The United Kingdom is a top destination for international students, with over 500,000 students enrolling each year. Renowned universities like Oxford, Imperial College London, and King’s College rank among the top 10 in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. A degree from these prestigious institutions can boost career prospects, with UK graduates earning an average salary of £35,000 annually. However, the cost of tuition in the UK can range from £10,000 to £38,000 per year, and living expenses in cities like London can add another £1,000 to £1,500 per month. Despite the high costs, numerous UK scholarships for Indian students are available, offering financial support to make world-class education more accessible. Let’s dive into this blog to explore the top scholarships for Indian students in UK that can help you make studying in the UK a reality!
Top 10 UK Scholarships for Indian Students 2025-26
Below, we've compiled a list of notable scholarships in UK for Indian students aiming to study at famous universities. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a master’s, PhD, or undergraduate degree, there are plenty of opportunities to ease the financial burden. Explore the eligibility criteria, award amounts, and deadlines for each scholarship to find the perfect match for your academic journey. Plus, keep in mind that there are three main intakes in UK; September, May, and January. Whether you’re applying for a Fall intake or a Spring intake, there’s a scholarship out there to help you succeed.
1. Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarships
Eligibility: The Applicant should be a citizen of India with a master's degree and below the age of 30 years.
Award Amount: Tuition fee, living expenses, UK visa
Deadline: January 1, 2025
Application Link: https://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/
It is one of the most admired scholarships for Indian students in UK. In the lovely memory of Dr Manmohan Singh, this scholarship is awarded to academically exceptional Indian students who wish to pursue their PhD at St. John's College, preferably in Science, Technology, aerospace engineering, marine engineering, etc.
2. Goa Education Trust Scholarships
Eligibility: The applicant must be an Indian citizen, hold an undergraduate degree, and be under 30 years of age.
Award Amount: Full or partial tuition fee
Deadline: May 15, 2025
Application Link: http://www.britishcouncil.in/study-uk/scholarships/goa-education-trust-scholarships
This scholarship for a master's in UK for Indian students is completely merit-based. It is a golden gateway for students from Goa to earn their master's and research fellowships from any university in the UK. The Indian British Council organises the scholarship, and students are shortlisted by evaluating their qualifications and excellence.
3. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
Eligibility: Applicant to be an Indian citizen and should be aged between 28-38 with a degree, diploma, or professional qualification in a specialisation. Work Experience is favoured.
Award Amount: Tuition fee, Living Expenses
Deadline: January 31, 2025
Application Link: https://www.charleswallaceindiatrust.com/scholarships
The Charles Wallace Indian Trust (CWIT) is a fully funded scholarship for Indian students in UK. These are awarded to Indian students to complete their one-year MA in arts or heritage conservation from an esteemed university in the UK. This fully funded scholarship in UK is highly competitive and is offered to applicants with significant years of experience.
4. British Council Great Scholarships for Indian Students
Eligibility: Applicant should be an Indian citizen with an undergraduate degree and some amount of work experience
Award Amount: £10,000 (INR 8.16 lacs)
Deadline: Varies by university.
Application Link: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding/great-scholarships
This scholarship is awarded to international students from 14 countries for a postgraduate degree in 49 UK universities. This UK scholarship for Indian students for a master's is funded by the Great Britain Campaign and the British Council. The students can get admitted to any programmes, from art to design to engineering, law, and management.
5. Inlaks Scholarships
Eligibility: Applicant should be an Indian citizen not over the age of 30, and should not possess a foreign postgraduate degree
Award Amount: Max. $ 100,000
Deadline: March 31, 2025
Application Link: https://inlaksfoundation.org/opportunities/scholarship/
The UK scholarships for Indian students 2025, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Fellowship, is awarded to merit-holding Indian students who wish to pursue various types of degrees in UK or USA, such as master's, M. Phil, or doctoral degree courses.
6. Felix Scholarship
Eligibility: Applicant needs to be a citizen of India, holding a first-class undergraduate degree from a recognised Indian University
Award Amount: Tuition Fee and Grants for Living Costs
Deadline: January 31, 2025
Application Link: https://www.felixscholarship.org/
These UK scholarships for Indian students 2025 are created for the academically outstanding underprivileged section. Every year, 20 lucky winners are awarded scholarships at three universities: the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and SAOS. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from India and return to work in their home country after the program's completion.
