Fully-Funded UK Scholarships for Indian Students

Want to study in the UK but worried about the high costs? You're not alone. UK scholarships have become a lifeline for Indian students since yearly tuition fees range from £10,000 to £40,000, based on your choice of course and institution.

The costs vary significantly. Most undergraduate programmes will set you back £11,000 to £26,000, while postgraduate courses cost about £13,000. The good news is that many fully funded UK scholarships can cover all these expenses. The Chevening Scholarship takes care of your tuition fees, flight tickets and living costs if you're an academic achiever with strong leadership abilities. Oxford University's Rhodes Scholarship gives you a complete package with course fees and a monthly stipend of £1,591 (£19,092 yearly).

Looking at postgraduate options? The GREAT Scholarships programme has 25 spots open in many subjects for every academic year. Each scholarship gives at least £10,000 toward one-year course fees. These opportunities plus Commonwealth Scholarships that pay for tuition, flights and living expenses can turn your UK education dreams into reality.

The Chevening Scholarship ranks among the top international scholarship programmes available to Indian students who want to study in the UK. This 40-year-old flagship scholarship has created a global network of future leaders. India runs the largest Chevening programme worldwide with more than 3,900 alumni since it began.

Chevening Scholarship Overview

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations fund the Chevening Scholarship programme to develop future leaders who can make positive changes. The programme looks for candidates who show leadership potential and strong academic performance. Nearly 1,500 scholarships go to students from more than 160 countries and territories each year. This creates a powerful global network of influential professionals.

India plays a key role in the Chevening programme as it runs the largest programme worldwide. Many prominent Indians have received this scholarship, including Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, and Tata Steel CEO TV Narendran. The programme has become more diverse, with students from tier 2 and tier 3 cities making up over 60% of the batch. Many scholars are first-generation postgraduate students in their families.

Eligibility Criteria for Chevening Scholarships

You need to meet these requirements to qualify for a Chevening Scholarship:

• Citizenship: You must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country, including India.
• Work experience: You need at least 2,800 hours of work experience after graduation, which equals about two years of full-time work. Work experience during studies doesn't count. Recent graduates after October 2023 can't apply for the next cycle.
• Return commitment: You must come back to India for at least two years after finishing your studies.
• Academic qualifications: Your undergraduate degree should meet UK university standards for postgraduate entry, usually equal to an upper second-class honours degree.
• Course requirements: You must apply to three different UK eligible courses and get at least one unconditional offer before the deadline.

British citizens, dual British citizens, those who studied in the UK on government funding, or people who worked for the UK government or British diplomatic missions in the last two years cannot apply.

What Chevening Scholarships Cover

Chevening offers full funding so scholars can focus on their studies and leadership growth without money worries. The complete package includes:

• Tuition fees: Full payment goes directly to your chosen university for eligible one-year master's programmes. MBA programmes have a £22,000 limit.
• Living allowance: Monthly payments of £917 for studies outside London and £1,134 in London.
• Travel costs: Economy-class return flights between India and the UK.
• Visa costs: Coverage of visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
• Additional allowances: Money for arrival, departure, and travel to Chevening events in the UK.

Students also get chances to network with other scholars, alumni, FCDO members, high-profile speakers, and partner organisations.

Application Process for Chevening Scholarships

Indian applicants have better chances of getting selected compared to the global average. Only 100-110 scholarships go to Indian students from about 1,000-1,200 applications each year. This means an 8-10% success rate, much better than the global 2-3%.

Here's the timeline for scholarships:

1. Application submission: August to October, 12:00 UTC.
2. Eligibility screening: Applications get checked against requirements.
3. Application review: Independent committees review eligible applications from November to January.
4. Interview shortlist: Selected candidates get interview invites by mid-February.
5. Interview period: Face-to-face interviews happen at British embassies and high commissions from late February to April.
6. Results announcement: Selected candidates hear back from mid-June.
7. University offer deadline: You must have at least one unconditional UK university offer by July 9, 17:00 BST.
8. Programme commencement: Studies start in September/October.

The application process starts on the official Chevening portal (chevening.org). You'll need to fill out personal details, education history, work experience, course choices, references, and four 300-word essays. AI-generated answers are not allowed and get caught by plagiarism-checking tools.

