UK Scholarships for Indian Students: Types, Eligibility and How to Apply

Reviewed October 2026. Scholarship benefits, eligibility and deadlines change every year. Check each provider’s own website before you apply. Legitimate scholarships do not charge an application fee, and nobody can guarantee you one.

Studying in the UK is expensive, and scholarships can help, but they are limited and competitive. This guide explains the main types of UK scholarships open to Indian students, how to apply, and what to check first. See also our scholarship comparison and our guide on how to choose the right scholarship.

Government-Funded Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, and supports one-year master’s degrees at UK universities. India is an eligible country. Published guidance says applicants need a bachelor’s degree and about two years of work experience, and must commit to returning to their home country for two years after the scholarship. Reported benefits include tuition (up to a cap), a monthly stipend, return flights and the UK visa application fee. Applications typically open around August and close in October or November, so check the official dates now.

Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships are for candidates from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. They cover tuition, a living allowance and airfare. For Indian students the route is a nomination through the Ministry of Education and not a direct application, so check the nomination process and deadlines.

University Scholarships

Many UK universities offer their own awards for international students, from partial tuition reductions to full funding. Each university sets its own criteria, amounts and deadlines. Some consider you automatically and others need a separate application. Check the scholarships page of every university on your shortlist.

Oxford and Cambridge

Prestigious examples include the Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford) and the Gates Cambridge Scholarship (Cambridge), along with awards offered by individual colleges and departments. They are extremely competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so check on the official sites whether Indian citizens can apply and what the current deadlines are.

Other universities

Universities across the UK, including the member colleges of the University of London, offer international scholarships. There is no single University of London scholarship for all students, so look at the specific college and course.

Other Funders

The British Council has run GREAT Scholarships for students from selected countries. Check whether India is included in the current round. Some Indian foundations fund study abroad, including the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation and the J.N. Tata Endowment, each with its own eligibility rules. Trusts and companies also fund awards in particular fields, such as STEM, arts, humanities and social sciences.

Eligibility to Check

• Academic record: most scholarships ask for strong grades, and the minimum differs by scheme.
• English proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted test is commonly required.
• Work experience: some postgraduate awards, such as Chevening, require it.
• Nationality and route: some are open to Indian citizens directly, others by nomination only.
• Course and university: awards may apply only to certain courses or institutions.
• Age limits and other conditions, where they apply.

How to Apply

1. Research. Use the official scholarship pages, university websites and resources such as UKCISA to find awards you qualify for.
2. Prepare documents. Typically application forms, transcripts, language results, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose and sometimes financial documents.
3. Track deadlines. Scholarship deadlines are often earlier than university deadlines, so keep a calendar.

Improve Your Chances

• Show how your achievements fit the scholarship’s purpose.
• Write a specific statement of purpose for each award, not a generic one.
• Choose referees who know your work well, and give them plenty of time.
• If there is an interview, practise explaining your goals clearly.
• For need-based awards, give clear and honest financial documentation.

Common Mistakes

• Missing deadlines or submitting incomplete applications.
• Applying without checking eligibility.
• Using a generic statement of purpose.
• Paying anyone for a guaranteed scholarship.
• Not planning your finances without the award.

After You Win

Accept the award formally, read its conditions, and make sure you can keep meeting them, such as grades or return-home requirements. Plan your visa steps as well.

Plan for the UK Visa Changes

The UK Graduate Route is currently 2 years after a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and is due to fall to 18 months for those applying on or after 1 January 2027. See our guide to Queen Mary University of London for details.

Conclusion

A UK scholarship takes research, planning and persistence, and it should be one part of a funding plan that still works if you do not win. If you would like help shortlisting universities and funding options, start with career counselling at Eduvisor or see our Study Abroad service.