7. Erasmus Mundus
Eligibility: Applicant should be an Indian citizen holding a bachelor's degree from a recognised university
Award Amount: Depends on the course and university
Deadline: Varies by program
Application Link: https://www.universityadmissions.se/intl/apply?admRound=13EMUHT24&applCode=GU-0A002
These scholarships for a master's in UK for Indian students are offered to students across several countries to get their masters in the UK. The Erasmus Mundus Scholarships cover the tuition fee, living, and travel expenses. Non-EU applicants are given a higher preference. More than 2500 excellent Indian students have been awarded these scholarships since 2004.
8. The Global Study Awards
Eligibility: Applicant must be 18 years old and above, must have taken an IELTS exam, and have a plan to enrol in a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program
Award Amount: £10,000
Deadline: June 2025
Application Link: https://www.britishcouncil.org.tr/en/exam/ielts/global-study-awards
These scholarships for Indian students in UK are awarded to two international students twice a year, implying that it is merit-based and highly competitive. The British Council initiated the Global Study Awards with ISIC and Study Portals to encourage students to study in the UK at a graduate or postgraduate level.
9. AS Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship
Eligibility: The applicant must hold three years of teaching experience in the English language and a university degree
Award Amount: Tuition fee, air tickets, visa, monthly stipend
Deadline: February 26, 2025
Application Link: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/hornby-educational-trust-scholarships
These scholarships for Indian students to study in UK are awarded to English teachers who are non-UK residents. Applicants who wish to pursue their masters in ELT at the University of Warwick are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
10. Rhodes Scholarships
Eligibility: Applicants willing to pursue their post-graduation or PhD in the UK and are of the age 26 and below
Award Amount: Tuition fee, health insurance, flight ticket
Deadline: Closed last year
Application Link: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/applications/india/
These fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK are renewable yearly. Students are eligible for a master's degree and PhD at the University of Oxford. A total of 100 scholarships are given out every year, and five of them are set aside for Indian students who possess exceptional intellect, leadership, dedication, and character.
Fully Funded Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
Fully funded scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and often travel costs, making them the perfect option for Indian students seeking comprehensive financial support. These UK scholarships for Indian students offer an opportunity to study without the burden of high costs:
Partially Funded Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
Partially funded scholarships cover a portion of your tuition fees or living costs, helping reduce financial strain. Though not full funding, they are still incredibly valuable and accessible for many students. Check out these five scholarships for Indian students to study in UK:
University-Specific Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
Many UK universities offer exclusive scholarships for Indian students based on academic performance, country of origin, or chosen field of study. These university-specific options are often tailored to support international students. Here are five scholarships to study in UK for Indian students to consider:
Tips to Get a Scholarship in the UK for Indian Students
Securing a scholarship to study in the UK is an exciting opportunity, especially for Indian students looking to further their education abroad. While the competition can be tough, with the right preparation and strategy, you can significantly increase your chances. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate the application process and make your dream come true:
1. Start Early
Begin researching scholarships at least 6 months before your preferred intake to meet all deadlines.
2. Check University-Specific Scholarships
Many UK universities offer exclusive scholarships for Indian students. Don’t miss out on these!
3. Highlight Your Achievements
Focus on your academic excellence, leadership roles, and community involvement in your SOP.
4. Research Scholarships for Indian Students
Make sure you explore everything you need to know about scholarships in UK and look for scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, and those offered by Indian organizations.
5. Prepare Documents in Advance
Have all required documents, like transcripts, recommendation letters, and English proficiency scores, ready before applying.
In conclusion, the UK offers a wealth of scholarships for students pursuing all kinds of programs at every level. Whether you’re aiming for top courses in demand in UK, it’s crucial to research the scholarships that align with your goals and meet your specific needs. If you're planning on studying in the UK, make sure to check out the comprehensive guide on postgraduate scholarships to explore the best funding options available. Remember, scholarships are highly competitive, and it takes time and effort to craft an impressive application. Meeting deadlines and presenting your strengths effectively are key to standing out. And don’t forget, opportunities like amberscholar can provide significant financial assistance, making your dream of studying in the UK that much closer.