Essays should cover leadership, networking, UK study plans, and career goals. The cycle focuses more on how your course and university choices match global priorities.

Since competition is tough, write your essays offline first. Show your leadership skills, networking abilities, and clear career plans that will help you make positive changes in India.

The Rhodes Scholarship, now 120 years old, stands as the world's oldest international graduate scholarship programme at the University of Oxford. This life-changing programme picks outstanding students based on their smarts, character, leadership potential, and dedication to service.

Rhodes Scholarship Overview

The Rhodes Scholarship picks future leaders from around the world based on merit. You don't need to fit a specific mould to become a Rhodes Scholar. The programme's strength comes from its tough selection process and the mix of people it chooses. Indian students get five scholarships each year. The first group of Indian Rhodes Scholars started their Oxford trip in 1947. In the last seven decades, more than 200 Indian students have earned this honour.

The selection committees look at criteria that haven't changed much since 1902. They focus on:

• Intellectual curiosity and academic excellence
• Character qualities like truth, courage, and dedication to duty
• Leadership skills and care for others

Each year, Rhodes Scholars join a worldwide community of over 100 bright minds from different fields and backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria for Rhodes Scholarships

Indian students need to meet these requirements to qualify:

• Citizenship: You need an Indian passport or proof that you're an Indian citizen. PIO or OCI card holders can't apply. Refugees or asylum seekers in India can apply.
• Education/Residency: You should have studied at an Indian school or college for at least 4 of the last 10 years. You must have finished school (10th or 12th standard) in India OR be finishing (or have finished) your undergraduate degree from an Indian university.
• Age: You need to fit one of these:

• Be 18-23 years old on 1st October (born after 1 October 2001 and before 2 October 2007) OR
• Be under 27 on 1st October AND have finished your first degree on or after 1 October.

• Academic Achievement: Your degree must be done by July. Your grades should meet or beat Oxford's requirements for your chosen course. Students with First Class Honours have better chances.
• English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must meet Oxford University's higher-level English requirements.

What Rhodes Scholarships Cover

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most complete funding packages for Indian students in the UK. Here's what you get:

• University Fees: Oxford University course fees are fully paid.
• Annual Stipend: Scholars get £20,400 per year (£1,700 monthly) for living costs and housing. This amount has gone up from previous years to support scholars better.
• Travel Costs: Two economy flights between India and the UK at the start and end of your studies.
• Visa and Healthcare: The scholarship pays for your student visa and International Health Surcharge (IHS), giving you access to UK healthcare.
• Additional Allowances: You get money when you first arrive in Oxford, plus help with visa renewal and health fees if you continue studying.

The scholarship typically runs for two years, but you might get a third year or more for certain courses. This works well if you're planning a longer programme like a doctorate.

Application Process for Rhodes Scholarships

Getting a Rhodes Scholarship isn't easy. Here's what you need to do:

Online Application: The cycle opens in June and closes on July, at 23:59 IST. Submit your application before applying to Oxford.

Required Documentation: You'll need:

• A 1000-word personal statement showing why you deserve the scholarship
• Academic transcripts
• 4-5 recommendation letters
• Valid Indian passport
• Two-page CV
• Recent JPG photo

Selection Process: After you apply:

• Your application gets reviewed
• You attend a social event
• You might get called for an in-person interview with Rhodes Scholars and community leaders

University Application: Rhodes House will help you apply to Oxford if you're selected.

Your application should show academic excellence, strong character, leadership, and service to others. Research Oxford's courses carefully to make sure they match your goals.

This scholarship gives Indian students a rare shot at joining a global network of leaders while studying at one of the world's best universities.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) gives around 700 fully funded chances each year to bright students from Commonwealth countries who want to study in the UK. This prestigious programme is a team effort between the UK government and universities that wants to find and develop people who can make a real difference globally after they finish their studies.

Commonwealth Scholarship Overview

Commonwealth Scholarships are the UK's main scholarship programme that helps international development and brings exceptional talent to British universities. The programme started in 1960 with 175 scholars and has grown by a lot over six decades to meet the changing needs of the 56-nation Commonwealth.

