The United Kingdom has long been a favorite study-abroad destination, particularly for Indian students, as it has a world-class education, diverse culture, and rich history. With many UK universities providing scholarships specifically for Indian students, the financial burden can be alleviated significantly. This blog will explore some of the top UK universities offering scholarships for Indian students, what these scholarships entail, and how professional SOP writers can help you write a strong scholarship application.
Why do Indian Students Choose the UK?
Before delving into the scholarships for the UK, it is important to understand why the UK is such an attractive option for Indian students. Some of the key reasons include:
- World-class Education: The UK is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics. These universities offer cutting-edge research opportunities and unparalleled teaching, providing students with excellent academic experiences.
- Cultural Diversity: The UK has a large international student population, meaning you will meet people from around the world. This provides an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange and personal growth.
- Post-study Work Opportunities: The UK offers the Graduate Route, allowing students to stay 2 years in the country after completing their degree or three years for doctoral graduates, to gain work experience.
- Availability of Scholarships: Many UK universities offer scholarships to international students to attract global talents from countries like India, which helps the students to study without worrying too much about finances.
Now, let’s take a look at the scholarships available for Indian students aiming to study in UK.
1. Chevening Scholarships
Chevening is the UK government’s international scholarship program that develops global leaders. The program offers a fully-funded scholarship for 1-year Master’s degree in any subject from any UK university.
- Eligibility: Indian student with leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to return to India to contribute towards its development; minimum of two years of work experience; and have an undergraduate degree.
- Coverage: Full tuition fee, airfare, and living expenses in the UK.
- How To Apply: The application process requires educational documents, Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and one unconditional UK university offer.
2. The Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships to students from low and middle-income countries, including India. These scholarships are aimed at those pursuing Master’s or PhD programs from the UK.
- Eligibility: Indian students who have a strong academic background and leadership qualities. There is a preference for those students who are planning to return to their home country to apply their knowledge. The Commission assesses the applicant based on their academic merit, the impact of the work on development, and the study/research plan. You must be unable to afford your education in the UK without a scholarship.
- Coverage: Full tuition fee, airfare, and a living stipend.
- How to Apply: The applicants are required to submit a scanned copy of their passport, academic transcript, existing university degree certificate, two LORs, admission letter, and a personal statement. With the right personal statement, students can increase their chances of securing a scholarship.
3. GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarships, partnered by the UK universities with the British Council, offers scholarships to postgraduate students from India.
- Eligibility: Indian students who have an undergraduate degree, have high personal and academic achievements, and have proven the English language requirement of the UK university.
- Coverage: Each scholarship is worth a minimum of GBP 10,000 towards the tuition fees of a one-year postgraduate course. This includes assistance for tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
- How to Apply: Application for this scholarship can be submitted only through the participating universities of the UK. Usually, the universities ask for an academic essay from the applicant.
University Specific Scholarships
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford offers a variety of scholarships for Indian students including the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development (OICSD) Scholarships and the Rhodes Scholarship, which is one of the most prestigious scholarships globally. OICSD offers many scholarships for Indian students such as:
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
| Oxford Indira Gandhi Scholarship | DPhil candidates from India whose studies are related to the Oxford India Centre’s core research | Tuition fees and living costs |
| Oxford Indira Gandhi Radhakrishnan Scholarship | Candidates from India who have been accepted for the MSc in Modern South Asian Studies | Tuition fees and living costs |
| Elizabeth Moir Scholarship | Candidates from India who have been accepted for certain Master’s courses and whose studies are related to the Oxford India Centre’s core research | Tuition fees and living costs |
| Cyril Schroff Scholarship | Candidates from India who have been accepted for certain Master’s courses and whose studies are related to the Oxford India Centre’s core research | Tuition fees and living costs |
| Savitribai Phule Scholarship | Candidates from marginalized communities and underrepresented backgrounds in India who have been accepted for certain Master’s courses and whose studies are related to the Oxford India Centre’s core research | Tuition fees and living cost |
| Amansa Scholarship | Candidates from marginalized communities and underrepresented backgrounds in India who have been accepted for certain Master’s courses and whose studies are related to the Oxford India Centre’s core research | Tuition fees, travel allowance, and living costs |
| Dr Gita Piramal Scholarship | Candidates from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in India who have been accepted for certain Master’s courses and whose studies are related to the Oxford India Centre’s core research | Tuition fees, travel allowance, and living costs |
The Rhodes Scholarship offered by Oxford is an international postgraduate award open to all students who want to study at the University of Oxford.
- Eligibility: It is a highly competitive scholarship and requires a strong academic background, leadership experience, and a commitment to community service.
- Coverage: Tuition fees and living costs including accommodation
- How To Apply: Selection for the scholarship would be based on your academic performance, personal statement, and interview performance.
2. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge offers the Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust Scholarships, which are available for Indian students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
- Eligibility: Indian students with excellent academic records and potential to excel in their chosen field of study. Only those applicants are eligible who need financial support.
- Coverage: The tuition fees are partially covered by this scholarship
- How to Apply: No separate application is required for this scholarship, only the application for admission to the University of Cambridge must be submitted by the funding deadline specific to your chosen course.
3. University of Cambridge
Imperial College London is renowned for its focus on science, engineering, and technology. They offer a number of scholarships, including the Future Leaders Scholarship Program which will support 30 most talented Master’s students from India.
- Eligibility: An Indian student who has been offered to study in one-year full-time MSc or MRes in the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, or Imperial College Business School. Additionally, they must meet the College English entry requirements.
- Coverage: GBP 10,000 towards tuition fees
- How to Apply: There is no separate application procedure. Each faculty will nominate their top-ranked eligible candidates who have received the offer from the College.
4. London School of Economics (LSE)
LSE offers several scholarships for Indian students so that eligible candidates can fulfill their education.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
| Undergraduate Support Scheme | An international student who has received an offer on any program | GBP 6,000 – GBP 15,000 per year. |
| Margaret Basu Scholarship | Indian national student who has a residence in India | GBP 4,000 |
| Marchant Foundation LLM Scholarship | Indian student who has received an offer to study Master of Laws (LLM) | GBP 10,000 in tuition fees |
| Rajeeb Mukherjee Memorial Scholarship | Applicant must be from Bangladesh, Canada, or India | GBP 9,000 in tuition fees |
Other Notable Scholarships for Indian Students
In addition to university-specific scholarships, other scholarship programs cater specifically to Indian students in the UK:
1. The Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
These scholarships provide financial assistance to Indian students who wish to pursue postgraduate study in UK, particularly in arts, humanities, and social sciences.
- Eligibility: Indian national, between the age of 28 and 38, who have not received a grant from CWIT for the last 5 years, and have a first degree/diploma/ or professional qualification in their field of study.
- Coverage: Two long-term awards every year for 1-year MA programs (2-year programs are not covered under this scholarship). It covers accommodation, living expenses, tuition fees and and contributes to international fares.
- How to Apply: The application process includes submitting an SOP in which you have to state which course you are applying to, your plans in the UK, and how you would put your knowledge to use on returning to India. Additionally, you have to submit an IELTS certificate, evidence of acceptance to a UK university or progress of acceptance, and your CV/resume. Shortlisted candidates would then be asked for an interview round.
2. The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers scholarships to Indian students who wish to study in the top universities in the UK for postgraduate studies.
- Eligibility: Indian national whose residence is in India; must have an undergraduate degree from a recognized university of India; have received an admission offer from a UK university; and have fulfilled the English language proficiency requirement.
- Coverage: Tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, and health allowance up to USD 100,000.
- How to Apply: The application form will ask about your personal information, proposed program, university education, work experience/projects, SOP, two LORs, and a declaration. After this, one online preliminary interview with the chosen candidates, followed by one final in-person interview with those who succeeded in the preliminary interview would take place.
How Professional SOP and LOR Writing Services Can Help
While many students focus on academic achievements and other requirements for a scholarship, a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs) play a critical role in a successful application. A well-crafted SOP can help the scholarship authority understand your motivations, aspirations, reasons for choosing a particular program, and how the scholarship is worth your potential and talent.
Professional SOP writing services, like Contentholic, can help you articulate the story that sets you apart from other applicants. Here is why you should consider working with expert SOP writers:
- Personalized Approach: Professional SOP writers take the time to understand your background, academic achievements, career goals, and reasons behind choosing the UK as your study destination. This personalized approach ensures that your SOP reflects your unique journey.
- Clarity and Structure: An SOP needs to be well-structured and clearly written. Professional writers can organize your thoughts logically, ensuring the writing is effective and concise.
- Increased Chances of Success: With years of experience in writing successful SOPs, professional writers are aware of what the scholarship committee looks for. They can highlight your strengths and present your case in the best possible manner, increasing your chances of securing a scholarship.
- Expertise in Scholarship Criteria: Each scholarship has different eligibility criteria and focuses on different aspects of a student’s profile. SOP writers are familiar with each UK scholarship and can tailor your SOP to meet the specific requirements.
Conclusion
The UK remains one of the top study-abroad destinations for Indian students, and the scholarships provided by various UK universities and other organizations provide relief to the students’ financial burden. Whether you are applying for the prestigious Chevening scholarship, a university-granted award, or a government-funded scholarship, each scholarship has unique benefits and eligibility criteria.
However, the application process is highly competitive, and your SOP can play a decisive role in whether you secure funding. By working with professional SOP and LOR writing services, like Contentholic, you can be assured that your application is presented most compellingly and professionally. By selecting the right scholarship and university, you can set yourself on the path of a successful career, while enjoying the rich culture and educational environment the UK has to offer.
