
UK · CHAPTER 8
UK scholarshipsfor Indian students.
Chevening is the UK government's fully funded master's scholarship for future leaders with work experience. GREAT Scholarships give at least £10,000 towards tuition for one-year master's at participating universities. Commonwealth Scholarships, university awards and private trusts fill the rest.
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Main options
| Scholarship | Covers | Key condition | Typical deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening | Tuition, stipend, flights, visa | Usually 2 years' work experience; return home for 2 years | Early November, for study the next year |
| GREAT Scholarships | At least £10,000 towards tuition | Nationality, participating university and subject | Set by each university, often spring |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Tuition, stipend, travel | Eligibility depends on country and scheme each year | Autumn–winter |
| University scholarships | £2,000 to full tuition | Merit; often automatic with offer | Varies; apply early |
| Private trusts (e.g. Inlaks, Tata trusts) | Varies | Merit and need | Varies |
Tips
- Apply for the course early; many university scholarships need an offer first.
- Prepare leadership and impact examples for Chevening.
- Do not include unconfirmed scholarships in visa funds.
IN DEPTH · TAP A TOPIC TO OPEN
Scholarship timeline
| Scholarship | Who | When to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening | Professionals with about two years' work experience | August to early November, a year before study |
| GREAT Scholarships | One-year master's at participating universities | Spring, after the offer |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Master's and PhD through national nomination | Autumn, through the Indian government process |
| University merit awards | Strong academic profiles | With or soon after the application |
Chevening in detail
- Fully funded: tuition, living allowance, flights and visa costs
- Minimum work experience of about two years (2,800 hours)
- Apply to three eligible UK master's courses
- Four essays: leadership, networking, studying in the UK, career plan
- Interview at the British High Commission or Deputy High Commission
- Commitment to return to India for two years after the course
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
No. Chevening needs about two years of work experience. Fresh graduates should look at university merit scholarships and GREAT Scholarships.
Yes. Many offer India-specific or international merit awards of £2,000–10,000, sometimes automatically considered with your application. Check each university's scholarships page and deadlines.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
UK GUIDE
Proof of funds & loans
UK Student visa maintenance funds, the 28-day rule, education loans from India and TCS on remittances explained for 2026–27.
UK GUIDE
Fees & cost of living
UK tuition fees for international students, £558 visa, health surcharge and monthly living costs in London and other UK cities for 2026–27.
FUNDING
Scholarships
Scholarships you can apply for, who qualifies and when to apply.
FROM INDIA
Education loans from India
Study abroad education loans from India: public banks, private banks, NBFCs and international lenders, collateral, margin money, moratorium and 80E.
TOOL
Compare countries
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FRANCE
Study in France
The full France guide: degrees, fees, Campus France, visa, housing and work, chapter by chapter.

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