Study in UK Scholarships for Indian Students (2026 Updated Guide)

Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s flagship global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. It enables outstanding students from around the world — including India — to pursue fully funded one-year master’s degrees at UK universities.

Key Features:

• Fully funded (tuition, living allowance, airfare and more)
• One-year master’s degree funding
• Leadership development and global networking opportunities

Eligibility: Strong academic profile, leadership potential, and work experience are typically required.

Official Chevening Scholarship page: https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), funded by the UK government, awards scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries — including India — to pursue postgraduate degrees. These scholarships are fully funded and prioritise development-related fields.

What It Covers:

• Tuition fees
• Living allowance
• Travel costs
• Additional study grants

Eligibility: Applicants must be Commonwealth citizens and meet academic and financial criteria.

Official Commonwealth Scholarship info: https://www.britishcouncil.in/study-uk/scholarships/commonwealth-scholarships

Marshall Scholarships (Note)

While primarily for American students, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also funds Marshall Scholarships as part of its international scholarship programmes, underscoring the UK’s broader commitment to global education cooperation.

GREAT Scholarships

The GREAT Scholarships programme, run by the British Council in partnership with the UK government, offers at least £10,000 towards tuition for postgraduate study across multiple UK universities. Over 140 scholarships are available for the 2026-27 academic year.

• Value: £10,000 towards tuition
• Available for a range of postgraduate programmes
• Jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain campaign and participating institutions

Official GREAT Scholarships info: https://www.britishcouncil.in/study-uk/scholarships/great-scholarships

University-Sponsored Scholarships

Many UK universities offer merit-based or need-based scholarships for international students, including Indians. These may include:

• Vice-Chancellor Scholarships
• International Excellence Awards
• Country-specific support
• Research scholarships

Examples include awards at the University of York, University of Essex, and University of Glasgow.

Explore detailed university scholarship options: https://www.britishcouncil.in/study-uk/scholarships (Scholarships & funding section)

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports outstanding postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge. It covers full costs and offers strong professional development support.

While eligibility varies by scholarship, most UK awards share common factors:

• Strong academic record
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Proof of English proficiency
• Demonstrated leadership potential
• Relevant work or research experience (for some)

Meeting these criteria improves your chances significantly.

Most major UK scholarships for 2026–27 follow similar cycles:

• Chevening: Applications typically open in August/September and close in November.
• Commonwealth Scholarships: Often open from September and close in late autumn.
• GREAT Scholarships: Deadlines vary by university, usually in late autumn to early winter.

Always check official links for the most accurate dates.

Here’s a strategic, data-driven approach:

• Start early — most deadlines fall months before course start
• Craft a strong SOP focused on impact and goals
• Use official credential evaluation and English scores
• Work with a best UK education consultant for strategy and documentation support
• Build a compelling narrative (leadership + future vision)

Recent scholarship initiatives show strong outcomes for Indian students. For example, the Chevening-Karnataka Scholarship supported five women from Karnataka to pursue fully funded master’s degrees in the UK, covering tuition, living expenses and travel, and underscoring regional scholarship collaborations.

Similarly, the Uttar Pradesh state government signed an MoU with UK authorities to support meritorious students to study in the UK under a full scholarship scheme.

Studying in the UK can be financially viable with the right scholarships. Several high-impact programmes — from Chevening Scholarships to GREAT Scholarships and Commonwealth Awards — offer Indian students fully funded or partially funded paths to world-class education.

While competition is strong, strategic planning, early application, and expert guidance (through a best UK education consultant) can significantly improve your chances of success.

1. What are the top UK scholarships Indian students can apply for?

Major options include Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, and university-specific awards via the British Council.

2. Do these scholarships cover living expenses?

Many fully funded awards like Chevening and Commonwealth include tuition, living allowance, airfare, and more.

3. Are there scholarships for undergraduate study?

Yes — several universities offer merit scholarships for undergraduate international students.

4. When do scholarship applications open?

Typically late summer or early autumn, but dates vary by programme. Always refer to official scholarship pages.

5. Can My Study Offers help with scholarship applications?

Yes — working with the best UK education consultant helps you identify eligibility, prepare documents, and strengthen your application strategy.