Discover the best UK scholarships for Indian students in 2025, including fully funded, partially funded, government, and university scholarships with eligibility & tips.
Explore the top UK scholarships available for Indian students, including fully funded master’s and bachelor’s programs.
Studying in the United Kingdom is a dream for many Indian students, thanks to its globally recognized universities, world-class academic infrastructure, post-study work opportunities, and vibrant multicultural environment. However, the cost of living and tuition fees in the UK can be expensive. This is why scholarships play a crucial role in helping Indian students study abroad.
The UK offers some of the most prestigious fully funded and partially funded scholarships—many of which are specifically open to Indian and international students. Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD program, there are numerous scholarship options available.
This guide explains the best UK scholarships for Indian students in 2025, including eligibility, benefits, application process, deadlines, and tips to win them.
⭐ 1. Why Indian Students Choose the UK for Higher Education
Before exploring scholarships, here’s why the UK is a top destination:
✔ 1.1 High-Quality Education
The UK is home to top-ranked universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, LSE, and UCL.
✔ 1.2 Post-Study Work Visa (PSW)
The UK offers a 2-year Graduate Route, allowing Indian students to work after studies.
✔ 1.3 Shorter Degree Duration
- Bachelor’s: 3 years
- Master’s: 1 year
This reduces overall cost substantially.
✔ 1.4 Strong Scholarship Culture
The UK government, universities, and private organizations offer 100+ scholarship programs.
✔ 1.5 Path to Long-Term Career Growth
The UK is a global hub for finance, engineering, health, AI, business, arts, and research.
⭐ 2. Best Fully Funded UK Scholarships for Indian Students (2025)
These scholarships cover full tuition, living expenses, accommodation, travel, and other academic costs.
🥇 2.1 Chevening Scholarship (Fully Funded Master’s)
Chevening is one of the most prestigious government scholarships.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation allowance
- Return airfare
- Visa fee coverage
- Networking opportunities
Eligibility:
- Minimum 2 years of work experience
- Leadership qualities
- Strong academic background
- Offer from a UK master’s program
Ideal for:
Master’s students doing one-year programs in any field.
🥈 2.2 Commonwealth Scholarships (Master’s & PhD)
Funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Living allowance
- Travel grant
- Research and thesis support
Eligibility:
- From a developing Commonwealth country (India eligible)
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Strong academic profile
Ideal for:
Master’s, MPhil, and PhD candidates with research potential.
🥉 2.3 Rhodes Scholarship (Fully Funded, University of Oxford)
One of the oldest and most competitive scholarships.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees at Oxford
- Living expenses
- Stipend
- Accommodation
- Research grant
Eligibility:
- Outstanding academic record
- Leadership experience
- Age limit applies (usually 18–24)
Ideal for:
Students pursuing postgraduate study at Oxford.
⭐ 2.4 Gates Cambridge Scholarship (Cambridge University)
Another highly prestigious fully funded scholarship.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Stipend
- Visa and travel cost
- Family allowance
Eligibility:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership qualities
- Admission to Cambridge
Ideal for:
Master’s and PhD applicants.
⭐ 2.5 Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford)
Fully funded awards for postgraduate students.
Benefits:
- 100% tuition
- Annual living expenses
Eligibility:
- Automatic consideration with admission
- Academic excellence essential
Ideal for:
Master’s and DPhil programs.
⭐ 3. Top Partially Funded UK Scholarships for Indian Students
⭐ 3.1 GREAT Scholarships
Funded by the UK Government and British Council.
Benefits:
- £10,000 tuition fee reduction
Eligibility:
- Indian students applying for one-year master’s programs
- Academic excellence
⭐ 3.2 Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
Supports Indian mid-career professionals in arts, humanities, and heritage conservation.
Benefits:
- Tuition fee support
- Accommodation
- Living costs
⭐ 3.3 British Council Women in STEM Scholarship
For Indian women pursuing STEM courses.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Return airfare
- Books & materials
⭐ 4. Top UK University-Specific Scholarships for Indian Students
Most top universities offer exclusive scholarships to international students, including Indians.
