in English Language Teaching (ELT). The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. One must have at least three years of English Teaching Experience to be eligible for the scholarship.
Website for application: https://www.hornby-trust.org.uk/scholarships#Scholarships
6. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship program that offers Indian students the opportunity to study a Master’s degree in a range of subjects at multiple universities across Europe, including the UK. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or be in the last year of their bachelor’s degree. It is mandatory to graduate before the programme starts.
Website for application: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters-scholarships
- Inlaks Scholarships: The Inlaks Scholarships offer Indian students the opportunity to undertake postgraduate study or research at top UK universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. All Indian passport holders with a first-class score in their latest degree from a recognised Indian University are eligible for the scholarship programme.
Website for application: https://www.inlaksfoundation.org/scholarships/
To apply for these scholarships, Indian students will need to meet specific eligibility criteria and follow the application process outlined on the scholarship provider’s website. It is important to note that the application process can be competitive and require a significant amount of preparation, including writing a personal statement and providing letters of recommendation.
In conclusion, UK scholarships for Indian students offer a fantastic opportunity for those seeking higher education in the UK. With a range of fully-funded and partially-funded scholarship programs available, Indian students can pursue their academic dreams without worrying about the financial burden. Students need to research the different scholarship options available and begin the application process early to increase their chances of success.
