The average number of students who went abroad for education was approximately 1.3 million. Among them, most of the students landed in the UK and enhances their education in accordance with global standards. However, they face one unavoidable hurdle: the cost of education. In response to that, there are numerous UK scholarships for Indian students, designed to help overcome that challenge. However, selecting the most suitable scholarship to achieve free education in UK can be challenging.
Therefore, this blog aims to assist by providing a concise overview of the various types of scholarships in UK, along with guidance on how to apply for them. It concludes with answers to some frequently asked questions for further clarity.
Table of Content
1Types of UK Scholarships for Indian Students2UK Scholarships for Indian Students3UK Government Scholarships4Private (or) Institution Based Scholarships5University-Based Scholarships6How to get Scholarship in UK for Indian Students7Conclusion8Frequently Asked Questions
Types of UK Scholarships for Indian Students
Indian students, after deciding to pursue the UK education, must be aware of the scholarships offered. There are international scholarships would reduce the tuition fees and hence the burden would reduce further. These scholarships in the UK are of three types:
- UK Government Scholarships
- Private (or) Institution Based Scholarships
- University-Based Scholarships
Let us dwell deep for further insights.
UK Scholarships for Indian Students
The UK awards scholarships to Indian students based on academic excellence and financial need. The following provides a thorough explanation of the different types of scholarships available:
UK Government Scholarships
The UK government provides scholarships for Indian students who come to study in UK. The nature of the course or the institution does not restrict the availability of these scholarships for students across all fields of study. The following are the top government-based scholarships available through a UK study visa:
- Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
- Global Study Awards
1. Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals who have successfully completed their undergraduate studies. These scholarships are fully funded scholarships to undertake any master’s course across any list of UK universities, including public universities in UK.
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2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth scholarships are one of the UK scholarships for Indian students where students from low- and middle-income countries to pursue masters in UK. Around 700 students across various fields of study receive these scholarships each year. The scholarship program offers various types, allowing students to apply based on their specific field of study.
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3. GREAT Scholarships
The British Council and 26 UK universities provide the GREAT Scholarships for masters degree in UK. These scholarships recognize and support academically motivated students with exceptional academic achievements. Students can apply from any university across the UK, including the best universities in UK
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4. Global Study Awards
The Global Study Awards (TGSA) are programs that encourage students to pursue the UK study abroad programs. These awards provide UK scholarships for Indian students, enabling them to pursue education abroad and explore the culture and languages of the host country.
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Private (or) Institution Based Scholarships
Similar to government-based scholarships, private (or) institution-based scholarships also assist Indian students in reducing their educational expenses. Some of these programs also receive joint funding. Examples of private scholarships include:
- Goa Education Trust (GET) Scholarships
- Education Grants by TATA Trust
- Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships
- Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT)
1. Goa Education Trust (GET) Scholarships
The GET Scholarships support Indian students pursuing a master’s program. Initially aimed at Goan students, the scholarship had been expanded to include all Indian students applying to universities across the UK, including the most prestigious UK universities. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance and promote academic excellence among Indian students at the postgraduate level.
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2. Education Grants by TATA Trust
The Education Grants by Tata Trusts provide financial assistance to underprivileged students in India for pursuing higher education in top universities in UK. The grants support students across different credentials, helping them overcome financial barriers and access quality education in fields like engineering, medicine, law, and management.
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3. Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships
The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships are need-based and merit-based awards for students pursuing studies abroad, including Indian students. Established in 1976, it aims to award across a wide range of subjects with exceptional talent, character, and motivation to fulfill their full potential. This scholarship is one of the scholarships in UK for Masters degree, supporting students in realizing their full potential.
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4. Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) Scholarships
The CWIT scholarships, one of the UK scholarships for Indian students, support them to pursue their studies in the UK. It is a prestigious award for students pursuing advanced study or professional development. Also, the CWIT scholarships provide an opportunity to study at the top ranked universities in UK and develop their expertise in their respective fields.
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University-Based Scholarships
Like the above two, university-based scholarships also offer grants and awards to financially needy Indian students. But there is one definite criterion: Students who receive these kinds of scholarships would need to enroll at that concerned university. This is the most definitive and eligible criterion. Given the large number of universities and public colleges in UK, the following are some of the most notable scholarships:
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships
- Rhodes Scholarships
- Global Excellence Scholarships
- Imperial Excellence Scholarships
1. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious UK scholarships for Indian students. Awarded by the University of Cambridge, this scholarship covers the full cost of study for international students, including Indians, pursuing a postgraduate degree at the university.
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2. Rhodes Scholarships
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded, merit-based scholarship that attracts exceptional young talent from around the world, including India, to study at the University of Oxford, one of the top universities in the UK. The scholarship aims to develop global leaders and foster international understanding and peace through a vibrant community of scholars.
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3. Global Excellence Scholarships
The Global Excellence Scholarships in the UK offer financial support to high-achieving Indian students pursuing studies at top UK universities, such as the University of Warwick, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and so on. The Global Excellence also provides scholarship for undergraduate students, helping to reduce the financial burden from the beginning of their academic careers in the UK.
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4. Imperial Excellence Scholarships
Imperial College London awards the Imperial Excellence Scholarships to international students, including those from India. Being one of the UK scholarships for Indian students, these scholarships aim to support exceptional students in pursuing their studies, covering tuition fees, and providing financial assistance to ensure access to world-class education.
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How to get Scholarship in UK for Indian Students
When an Indian student arrives in the UK on a UK student visa for education, it is essential to be aware of the scholarships available to them. Therefore, understanding the nature of the scholarships offered by the respective institution is crucial. The following are key tips for securing a scholarship in the UK:
- Do extensive research on the available scholarships and mark the deadlines to ensure you apply on time.
- After thorough research, finalize the scholarship that fits your strengths.
- Some scholarships require a personal statement and letters of recommendation. Elaborate on your goals and achievements in a detailed way. Then, choose the right professor or mentor to write the strong recommendation letter. They should speak up for your abilities and talents.
- Before applying, make sure to receive the official transcripts from the university in advance and to avoid the last-minute rush.
- Visit the official website and note down the required documents and prepare them accordingly. Then fill in the application form and upload the mentioned documents.
- Before signing out, double-check the application and proofread your essays and letters.
It is important to note that scholarships in the UK are highly competitive. Therefore, students should actively seize every opportunity available to them. By following the above tips, you can turn your dream of studying abroad into a present reality.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Indian students who decide to study abroad commit themselves to raising their academic careers in par with global expectations. Among them, students who come to the UK for education can experience the historical touch in the globally recognized universities. By understanding the various UK scholarships for Indian students, they can pursue their studies without feeling any burden. So, if you want to move to the UK and don’t know how to begin, consider CanApprove.