Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the UK – 2025 Update

     Published: May 17, 2025    Updated: May 17, 2025    by Team

UK scholarships for Indian students is the best thing to do the United Kingdom is one of the most coveted study destinations for Indian students. The country offers unparalleled career prospects, multicultural society, and world-class education; however, the cost of studying abroad can be a financial hurdle.

That’s where UK scholarships for Indian students come to the rescue. UK scholarships offer monetary support for education and also commend students for showcasing excellence in scholarship and many other leadership attributes. In 2025, UK Indian student sponsored scholarships are readily available from both university and governmental establishments. Indian students are able to receive funds without much hassle.

These scholarships can provide assistance whether pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree. This guide has the most recent information on study in UK with scholarship as well as tips to secure the best aid.

1. Chevening Scholarships

Ten of the fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK is the Chevening Scheme. This scholarship is sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom. Additionally, it covers the tuition fees, travel expenses, as well as living costs for master’s programmes that operate for one year. 

In addition, the applicant must possess strong academic qualifications as well as notable work history which involves a minimum of two years in the workforce.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

For candidates from underrepresented Indian regions, Commonwealth Scholarships represent another major source of UK scholarships for Indian students. These scholarships were established by the Government of the United Kingdom and specifically target students who have the potential to positively impact their home countries post-education.  

Commonwealth Scholarships sponsor Master’s and Ph.D. programs and are regarded as fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK offering financial support for tuition fees, flights, and living expenses. 

3. GREAT Scholarship

As part of fostering UK-India relations, GREAT Scholarships are exclusively for Indian nationals, offered together with selected UK universities, these scholarships provide £10,000 for international students from India enrolling in various postgraduate programs. 

4. Charles Wallace India Trust’s Trust Scholarships

This scholarship to study in UK might lack coverage in the media, but nonetheless, it serves an important purpose. These scholarships are designed specifically for Indian students pursuing education in the arts and heritage for covering accommodation and living expenses.

These scholarships fall under the umbrella of scholarships for international students in UK and are great options for those pursuing creative disciplines.

Many top universities in the UK offer merit-based and need-based UK scholarships for Indian students.

Here are some of the best options available for 2025:

University of Oxford – Clarendon Scholarships

The Clarendon Fund is one of the most prestigious UK scholarships for Indian students, open to all graduate applicants. It covers full tuition fees and provides a generous living stipend, making it one of the most competitive and rewarding awards available.

•  Who can apply: Master’s and DPhil (PhD) applicants
•  Funding: Full tuition + annual living allowance 
•  Eligibility: Outstanding academic record, admission to a full-time program

If you’re applying for postgraduate studies, this is a must-consider scholarship to study in UK—especially for Indian students with top-tier academic performance.

University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarships

The fully funded scholarship program for non- UK citizens is termed as The Gates Cambridge Scholarship. It is regarded as one of the most comprehensive “scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK”, for it provides “the full cost of study at Cambridge” alongside other funding options. 

• Who can apply: Master’s and PhD applicants
• Funding: Complete Tuition, Allowance, Travel expenditure
• Eligibility: Extraordinary intellectual prowess, capacity for leadership, and a dedication to bettering the conditions of humanity.

This award is best suited for exceptionally brilliant students from India who wish to pursue higher studies at a world-renowned institution.

 University of Edinburgh – Global Research Scholarships

This scholarship caters to outstanding PhD candidates from outside the UK. Although it does not completely finance living expenses, it offers significant funding in the form of a tuition fee waiver, which places the award under the bracket of scholarships for overseas students in the UK.

• Who can apply: Full-time PhD applicants 
• Funding: Difference in tuition fees for UK and overseas students (partial tuition for international students).
• Eligibility: Strong academic standing alongside an equally strong research proposal. 

These are ideal for persons seeking research-intensive scholarships for Indian nationals wishing to study in the UK.

 University Of Bristol – Think Big Scholarships

A scholarship for international students, The Think Big program offers the most inclusive and accessible award. This scholarship is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants which makes it one of the most sought-after undergraduate scholarships for international students in UK.

• Who can apply: UG and PG applicants
• Funding: Up to £20,000 for tuition fees 
• Eligibility: Academic achievement and a personal statement of superior quality explain why the candidate deserves this opportunity.

This will be a prominent option to study in UK with scholarship at a reputed university for Indian students who are applying around 2025. 

University Of Warwick – Chancellor’s International Scholarships

This scholarship is highly competitive especially suitable for doctoral studies. Chancellor’s International Scholarship is known for its full tuition support and a generous stipend. This is one of the most targeted UK scholarships for Indian students. especially those with research interests. 

• Who can apply: PhD applicants across all disciplines
• Funding: Full tuition + maintenance stipend of about £18,750 
• Eligibility: Exemplary academic record and a compelling research proposal 

This is a scholarship for Indian students to study in UK at a world-renowned institution for those wishing to pursue PhD at a leading research focused university.

