22 July 2024
Studying in the UK is a dream for many Indian students due to its world-renowned universities, diverse culture, and vibrant academic environment.
However, the cost of education abroad can be quite high, making scholarships a crucial factor in making this dream a reality. This blog offers an in-depth review of the scholarships that are available to Indian students who want to study in the UK.
It covers the application procedures, requirements, and details of some of the best scholarships.
Intakes for UK Scholarships
When planning to apply for scholarships to study in the UK, it’s essential to be aware of the intake periods:
– Major Intake: September
– Minor Intakes: January, February, March, July, and November
Eligibility Criteria for Applying for Scholarships for Studying Abroad
The first step in applying for scholarships is thorough research on the country and institution you wish to attend. Scholarships vary based on several factors including the nation, program, course, university, and specific areas of study. Here are some general eligibility criteria:
- Academic Excellence: Most scholarships require a strong academic record. This could mean a high GPA, top percentile in your class, or other academic achievements.
- Program and Course: Scholarships can be program-specific (e.g., only for engineering, arts, etc.) or course-specific (e.g., master’s, PhD).
- Nationality: Some scholarships are specifically for Indian students or students from developing countries.
- Financial Need: Some scholarships are need-based, requiring proof of financial need.
- Extracurricular Activities: Participation in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service can also strengthen your scholarship application.
- English Proficiency: Many scholarships require proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.
Here are some of the top scholarships available for Indian students to study in the UK:
Chevening Scholarships offers financial assistance worth GBP 18,000 (INR 17 Lakh for one-year postgraduate programs at more than 150 universities in the UK.
These scholarships are offered to individuals who begin applying in August and must submit their applications by November of each year. The scholarships cover living and travel expenses, tuition fees, and visa costs.
The scholarship requires you to have a bachelor’s degree, two years of work experience, application to at least three UK courses, acceptance from one of those courses, and meet the English proficiency requirements.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree Scholarship
The European Union funds the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree Scholarship, which pays for tuition, books and lab fees, insurance, a monthly stipend for subsistence, and travel expenses. The application deadline is 26 January 2024.
This scholarship is intended for students pursuing joint master’s degrees at Erasmus Mundus-affiliated institutions.
Eligibility criteria include holding a bachelor’s degree or being in the final year of bachelor’s studies, with the condition that the degree must be completed before the master’s program begins.
The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship
The University of Warwick offers a one-year master’s program in English language teaching, which is supported by the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship. It is awarded to English teachers from outside the UK who are looking to pursue a Master’s in TESOL at the University of Warwick.
The scholarship covers a monthly stipend for living costs, tuition, visa, and language tests, with the application deadline set for 1 March 2024.
Eligible candidates must have a full-time university degree in English or Education, three years of full-time teaching experience, and meet English proficiency requirements.
Felix Scholarships offer financial assistance for postgraduate education in the UK to students from India (and other developing nations). Valued at GBP 78,840 (INR 75.25 Lakh), the scholarships cover tuition fees and additional funds.
Application deadlines vary, falling in December, January, or May, depending on the course.
Talking about the eligibility requirements, the applicant must be under thirty years old, be of Indian nationality, not be residing or pursuing education outside of India, apply to full-time postgraduate programs at associated universities, and pledge to return to work in their native country upon graduation.
Counted among the oldest and most prestigious scholarships, The Rhodes Scholarship, grants a financial aid of GBP 59,490 (INR 56.76 Lakh) for postgraduate courses at Oxford University. The application deadline is 1 August 2024. To be eligible, candidates must have received formal education at an Indian institution for at least 4-10 years, be between 19-25 years of age, and hold a first-class undergraduate degree or equivalent.
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan provides comprehensive financial support, including tuition fees, airline fares, and other allowances. Applications are typically due in December.
This scholarship is open to students from Commonwealth countries, with eligibility criteria requiring candidates to be under 40 years of age, residents of India, and willing to appear for an interview in New Delhi if shortlisted.
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT)
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT) offer visiting fellowships, grants for doctoral study and research, and attendance at the Scottish Universities Summer School.
The application deadlines vary by university. These scholarships support studies in visual arts and heritage conservation. Eligible candidates should be between 25-38 years of age and hold a graduate degree, diploma, or certification in their chosen field.
The Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarships
The Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarships, provided by St. John’s College, University of Cambridge, are fully funded and cover academic fees, UK visa expenses, travel allowance, and a monthly stipend. Applications are generally due in January.
This scholarship supports doctoral degrees in economics, science and technology, social sciences, aerospace engineering, and energy studies.
Eligibility criteria include being under 35 years of age, holding a postgraduate degree from an Indian institution, possessing first-class undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, demonstrating leadership qualities, and meeting English proficiency requirements.
The Inlaks Scholarships, offered by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, provide up to USD 100,000 (INR 82.32 Lakhs) to cover tuition, living costs, airline fares, and travel expenses. Application deadlines vary. These scholarships aim to reward academic excellence.
To become eligible for this scholarship, the candidate should be under 30 years of age, hold a first-class degree from a recognized Indian institution, and have been a resident of India for the last six months at the time of application.
Conclusion
Getting a scholarship can greatly reduce the cost of studying in the United Kingdom.
To know more about studying abroad in the UK or any other country, get in touch now with our consultants at Landmark Immigration.