The scholarships focus on six key themes:

• Science and technology for development
• Strengthening health systems and capacity
• Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
• Strengthening global peace, security and governance
• Strengthening resilience and response to crises
• Access, inclusion and opportunity

More than 31,000 people have received Commonwealth Scholarships, creating a strong global network of alumni who help sustainable development in their home countries. The programme shows strong commitment to diversity and inclusion - 52% of scholarships went to female candidates in 2021.

Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Scholarships

Indian students need to meet these specific requirements to qualify:

• Citizenship: You need to be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country. Refugee or British-protected persons can also apply.
• Academic Qualifications: An undergraduate honours degree of at least upper second class (2:1) is required. PhD programmes usually need a master's degree.
• Financial Need: You should show that UK study would be impossible without the scholarship.
• English Language Proficiency: Students whose first language isn't English must pass tests like IELTS or TOEFL with scores that match their chosen programme.
• Return Commitment: You must go back to your home country after finishing your studies.

The CSC believes in equal opportunities and makes sure candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds get fair consideration.

What Commonwealth Scholarships Cover

These scholarships take care of all major expenses, so you can study in the UK without money worries. You'll get:

• Tuition Fees: The scholarship pays all approved tuition fees.
• Living Allowance: Monthly payments for your accommodation, food, and daily expenses in the UK.
• Travel Costs: Flights between your home country and the UK at the start and end of your studies.
• Thesis Grant: Extra money if you need to write a dissertation or thesis.
• Warm Clothing Allowance: Money to buy winter clothes if you're from a warmer climate.
• Research and Travel Support: Extra funds for academic trips within the UK.

This complete support lets you focus on your studies and leadership growth without financial stress. The actual amount changes based on your situation and award type.

Application Process for Commonwealth Scholarships

Getting a Commonwealth Scholarship takes careful planning and attention to detail:

Identify Suitable Scholarship: Start by checking the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website for the right scholarship type.

Check Eligibility: Look at all criteria for your chosen scholarship, especially nomination requirements.

Application Method: You'll apply through one of these:

• Your national nominating agency (like India's Ministry of Education)
• A UK university that's part of the programme
• A selected non-governmental organisation

Electronic Application: Fill out your form on the CSC's Electronic Application System (EAS). Using this system is free.

Required Documents: You'll need to upload:

• A scanned passport copy
• Academic transcripts from all university studies
• Degree certificates
• Two references
• Admission letter (if you have one)

Selection Process:

• Initial eligibility check
• Expert review of your academic background
• Possible interview or extra assessment
• Final decision by CSC representatives

Indian students can apply from August/September. The nomination deadline usually falls in late October. Results come out in Spring, and programmes start in September/October.

Your application should show how your studies will help development needs and what you'll do with your knowledge back in India. The CSC looks at both your academic achievements and how you might help development.

The Felix Scholarship helps talented Indian students who need financial support to study at three top UK universities. This special programme rewards academic excellence and breaks down money barriers that stop bright students from getting world-class education.

Felix Scholarship Overview

The Felix Scholarship runs at three partner schools: the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London. About 20 students get this award each year. Students can study many subjects at postgraduate level. The scholarship's main goal goes beyond just money - it lets scholars experience new academic studies, cultures, and opportunities they wouldn't get otherwise. This helps them make real changes in their home communities when they return.

Oxford's Felix Scholarship has been the life-blood of support for Indian students since 1991. The three partner universities run these scholarships with the Felix Trustees watching over them. Oxford also gives one award each year to a non-Indian student from a low-income country.

Eligibility Criteria for Felix Scholarships

Each partner university has slightly different rules to qualify, but the basic requirements stay the same:

For Indian applicants:

• You must be an Indian national and not currently living or studying outside India
• You must not have studied for one year or more outside India (unless you're a Felix alumnus)
• You must have at least a first-class bachelor's degree from an Indian university or similar school
• You must not have a degree from any university outside India
• Master's scholarship isn't available if you already have a master's degree
• You must show you need financial help
• You should plan to go back to your home country after finishing your studies

Reading University gives up to five scholarships to Indian citizens for PhD or master's degrees. SOAS has scholarships for full-time PhD programmes or taught master's programmes. Part-time programmes don't qualify.

