£5,000 tuition fee discount: The UK scholarships for Indian students in 2024-2025

In 2023, the UK granted 486,107 study visas, with Indian students taking the lead by securing over a quarter of that number at 133,237.

The sheer volume of these approved visas doesn’t come as a surprise.

Next to the UK, the US welcomed a record number of Indian students pursuing higher education in 2022-2023: 268,923 students, to be exact. In fact, of the over one million international students in the US, Indian students constitute more than 25 per cent of the population.

Dr. Philip Ackermann, the German ambassador to India, posted on X that Indian students are Germany’s #1 international students. 

Great! 42,000+ Indian students in Germany, 25 % more within one year. India now no. 1 group of foreign students in , much faster than expected! Germany is popular among Indian students – and Indian students are popular in Germany, I hear from professors very often. ‍‍ pic.twitter.com/bttqLImtT6

— Dr Philipp Ackermann (@AmbAckermann) August 10, 2023

This pursuit of higher education is admirable. But for many, setting their sights abroad on these countries often means paying a price for it — literally. Choosing to study in the UK requires a certain financial prowess.

What it takes to finance your time abroad in the UK

On average, international students in undergraduate programmes in the UK pay tuition fees ranging from 11,400 pounds to 38,000 pounds, depending on the programme and university. 

In addition to that, students must consider the cost of living. Living expenses vary by city — students living in the City of London and its 31 boroughs cost 1,334 pounds, while those outside of the capital will need 1,023 pounds.

But that’s where the UK scholarships for Indian students come in.

Between the university’s own financial aid programmes to those offered by various organisations, Indian students won’t need to break the band to get their share of quality education.

The official UK government website revealed that Indian nationals accounted for almost one-third of all sponsored study grants to main applicants. In the year ending June 2023, they received 142,848 sponsored study visa grants, an increase of 49,883 compared to the year ending June 2022.

 

4 UK scholarships for Indian students from scholarship foundations

1. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

Established in 1976, the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation was founded by Indoo Shivadasani to financially support young Indians seeking higher education overseas.

The foundation awards up to US$10,000 (approximately 7,898 pounds at the time of writing) in UK scholarships for Indian students. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, healthcare, and one-way airfare.

Education levels: Master’s and PhD programmes.

Eligibility: 

• All Indian passport holders who are residents in India at the time of application born on or after January 1, 1994.
• Holds a degree from a recognised university in India. Candidates in their final year and awaiting results are eligible to apply.
• Required minimum academic grade of:
  • 65%, CGPA 6.8/10, or GPA 2.6/4 for social sciences, humanities, law, fine arts, architecture, and related subjects from a recognised university.
  • 70%, CGPA 7.2/10, or GPA 2.8/4 for mathematics, sciences, environment, and related subjects from a recognised university.
• Prior admissions to the institution and course chosen at the time of application.
• English language certification as a condition part of their offer letter before applying for the scholarship.

Deadline: March/April each year.

2. Charles Wallace India Trust

The Charles Wallace Indian Trust (CWIT) is an English charity agreement between the Indian and British governments supporting Indian nationals academically since 1981. The CWIT offers UK scholarships for Indian students to achieve artistic, academic, and professional ambitions in the early to mid-stages of their careers in the UK.

CWIT offers up to two long-term grants for Arts and Heritage Conservation students. The grants cover tuition fees, living costs, and 700 pounds (US$886) for international travel. UK visa, insurance, and any domestic travel within India costs are not included in the grant. 

Education levels: Taught master’s programme (maximum one year).

Eligibility: 

• A citizen/passport holder of India.
• Be aged between 28 and 38.
• Have not received a CWIT grant within the last five years.
• Have a first degree, diploma, or professional qualification in their specialisation. CWIT prefers applicants with significant working experience
• Have an IELTS certificate.
• Evidence of unconditional acceptance on the course, programme, attachment, or internship. 
• Portfolio submission where appropriate in either online links or uploading pictures or relevant documents.

Deadline: January each year.

3. GREAT Scholarships

GREAT Scholarships is among the best UK scholarships for Indian students seeking financial help at selected universities. Students are given a list of participating universities, such as Anglia Ruskin University, University of Bristol, University of East Anglia, University of Glasgow, University of Stirling, and more.

The GREAT Scholarships awards students a minimum of 10,000 pounds (US$12,660) towards tuition fees only. The scholarship does not include living expenses, healthcare, and travel costs.

Education levels: Taught master’s programme (maximum one year).

