In this comprehensive guide, we explore the Top Scholarships for Indian Students in UK, covering master’s and PhD programs.
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From the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships to university-specific awards like the Clarendon Fund and Gates Cambridge, these scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also provide living allowances, travel grants, and other essential support.
Pursuing a graduate degree in the UK is a dream for many Indian students, but the high cost of education can often be a barrier.
Fortunately, several prestigious institutions and government bodies offer fully funded opportunities specifically designed to support talented individuals from India.
Whether you’re aiming for Oxford, Cambridge, or any leading UK university, this article will help you find the right scholarship to make your academic journey abroad
🎓 Top Scholarships for Indian Students in UK (Master’s & PhD)
1. Chevening Scholarships
- Level: Master’s
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs, visa fees, and a travel grant.
- Eligibility:
- Indian citizen with a bachelor’s degree.
- At least 2 years of work experience.
- Unconditional offer from a UK university.
- Indian citizen with a bachelor’s degree.
- Website: chevening.org
- Level: Master’s
- Coverage: Tuition, airfare, living allowance, thesis grant.
- Eligibility:
- Indian citizen from a low/middle-income family.
- Bachelor’s degree with strong academic merit.
- Must apply via the nominating agency in India (Ministry of Education).
- Indian citizen from a low/middle-income family.
- Website: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Level: Master’s & PhD
- Coverage: Full tuition, maintenance allowance, airfare, and family allowance.
- Eligibility:
- Excellent academic record.
- Admission to a full-time graduate course at the University of Cambridge.
- Excellent academic record.
- Website: gatescambridge.org
4. Rhodes Scholarship (India)
- Level: Master’s & Second B.A. (Oxford)
- Coverage: All university fees, living expenses, and travel.
- Eligibility:
- Indian citizen aged 19–25.
- First-class undergraduate degree.
- Must apply for a postgraduate degree at the University of Oxford.
- Indian citizen aged 19–25.
- Website: rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
5. Clarendon Fund (Oxford University)
- Level: Master’s & DPhil (PhD)
- Coverage: Full tuition and generous living stipend.
- Eligibility:
- Academic excellence in prior degrees.
- Automatically considered when applying to Oxford graduate programs.
- Academic excellence in prior degrees.
- Website: ox.ac.uk/clarendon
6. Felix Scholarship
- Level: Master’s & PhD
- Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, return flight.
- Eligibility:
- Indian student from a financially disadvantaged background.
- First-class undergraduate degree.
- Admitted to Oxford, Reading, or SOAS (University of London).
- Indian student from a financially disadvantaged background.
- Website: ox.ac.uk/felix
7. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
- Level: PhD
- Coverage: Full international tuition fees.
- Eligibility:
- International students applying for PhD at University of Edinburgh.
- Academic excellence in previous degrees.
- International students applying for PhD at University of Edinburgh.
- Website: ed.ac.uk
8. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
- Level: Master’s
- Coverage: Up to $100,000 covering tuition, living expenses, and one-way travel.
- Eligibility:
- Indian citizen with strong academics.
- Admission to a top UK institution.
- Not eligible for engineering, business, or public health.
- Indian citizen with strong academics.
- Website: inlaksfoundation.org
9. Cambridge International Scholarships
- Level: PhD
- Coverage: Full tuition and maintenance allowance.
- Eligibility:
- Non-UK students applying for a PhD at the University of Cambridge.
- Outstanding academic credentials.
- Non-UK students applying for a PhD at the University of Cambridge.
- Website: cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk
10. President’s PhD Scholarships – Imperial College London
- Level: PhD
- Coverage: Full tuition, £25,150/year stipend, and travel costs.
- Eligibility:
- Exceptional academic background.
- Accepted to a PhD program at Imperial College London.
- Exceptional academic background.
- Website: imperial.ac.uk
📌 Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Apply Early: Start preparation 6–9 months in advance.
- Strong SOP & References: Tailor your Statement of Purpose and get strong recommendation letters.
- Target High-Ranking Programs: Some scholarships prioritize world-class institutions.
- Prepare for Interviews: Scholarships like Chevening and Rhodes require interviews.
📚 Official Sources and Further Reading
- British Council Scholarships
- UKCISA: UK Council for International Student Affairs
- Scholarship Search Tool – University of Oxford