Types of UK Scholarships for Indian Students
International students can apply for a variety of scholarships if they want to study in the UK. The three types of scholarships for UK studies can be categorised based on the funding source:
- • Government-funded UK scholarships
- • UK university scholarships
- • Other scholarships
Let us discuss the best UK scholarships for international students!
12 Best Scholarships in UK for International Students
Following are a mix of university scholarships, government-funded scholarships, and others for international/Indian students to finance their UK education.
- Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship
- Kingston University London Scholarship
- Bristol University Scholarship
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- University of Westminster Scholarship
- Flex Scholarship
- Castle Smart Scholarship
- Royal Society Grants
- Scotland’s Saltire Scholarship
- Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
- Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
Further, let’s get detailed information on these UK scholarships for international students.
1. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship
University of Edinburgh offers only 30 scholarships to international students who are willing to pursue a PhD/Masters program at the university. These UK scholarships for Indian students 2022 covers only partial tuition fees in a particular course.
| Application Deadline | 6th June 2024 |
| Awarded to | Students who wish to pursue a master’s degree in MSC Engineering, MSC Arts & Humanities, MSC Bussiness, MSC Science, MSc Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, ChM Clinical Ophthalmology, MSc Clinical Trials, MFM Family Medicine, ChM General Surgery, etc. |
| Benefit | £22,477 to £49,686 |
| Eligibility Criteria | The candidate must be an international student.The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit.Candidates must have a previous undergraduate degree according to UK First Class or a 2:1 Honours degree. |
2. Kingston University London Scholarship
All international undergraduate or postgraduate students at Kingston University are eligible for the scholarship. This scholarship is available to students starting their first year of study in September or January. The January 2023 intake dates will begin later this year in October 2022.
| Application Deadline | September for 2024 intake |
| Awarded to | Undergraduate and post-graduate programs |
| Benefit | £5,000 |
| Eligibility Criteria | An international student, classified as paying ‘overseas fees.’A student with an offer for an undergraduate or postgraduate course at Kingston University.A student not currently registered on a Kingston University degree or foundation course. |
3. Bristol University Scholarship
University of Bristol offers five international office scholarships for students to pursue their undergraduate/postgraduate degrees. This scholarship award is worth £8,500 for tuition fees and living expenses for one academic year.
| Application Deadline | September for 2024 intake |
| Awarded to | Undergraduate and post-graduate programs |
| Benefit | £8,500 |
| Eligibility Criteria | your UCAS ID, Student ID, or Kaplan IDmust apply to a courseyour current or most recent educational institution, name, and nationality informationdetails of any other funding you have applied for or are due to receive. |
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Gates Cambridge Scholarship is applicable to international students from any country who are willing to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject offered at the University of Cambridge. This undergraduate scholarships for international students in UK not only cover the full cost of studying but also offer added flexible funding. Its application for 2022-23 will begin in September 2022.
| Application Deadline | 12th October 2024 |
| Awarded to | PhDMPhil/MLittOne-year postgraduate course |
| Benefit | Complete tuition cost |
| Eligibility Criteria | Any student who is a citizen of a country outside UK can apply.Academic excellenceReasons for choice of the courseCommitment to improving the lives of others |
5. University of Westminster Scholarship
University of Westminster offers a scholarship to international students who are looking to enroll in a master’s/postgraduate program in the UK. This scholarship covers accommodation, tuition fees, living expenses, and flights from and to London.
| Application Deadline | Open |
| Awarded to | Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students |
| Benefit | £5,000 to £6,000 per year |
| Eligibility Criteria | Based on financial needsStudents coursePersonal statementsHome Students, etc. |
6. Felix Scholarship
Felix Scholarships are available to underprivileged students in India and other developing countries to continue their postgraduate studies in UK. These are offered at three universities—the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), and the University of London. It covers tuition fees and certain other expenditures of the students. Therefore, you can choose this full scholarships for international students in UK without any second thoughts!
| Application Deadline | 31st January |
| Awarded to | Students from developing countries |
| Benefit | 100% course fee + a grant of £15,840 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Academically privileged and underprivileged nationals of IndiaWith first-class bachelor’s from reputed Indian university.Non-Indian student with a first-class bachelor’s from a reputed university. |
7. Castle Smart Scholarship
It is an undergraduate scholarship offered by Castle Smart Estate to international students in the UK who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. This scholarship is accessed by video rather than by an essay. To apply, a student must create a video covering the required points per the course chosen to qualify. Let’s check its other features!
| Application Deadline | December 20, 2023 |
| Awarded to | Undergraduate Students |
| Benefit | £6,000 per year |
| Eligibility Criteria | Preparation of a Youtube video outlining the candidate’s study and career plans. |
8. Royal Society Grants
These grants and scholarships are offered by the Royal Society, an independent and oldest scientific academy. The society offers scholarships that aim to promote excellence in science. These are provided for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
| Application Deadline | November 10, 2023 |
| Awarded to | Early career and senior fellowships |
| Benefit | The eligibility and benefits of these scholarships vary with the nature of the grant. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Students must be between 5 to 18 years of age. |
9. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarship
These are masters scholarships UK offered by the Scottish Government in collaboration with Scottish universities. The scholarship is offered to citizens from India, Canada, Japan, the USA, Pakistan, and China.