⭐ 4.1 University of Oxford Scholarships
“These include:”
- Oxford–India Scholarships
- Rhodes
- Clarendon
- Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships
⭐ 4.2 University of Cambridge Scholarships
Includes:
- Gates Cambridge
- Cambridge Commonwealth Trust
- Cambridge International Scholarships
⭐ 4.3 Imperial College London Scholarships
Popular options:
- President’s PhD Scholarships
- Imperial Bursary
- Global India Scholarships
⭐ 4.4 University College London (UCL) Scholarships
Includes:
- UCL Global Masters Scholarship
- UCL India Excellence Scholarship
⭐ 4.5 London School of Economics (LSE) Scholarships
Includes:
- LSE Graduate Support Scheme
- LSE Master’s Award
- LSE India Scholarships
⭐ 4.6 University of Edinburgh Scholarships
Includes:
- Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
- Edinburgh Global Online Distance Scholarships
⭐ 5. Eligibility Criteria for UK Scholarships (General Requirements)
While each scholarship has specific guidelines, here are the common criteria:
✔ 5.1 Academic Excellence
- 70–85% in 12th grade (for UG scholarships)
- 60–75% in bachelor’s (for PG scholarships)
- High academic consistency
✔ 5.2 English Language Proficiency
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE
- Some universities accept MOI
✔ 5.3 Leadership and Community Experience
UK scholarships focus on leadership, impact, and volunteerism.
✔ 5.4 Professional Experience (for funded master’s)
Programs like Chevening require 2+ years of experience.
✔ 5.5 Strong SOP and LORs
A well-written Statement of Purpose is essential.
✔ 5.6 Financial Background
Some scholarships are need-based.
⭐ 6. Documents Required for UK Scholarship Applications
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- English test score
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Scholarship essays
- Letters of Recommendation
- Research proposal (if required)
- Work experience documents
⭐ 7. How to Apply for UK Scholarships: Step-by-Step Process
✔ Step 1: Choose the Right Scholarship
Shortlist fully funded, partially funded, and university-specific options.
✔ Step 2: Check Eligibility Carefully
Avoid applying without meeting minimum criteria.
✔ Step 3: Gather All Academic Documents
Make sure your transcripts and certificates are up-to-date.
✔ Step 4: Prepare High-Quality Essays
Most UK scholarships require:
- Leadership essay
- Personal statement
- Academic goals
- Career impact
- Community involvement
✔ Step 5: Secure Strong LORs
Choose recommenders who know your academic or professional strengths.
✔ Step 6: Submit University Applications First
Many scholarships require you to hold an offer letter.
✔ Step 7: Apply for Scholarship Before the Deadline
Prepare early as many deadlines fall between September and December.
✔ Step 8: Prepare for Interviews
Especially for competitive scholarships like:
- Chevening
- Rhodes
- Gates Cambridge
- Clarendon
✔ Step 9: Get Your Offer & Funding Letter
Upon success, universities send an official scholarship award.
⭐ 8. Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning UK Scholarships
✔ Maintain 75%+ academic score
✔ Build leadership experience
✔ Highlight community service
✔ Write unique, personal scholarship essays
✔ Tailor your SOP to the scholarship
✔ Show financial need if applicable
✔ Apply early
✔ Improve English communication skills
✔ Build a strong professional LinkedIn
✔ Apply to multiple scholarships
Also Read: Which DAAD Scholarships Can International Students Apply for in 2025?
Sources
⭐ 9. FAQ
Q1. Which UK scholarship is best for Indian students?
Chevening, Commonwealth, Rhodes, and Gates Cambridge are the top fully funded scholarships.
Q2. Can Indian students get fully funded scholarships in the UK?
Yes. Many government and university scholarships offer full funding.
Q3. Do UK scholarships require IELTS?
Most do, but some accept MOI or internal language tests.
Q4. What is the minimum percentage required?
Most scholarships require 70–85% in previous academic qualifications.
Q5. Are there scholarships for undergraduate students?
Yes. UBC scholarships, Oxford India scholarships, UCL and LSE also offer UG funding.
Q6. When should I apply for UK scholarships?
Start at least 10–12 months before your intake.