Eligibility:

• A citizen/passport holder of India.
• Have an undergraduate degree. 
• Meet the English language requirement of the UK higher education institution.
• Be willing to attend a networking event for all UK-based GREAT scholars.
• Be willing to maintain contact with the British Council and their higher education institution and act as an ambassador.
• Be willing to speak to potential candidates as alumni of the GREAT scholarship occasionally.

Deadline: Varies according to universities.

4. Felix Scholarship

Established in 1993 by philanthropist Felix Thornley, the Felix Scholarship provides UK scholarships for Indian students who are academically gifted and underprivileged to further their postgraduate education at selected universities in the UK.

Applicants can pursue their postgraduate studies in any subject at the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. However, graduates are expected to return to work in their home country.

The scholarship will cover 100% of the student’s tuition fee, a grant for the living costs (17,850 pounds or US$22,600), and one return flight from India to the UK.

Education levels: Taught master’s and PhD programmes.

Eligibility:

• Be an Indian citizen living in India.
• Must not have previously studied for one year or more outside of India.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Must not hold a degree from a university outside of India.
• Must have a first-class bachelor’s degree from an Indian university or comparable institution.
• Those with an upper second-class degree at the bachelor’s level may be considered for a PhD if they hold a first-class degree at the master’s level.

Deadline: Varies according to universities.

4 UK scholarships for Indian students from UK universities

1. Sussex India Scholarship

The Sussex India Scholarship by the University of Sussex is a UK scholarship for Indian students pursuing a master’s at the university. The scholarship is designed to motivate students, alleviate financial burdens, and facilitate academic pursuits. 

When awarded a scholarship, students will receive a tuition fee reduction of 4,000 pounds (US$5064).

Education levels: Master’s programme.

Eligibility:

• A citizen/passport holder of India.
• Classified as overseas fee payers for fee purposes.
• No relation to any sponsors about tuition fees.
• Accepted a place for a full-time Master’s programme starting September 2024. And not certificates and diplomas, courses at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, early years education, degrees in social work, online courses, school direct teaching courses, and master’s funded by the research councils. 

Deadline: September 1, 2024.

2. India Global Leaders Scholarship

 The University of Exeter is offering the India Global Leaders Scholarship to students from India to ensure that they are represented among the University’s diverse academic and cultural profile, contributing to and enriching all aspects of their chosen master’s programme.

Students who receive the scholarship will be awarded a tuition fee discount of 3,000 pounds (US$3798).

Education levels: Master’s programme.

Eligibility:

• A citizen/passport holder of India.
• Classified as overseas fee payers for fee purposes.
• Holds an offer to study an eligible campus-based master’s programme at the University of Exeter commencing in September 2024.
• Must meet the conditions of that offer as set out in their programme offer letter.
• Must pay the tuition fee deposit by the deadline stated in the scholarship communication letter or by the deposit deadline stated in their original programme offer letter.
• Self-funded students.

Deadline: July 31, 2024.

3. India Merit Award

The India Merit Award is a new addition to the list of UK scholarships for Indian students. The University of Glasgow is introducing its new scholarship for Indian students enrolled in an eligible programme from its long list of taught master’s programmes.

The university will award students a 5,000 pounds (US$6,330) discount on their tuition fees. However, this scholarship cannot be combined with another university scholarship.

Education levels: Taught master’s programme.

Eligibility:

• A citizen/passport holder of India.
• Holds an offer to study an eligible taught master’s programme for the September 2024 intake. 
• Demonstrates academic excellence and achieves grades equivalent to the UK first-class honours.
• Classified as overseas fee payers for fee purposes.

There is no application deadline for this scholarship. If students are eligible, the discount will be applied automatically upon registration.

4. Kent Future Student Scholarship for Indian Students

This University of Kent scholarship is another great addition to the UK scholarships for Indian students. The Kent Future Student Scholarship is a tuition fee discount scholarship that helps students alleviate financial burdens while rewarding them for academic excellence.

Students who receive an offer for their programmes and pay the tuition fee deposit on or before June 30, 2024, will automatically receive a discount of 5,000 pounds (US$6,330) for one year of study. Students who pay the tuition fee deposit on or before July 31, 2024, will automatically receive a discount of 3,000 pounds (US$3,798) for one year of study.

Education levels: Undergraduate and taught master’s programme.

Eligibility:

• A citizen/passport holder of India.
• Holds an offer to study an eligible undergraduate or taught master’s programme for the September 2024 intake.
• Must have paid tuition fee deposit by the dates mentioned above.
• Classified as overseas fee payers for fee purposes.

There is no application deadline for this scholarship. If students are eligible, the discount will be applied automatically upon registration.