Numerous scholarships, grants, and bursaries are available to Indian students from the British government.
Many Indian students are drawn to the UK’s educational system. In September 2022, 127,731 visas were issued to Indian students, up 93,470 (+273%) from 34,261 in 2019, according to the recently released immigration statistics report. India now boasts the largest group of students studying in the UK as a result.
However, living expenses are considerable in the UK. In light of this, the UK government provides several scholarships, bursaries, and other forms of financial assistance to students from a wide range of nations.
Chevening Scholarship
Website- chevening.org
The UK government offers this award to students who excel in academics. These grants are often for master’s degree programmes in the UK that last one year. From the time applications are due until candidates are conditionally selected for an award, the selection process for Chevening scholars takes a minimum of eight months.
Expense covered
The full tuition fees, a round-trip economy ticket to the UK, a living allowance (for one person), and any additional allowances needed to cover expenses are all covered by these scholarships.
Eligibility
The applicants must be citizens of a nation or territory that is eligible for the Chevening Awards.
— Following the expiration of the award, candidates must spend at least two years living in their country of citizenship again.
By the time they submit their application, they should have finished all requirements for an undergraduate degree that will allow them to enroll in a postgraduate programme at a UK university. Typically, this equates to an upper second-class 2:1 honors degree in the UK, though this could vary depending on the chosen course and university.
— Applicants should have a minimum of two years’ worth (2,800 hours) of job experience.
— By July 13, 2023, have obtained an unconditional offer from one of the three eligible UK university programmes from which you applied.
Additionally, applicants should keep in mind that having a master’s degree does not preclude them from applying for a Chevening Award to pursue a second master’s degree in the UK, provided they can convincingly demonstrate how it will help them realize their career goals of influencing positive change in their home country.
Commonwealth Scholarships
This scholarship is divided in two levels — Commonwealth Masters scholarship and Commonwealth Fellowship Plan
Commonwealth Masters Scholarship
Website — cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
The Department for Overseas Development (DFID) in the UK provides Commonwealth scholarships to international students from developing Commonwealth nations who wish to pursue masters and doctoral degrees there.
Expense covered
The scholarship offers airfare to and from the UK, thesis grant (if applicable), additional allowances to cover personal basic expenses, examination and tuition fees, all included.
Eligibility
— Applicants must be British Protected Persons or citizens of one of the qualifying Commonwealth nations, or they must have received refugee status from one of those nations.
— Applicants must be citizens of a Commonwealth nation that is qualified.
— Prior to the commencement of the UK academic year, applicants should be eligible to begin their academic studies there (in September 2023).
—Applicants must have at least an upper second class (2:1) honors first degree by September 2023, or a second class degree (2:2) plus an appropriate postgraduate degree (often a Master’s degree)*. A second UK Master’s degree is not typically funded by the CSC. You must explain your motivation for pursuing this study if you are applying for a second UK Master’s degree.
— Applicants who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK are eligible for this grant.
— Applicants should have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.
Commonwealth Fellowship Plan
Website — cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
A government programme called the Commonwealth Fellowship Plan is for students from Commonwealth nations. After completing their degree from the UK, it is awarded with the understanding that these applicants will contribute to their native nation.
Expense covered
This scholarship includes various benefits, including one roundtrip in economy class and the whole cost of the student’s tuition.
Eligibility
— Citizens or legal residents of a Commonwealth nation are required to submit applications for Commonwealth scholarships. If you are a refugee or a British protected person, you will still be eligible.
— You should also have at least an upper second-class undergraduate honors degree (2:1). You will also need the relevant master’s degree if you want to pursue a PhD.
— Lastly, you must be financially unable to pay for the scholarship and the expense of living in the UK.
Great Scholarship
Website — britishcouncil.in
This scholarship is jointly funded by the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council under the Study UK campaign. It includes 99 postgraduate scholarships from 36 UK universities in a variety of subjects. However, for Indian students, 12 of the UK higher education institutions are offering 13 postgraduate scholarships.
Expense covered
The amount of each scholarship is a minimum of £10,000, equivalent to one year’s tuition for a postgraduate (taught) degree.
Eligibility
— Applicant should be a citizen of a GREAT target country.
— Applicant should have an undergraduate degree that will enable entry onto a postgraduate programme at one of the UK universities taking part in the GREAT Scholarships campaign.
— Applicant should be motivated and academically able to follow and benefit from a UK postgraduate taught course.
— Interested candidate should be active in the field with work experience or with a proven interest in the proposed subject area.
— Applicant should meet the English language requirement and other academic requirements of the UK HEI.
— Applicant should be willing to embody the UK Higher Education experience, by attending lectures and tutorials and engaging with extra-curricular activities, and act as an ambassador for UK Higher Education, by promoting the value of studying at a UK HEI.
— Applicant should be willing to establish an engagement with the UK as a scholar, through personal and academic fulfilment.
— Selected candidate will have to represent the high standards of the GREAT brand by becoming an advocate for scholarships.
— Applicant should be willing to attend events or participate in other activities organised by Study UK and the British Council for all UK-based GREAT scholars, including social media activities to discuss experiences and capture perceptions of studying in the UK.
— Applicant should be willing to demonstrate future contribution to capacity-building and socio-economic advancement through the benefits achieved after graduating from UK higher education.
— The interested candidates should be willing to maintain contact with the British Council and act as an ambassador for the GREAT Scholarships, by sharing experiences of studying in the UK with future GREAT scholars.
— As an alumnus of the GREAT Scholarships, applicants should be willing, occasionally, to speak to potential candidates about their own experience of studying in the UK.
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship
Website — charleswallaceindiatrust.com
Scholarships from the Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) are given to Indian students who are currently residing in India, are in their early or mid-career, and are either working or studying in the humanities, the arts, or heritage conservation. CWIT long-term grants, CWIT short research grants, and grants for the final year of doctoral studies in the UK are the three categories for this award.
Expense covered
The CWIT award covers housing and living expenses in the UK as well as a contribution of £700 toward the cost of overseas travel. It excludes travel expenses within India, the cost of a valid UK visa, and the price of an IELTS certificate. The right amount of travel and medical emergency insurance must also be arranged by the chosen candidates.
Eligibility
— Applicant should be an Indian citizen, currently living in India.
— This scholarship is offered to applicants aged between 28 and 38.
— They should not have received a CWIT grant within the last five years.
— Interested candidates should have achieved a first degree, diploma or professional qualification in their specialization.
— CWIT prefers applicants with significant working experience.
Scotland Saltire Scholarship
Website — scotland.org
The Scottish Government works with Scottish universities to run the Scotland’s Saltire Scholarship programme. These are provided in the fields of renewable and clean energy, medical sciences, technology, and the creative industries. Science, technology, healthcare and medicine, the creative sectors, and clean and renewable energy are also eligible courses (PG Master level courses).
Expense covered
Up to 50 grants of £8000 each are available through the scholarships, which cover tuition for one year of a full-time postgraduate master’s degree at any higher education institution in Scotland.
Eligibility
— Applicants should have a conditional or unconditional offer of a place at a Scottish university on an eligible course that will be delivered physically in Scotland or via distance online learning or via a combination of both.
— Applicant should be a citizen of Canada, India, Japan, USA, Pakistan or China (Hong Kong citizens are also eligible as it is a Special Administrative Region of China).
— They should be able to demonstrate that they can meet the costs of living in Scotland (where this is applicable) and the remaining tuition fees.
— Applicants should not have previously studied in Scotland, and should not have received a Saltire Scholarship in the past.
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