Winning a scholarship to study in UK entails more than excellent grades. Here are expert tips that can aid your application:

Top Tips to Win UK Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025

Winning a scholarship to study in UK requires strategy, storytelling, and standing out—not only grades. Be it government funded awards or University based UK scholarships for Indian students, these tips will increase your chances of success.

Start Early

Most scholarships applications open six to twelve months before their corresponding course starts. Unfortunately, many Indian students lose out simply due to a lack of timely preparation. 

 What to do:

• Draw a roadmap detailing every scholarship’s deadline.

• Collect crucial documents like academic transcripts, passport, IELTS/TOEFL scores, among others.

This preparation provides a buffer to enhance submissions without the panic usually associated with last-minute preparation.

 Tailor your SOP and Essays

As with any other application, your statement of purpose (SOP) or personal essay offers the best opportunity to articulate your goals, achievements, and motivations.

What to include:

• Reason behind your phrase study in UK with a scholarship
• How the specific course aligns to your career plans
• Personal achievements which may include volunteering, community initiatives, innovative projects or leadership roles.

Use specific examples; broad narratives have low chances of success at highly competitive scholarship selection committees.

Secure Strong Recommendations

Letters of recommendation from any faculty, mentor, supervisor, or employer must make specific reference to your academic capacity, leadership, and personal character.

A Strong Recommendation includes:

• Specific anecdotes about your strengths
• Concrete examples of excellence or initiative
• Personalised reference tailored to your scholarship application

A shiny, personalized letter can determine many scholarships for Indian students to study in UK.

Prepare for Interviews

Interviews are mandatory for scholarships such as Chevening, Rhodes and Gates Cambridge. You will be judged not only on academic achievement, but on the clarity of your purpose and your ability to express it. Prepare for Interviews

Scholarships like Chevening, Rhodes, and Gates Cambridge require interviews. You’ll be evaluated not just on academic performance, but on your clarity of purpose and communication skills.

How to prepare:

• Prepare with mock interviews from mentors or consultants
• Think about what your career goals are, what you value, and why the UK.
• Be genuine, strong and to the point

Interview rounds are vital to fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK—consider this as the final pitch.

Final Word

By doing so: Starting early + Personalised essays + Compelling LORs + Interview preps You would drastically improve your chances of securing UK scholarships for Indian students in 2025.

At Palanivel Overseas, We have assisted tens of students in study in UK with scholarship help. Our professional consultants guide you all the way throughout the whole scholarship process.

Here’s how we assist:

• List of scholarships based on your profile
• SOP & Essay review services.
• Prospective Scholar Interview Preparation Sessions (competitive scholarships programs):
• Form filling and help in documentation preparation.
• Post-award assistance with visas and travel arrangements

We are dedicated to helping you find the best UK scholarships for Indian students and other scholarships for international students in UK through expert guidance and successful collaboration with top UK universities.

Why 2025 is the best year for Indian students to apply for UK scholarships

Year 2025 is turning out to be one of the best moments for Indian students to apply for UK scholarship to pursue education in the UK. With a significant emphasis on global education, the British government and UK universities are providing more scholarship opportunities than ever, including fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK at undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels.

Top awards such as the Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, and Gates Cambridge Scholarship still fund outstanding Indian students willing to pursue UK’s world-class education. The awards pay tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel, which makes them perfect for individuals seeking to study in UK with scholarship and avoid financial worries.

Moreover, top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick, and Bristol are offering generous UK scholarships for Indian students through competitive programs like Clarendon, Chancellor’s International Scholarships, and Think Big.

If you’re planning to apply for the September 2025 intake, the time to start preparing is now. Begin researching deadlines, draft your SOPs, and secure strong letters of recommendation to improve your chances.

At Palanivel Overseas, we assist students from Coimbatore and throughout Tamil Nadu in winning the best scholarships for Indian students to study in UK—from shortlisting to interview preparation. Ready to start your UK journey?

Conclusion:

Make Your UK Dream come true with Scholarships

Studying in the UK provides the world-class education, exposure to a new culture and global career prospect – but the cost can be an obstacle for most of Indian students. And thanks to a variety of UK scholarships for Indian students, that dream is now achievable.

Right from fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK such as Chevening and Gates Cambridge, to university-specific scholarships like Oxford’s Clarendon or Bristol’s Think Big Scholarships, you can always find that is best suitable for you, be it an undergraduate, postgraduate or even PhD program.

It’s all about getting an early start to keep it all manageable and creating a stand-out application capturing first your academic success, then your personal journey. If you wish to study in UK on scholarship.

Need Help with Your Scholarship Applications?

At Palanivel Overseas, we specialize in guiding Indian students through every step of their UK scholarship journey. From identifying the best scholarships for international students in UK to helping you write winning SOPs and ace interviews—we’re with you all the way.

Contact us NOW and let’s make your UK education journey Successful and affordable.