Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in UK

Did you know that more than 600 scholarships for Indian students to study in UK are announced on a yearly basis, however, thousands still abandon their dream of studying abroad due to high tuition and living costs? Many high-achieving students are unable to accept an offer because they do not receive the appropriate scholarship offers, at the right time.

 From the Chevening Scholarship to the Commonwealth scholarship to a Rhodes Scholarship or GREAT Scholarship, there is an abundance of UK government and university scholoarhips available that can enable one to study in the UK.

Why Choose the UK for Higher Education?

The UK has long been a dream destination for higher education, attracting ambitious minds from across the globe. For Indian students in 2025, the appeal lies not just in academic excellence but also in the diverse scholarships and funding opportunities that make education in the UK more accessible.

• UK universities are globally ranked, offering cutting-edge programs and degrees recognized worldwide.
• From Felix Scholarship to Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships, there are multiple scholarships for Indian students to study in UK.
• Initiatives like the UK government’s GREAT Britain campaign and Commonwealth scholarships support international students.
• Programs such as Chevening Scholarship, Manmohan Singh Scholarships, and UK university scholarships ensure that tuition, living costs, and even return airfare to the UK are covered.
• With a wide range of scholarships offered to students from Commonwealth countries, the UK ensures opportunities for academically outstanding Indian students.

Types of Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in UK

When it comes to funding higher education, there are several scholarships for Indian students to study in UK that make quality education more accessible.

These scholarships are designed to support both undergraduate and postgraduate students by covering tuition fees, living costs, and sometimes even travel expenses.

• Government Scholarships: Programs like the Chevening Scholarship and Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK government’s initiatives, providing fully funded opportunities for academically outstanding students.
• University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities in the UK offer their own scholarship programs, such as Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford or Manmohan Singh Scholarships, supporting students to study at the university of their choice.
• Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students from India who excel academically. They recognize outstanding talent and reduce the financial burden of pursuing degrees in the UK.
• Private and Trust Scholarships: Initiatives like the British Council, Felix Scholarship, and Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships provide additional funding options for Indian students in 2025.
• Global Scholarships and Research Fellowships: A wide range of scholarships are offered to students from Commonwealth countries, ensuring scholarships are available for those who wish to study UK programs at leading institutions.

Top Government Scholarships for International Students to Study in the UK

For ambitious learners, government-funded scholarships for Indian students to study in UK are among the best options to make quality education affordable. These scholarships in UK are highly competitive, often fully funded, and designed to support both undergraduate scholarships and scholarships for postgraduate programs.

They not only reduce financial stress but also give students who want to study in world-class UK higher education institutions an unmatched opportunity.

Chevening Scholarship

The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in UK. Funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, it provides fully funded scholarships to Indian students and others from over 160 countries. This scholarship to study in UK covers tuition, living expenses, and return airfare.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship is offered to students from Commonwealth countries, including India, enabling them to study at the university of their choice in the UK. These government scholarships for international students are fully funded and aim to uplift talented individuals from developing nations.

GREAT Scholarships

The GREAT Scholarships are scholarships jointly funded by the UK government’s Great Britain campaign and partner universities. These awards are aimed at Indian students who want to pursue a program in the UK, making study UK a more realistic investment.

Popular University UK scholarships for indian students

Many scholarships for Indian students to study in UK are not just funded by the government but also offered by UK universities directly.

These UK university-specific scholarships provide opportunities for both scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, ensuring that international students who want to pursue quality education face fewer financial hurdles. For students in the UK, these awards prove that UK is an investment worth making.

Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships are fully funded and is awarded at the University of Oxford. It provides scholarships for students from select countries, including India, and supports them to pursue a degree from a renowned Indian university background at Oxford.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship, though primarily funded by the Gates Foundation, is a UK university-specific scholarship at the University of Cambridge. It is offered to international students and provides one of the most generous scholarships are fully funded opportunities.

Felix Scholarship

The Felix Scholarship is designed specifically for students by the UK universities like Oxford, Reading, and SOAS. It supports Indian students and students from developing countries, ensuring scholarships are provided to those with exceptional academic merit.

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

The Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships are unique scholarships for Indian students to study in UK, focusing on mid-career professionals in arts, heritage conservation, and humanities. These awards give students the opportunity to build global expertise and return to contribute in India.

Subject-Specific Scholarships for Indian Students

Not all funding opportunities are general; many UK for international students programs provide awards tailored to specific fields. These help UK for Indian students pursue specialized areas where demand for skilled professionals is high.

Such scholarships ensure that quality education in niche domains in the UK are offered to international learners who excel.

• STEM Programs: Support for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degrees with global career relevance.
• Arts & Humanities: Awards aimed at students exploring culture, history, design, or creative industries.
• Medical & Healthcare: Scholarships designed to support future doctors, researchers, and public health professionals.
• Business & Management: Funding for ambitious students aspiring to leadership in business, finance, and entrepreneurship.
• Environment & Sustainability: Opportunities for students focusing on climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable development.

How to Apply for Scholarships in the UK

Applying for scholarships for Indian students to study in UK requires planning, preparation, and attention to detail.

A step-by-step approach ensures you don’t miss deadlines and maximize your chances of success.

• Research Early: Start exploring scholarship options at least a year in advance. This gives you enough time to check eligibility, prepare documents, and shortlist the right opportunities.
• Prepare Documents: Most scholarships ask for transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Keep these ready and updated to avoid last-minute rush.
• Check Deadlines: Each scholarship has strict application windows. Missing even a single deadline can mean waiting another year.
• Write a Strong Application: Focus on clarity and authenticity in your essays. Showcase your achievements, goals, and how you align with the scholarship’s objectives.
• Apply Strategically: Don’t rely on one option. Apply to multiple scholarships to improve your chances of securing funding.

Conclusion 

Pursuing higher education abroad is a dream, and scholarships for Indian students to study in UK make that dream both affordable and achievable. With opportunities ranging from subject-specific to fully funded options, the UK opens doors for students who are ready to excel.

But the challenge lies in identifying the right scholarship, building a strong profile, and applying strategically. That’s where Ambitio steps in not just as a guide, but as a partner in your journey. From personalized profile building to application support, Ambitio ensures you stand out. Ready to transform your dream into reality? Let’s make it happen together!

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