| Application Deadline | May 28, 2023 |
| Awarded to | Students who wish to pursue a master’s degree in the areas of science, creative industries, technology, healthcare and medical sciences, etc. |
| Benefit | Up to £8000 for universities and £4000 for colleges. This can be used towards tuition fees for the duration of 1 year of full-time study. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Should not have previously studied in Scotland or previously received a Saltire Scholarship.Must have a conditional or unconditional offer from a Scottish university for a qualified course.Meet the language requirements of the course.Able to prove that they can meet the cost of living in Scotland and the outstanding tuition fees. |
Students must complete the scholarship to study in England application online and submit the application before the deadline. You need to write 3 essays of 250 words describing the points below:
- • Reason for choosing Scotland and the specific institution and program to study.
- • Interpersonal and communication skills needed to participate in the scholarships’ activities.
- • The aspiration to work and study in a global scenario to take a position of leadership in their chosen career.
10. Chevening Scholarships
This is one of the best fully funded scholarships in UK for masters for Indian students. These scholarships are offered by the UK government to outstanding students from Chevening-eligible countries around the world.
| Application Deadline | 2nd November 2023 |
| Awarded to | Students who are a citizen of a Chevening eligible country or territory and wish to pursue a master’s program at UK University. |
| Benefit | Covers tuition fees, living accommodation at a set rate, an economy class arrival airfare to the UK, and other additional grants to cover important expenditures. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Should have at least 2 years of work experience.Return to your country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after your award has ended.Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and have received an unconditional offer from one of these options. |
Students can apply for the Chevening UK scholarships in the month of August via the online application system. You are required to answer all the questions and submit the required documents in JPG, PDF, or PNG format.
11. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
Another popular master’s Scholarships UK, Commonwealth offers fellowships and scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries. The scholarship is funded by the UK Department for International Development.
| Application Deadline | 1st November 2023 |
| Awarded to | Students who are citizens or approved refugees from a commonwealth country and want to apply for a master’s degree or PhD in UK. |
| Benefit | Covers airfares, tuition fees, and some maintenance expenses. |
| Eligibility criteria | Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class honours standard or a lower second-class degree and a pertinent postgraduate qualification.Unable to afford to study at a UK university without this scholarship.Not studied or worked in a high-income country for one year or more.Provided all the documents in the required format. |
Candidates applying for the scholarship to study in the UK are required to submit their applications through a National Nominating agency along with the following documents:
- • A copy of passport
- • Academic transcripts
- • Proof of exams to study in UK
- • Admission letter of a UK University
12. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
CWIT scholarships offer different kinds of grants. These include long-term scholarships, grants for short research and professional visits, visiting fellowships in certain subjects, and grants for doctoral study. It does not support 2-year courses.
| Application Deadline | 17th January 2023 |
| Awarded to | Indian students who are in the early or mid-stage of their career and have experience in humanities, arts, and heritage conservation. |
| Benefit | Covers accommodation and living costs in the UK and input of £600 towards the international travel costs. |
| Eligibility criteria | Residing in India at the time of applicationAged between 25 and 38Have a diploma, degree, or professional qualification in their specializationHave not received a CWIT grant within the last five years |
Applicants who are shortlisted on the basis of their applications will be invited to the British Council for an interview.
The application process for these grants varies with the nature of the grant:
- • Long-term grants: Applicants are required to apply through the nearest British Council
- • Visiting fellowships: Applicants have to apply individually to each university
- • Grants for Doctoral Studies: Applicants must email their applications directly to CWIT in London
- • Short research and professional visiting: Applications should be emailed directly to CWIT London via email
The application must accompany the required documents including an IELTS certificate, SOP, Resume, details of the two referees and portfolio.
- • GREAT Scholarship
This scholarship is mutually funded by the UK government’s Great Britain campaign and the British Council under the Study UK campaign.
| Application Deadline | March to early June |
| Awarded to | Postgraduate students from 36 UK universities in a variety of subjects. |
| Benefit | A minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year taught postgraduate course |
| Eligibility criteria | Passport from an eligible countryMeet the English language requirement of the UK UniversityHave a suitable bachelor’s degreeA background of extracurricular activities relating to chosen subject area |
Students who wish to apply for this scholarship to study in UK must first obtain admission to the eligible and chosen university in UK. You can complete the application form on the university’s website.
Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria and submit the required documents, including UK student visa, mark sheets, English language proficiency certificate, etc. Selected candidates are interviewed by the British Council panel based on the final selection.
These awards are an excellent method to pay for your graduate studies in the UK. However, before applying, make sure to review the most recent specifications for each scholarship from the official sources. By selecting Divine premium, you can get professional advice from our counsellors if you need further help.