Oxford University gives one scholarship each year to a non-Indian student from a low-income country outside India. These students need to meet similar requirements.

What Felix Scholarships Cover

Felix Scholarship takes care of everything. Scholars can focus on their studies without money worries. The funding package has:

• Tuition fees: Your full course fees are paid for your entire study period
• Living allowance: Oxford students get about £19,000 per year
• Travel costs: You get one return flight between India and the UK
• Healthcare access: Some schools cover visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge

SOAS pays for all tuition fees, living costs, and a return flight. The Felix Scholarship removes all money barriers. Students can dive deep into their studies without distractions.

Application Process for Felix Scholarships

Each partner university has its own way of handling applications:

For Oxford University: You don't need a separate application. Just submit your graduate study application by the January deadline for your course. You might need to fill out a questionnaire if shortlisted. After that, interviews happen in India.

For SOAS University: Submit everything by 12:00pm (midday) UK time on 31 January. You need to:

• Apply for your programme by the deadline
• Fill out the online Felix Scholarship form

SOAS tells shortlisted students by March. Online interviews with Felix Trust members happen between April and May.

For Reading University: Apply by 30 January, 23:59 (GMT). First, get admitted to your programme. Then fill out the scholarship form on the me@reading portal.

All schools make their shortlists in March and April. They look at both your grades and financial needs when deciding.

The Felix Scholarship stands out as one of the best options for Indian students who want to study in the UK. Its steadfast dedication to helping talented students who need financial support makes it special among UK's fully funded scholarships for Indian students.

The Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships give Indian students a chance to pursue doctoral studies at St. John's College, University of Cambridge. These scholarships honour Dr. Singh, a Cambridge alumnus who earned a First in Economics in 1957.

St. John's College, Cambridge Scholarship Overview

St. John's College, Cambridge offers these scholarships to Indian students who want to pursue doctoral research. The merit-based programme helps develop future leaders across academic disciplines. The scholarships are a tribute to Dr. Singh's legacy as an economist and statesman, showing his steadfast dedication to academic excellence and public service.

Corporate partners like Rolls Royce India, BP Foundation, and the Tata Group fund these scholarships for students pursuing MPhil and PhD degrees in Science and Technology, Economics, and Social Sciences. Deserving candidates can get world-class education at one of the UK's finest institutions.

Applications close by mid-January each year. Scholars become part of a distinguished network of alumni who make meaningful contributions to their fields when they return to India.

Eligibility Criteria for Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships

Applicants must meet these requirements:

• Indian citizenship with a valid Indian passport or government-issued ID
• Current residence in India when applying
• A postgraduate (master's) degree from a recognised Indian university or institution
• First-class awards in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies
• Strong leadership qualities shown in personal statements
• Good written and spoken English skills

Some sources mention an age limit of 35 years by December of the starting year at Cambridge. Other reliable sources don't list any age restrictions.

What Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships Cover

The scholarship takes care of all major expenses for doctoral studies in the UK:

• Academic Fees: Full tuition and academic charges
• International Airfare: Return flights between India and the UK
• Monthly Stipend: Regular allowance for living expenses during your studies
• UK Visa Costs: Money for required visa applications and related fees

Students can focus on their studies without worrying about money.

Application Process for Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships

Here's how to apply:

Step I: Pick a doctoral programme and find a suitable supervisor at Cambridge.

Step II: Submit your Cambridge doctoral programme application before the deadlines.

Step III: List St. John's College as your first choice on the form.

Step IV: Once you get admission, apply for the scholarship through St. John's College website.

The college sends confirmation emails to all applicants. Applications usually close on January 15 each year.

Shortlisted candidates have a Skype interview. They answer questions about why they chose St. John's College, their future plans, work experience, personal goals, and how the scholarship fits their career path.

Indian students looking for top UK scholarships will find the Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships are a great way to follow the path of one of India's most distinguished academic and political figures.

Comparison Table

How Y-Axis can help you?

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• Free Counseling: Free Counseling on university and course selection.
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• Course Recommendation: Y-Path gives the best suitable ideas about your study and career options.
• Coaching: Y-Axis offers IELTS live classes to help students clear with high scores.  
• UK Student Visa: Our expert team helps you to get a UK student Visa.