Scholarship options for students aspiring to study in the UK

Scholarship options for students aspiring to study in the UK

By Rittika Chanda Parruck

Choosing the United Kingdom (UK) for higher education holds immense appeal for students worldwide, especially those from India. Renowned for its esteemed academic institutions, diverse culture, and global recognition for quality education, the UK stands as an ideal destination for aspiring students seeking to broaden their horizons.

A distinguished UK degree is not just a credential but a profound and influential journey that elevates both education and professional prospects to new heights. However, while the UK offers exceptional educational opportunities, understanding the available financial aid and scholarship options is crucial for aspiring students seeking to fulfil their educational dreams in the UK.

For international students aspiring to study in the UK, numerous funding avenues exist. These options span from partial support—such as contributing towards your fees—to comprehensive funding that encompasses program costs, living allowances, and even return travel expenses to the UK. These funding opportunities are available across diverse fields of study and academic levels, catering to the needs of students with different backgrounds and ambitions.

Here are some scholarships that Indian students should explore:

GREAT Scholarships

The GREAT Scholarships, initiated by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and British Council, offer financial support to international students, including those from India, to pursue postgraduate programmes in the UK. They provide students with the opportunity to receive £10,000 towards their tuition fees for a wide range of one-year taught postgraduate courses.

For the 2024-25 academic year, there are 26 postgraduate scholarships available aimed at enabling Indian students to access high-quality education in the UK.

Furthermore, there are specific postgraduate scholarships available for Indian students specialising in Justice and Law, and Science and Technology.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) extends scholarships and fellowships to talented individuals from Commonwealth countries, including India. These scholarships cater to postgraduate studies and contribute to the development of skilled professionals and future leaders.

Each year, around 700 students from around the world are awarded this scholarship. With a focus on academic merit and the potential to create a positive impact in their home countries, Commonwealth Scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other essential study-related expenditures.

The scholarships are offered under six CSC development themes:

Science and technology for developmentStrengthening health systems and capacityPromoting global prosperityStrengthening global peace, security and governanceStrengthening resilience and response to crisesAccess, inclusion and opportunity

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

The Charles Wallace India Trust offers scholarships to Indian students, professionals, and artists seeking to engage in specific fields of study or research in the UK. These scholarships support short-term visits or longer-term programmes, emphasising cultural exchange and fostering expertise in areas like visual arts, heritage conservation, music, and more.

The long-term grants are usually for a full-time MA course (maximum 1 year) and short-term grants (usually around three weeks) in the field of arts or heritage conservation. The trust aims to nurture talent and strengthen educational ties between India and the UK. The long-term grant covers the living costs and course fees in the UK. It also contributes GBP 600 towards international travel. Whereas the short-term grant is a one-off grant of £1,500 towards the costs of their short stay in the UK.

British Council Women in STEM Scholarship

The British Council’s Women in STEM Scholarship supports outstanding Indian women pursuing master’s degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields at UK universities. The scholarship programme is in partnership with 21 UK universities with the aimto encourage gender diversity and increase opportunities in STEM for girls and women. The scholarships cover tuition fees, stipends, travel expenses, visa fees, health coverage, and English language assistance.

Several other scholarships like Chevening, The Felix Scholarship, Inlaks Scholarships and many more, are also offered by various organisations and UK government and higher education institutions (HEIs). The landscape of educational opportunities in the UK for Indian students is not only marked by its renowned academic institutions and diverse cultural milieu but also by the robust financial support offered through various scholarships and grants.

As Indian students embark on their academic journeys to the UK, these scholarships play a significant role not only in providing financial assistance but also in creating opportunities to succeed in a globalised world.

(Author is MBE, Director Education India, British Council)