Studying in the UK is undoubtedly one of the best decisions one can make when it comes to studying abroad. Nevertheless, it can be quite an expensive affair but can be managed if a student prepares well in advance. A number of scholarships are also provided by the universities in the UK to ease the stress of finances and gain the best from it. Students can apply for a number of scholarships by British universities and colleges based on need, merit and course grants . Deserving foreign students can apply and avail scholarships in part or in full, depending on the requirements, the course and the institution.
Criteria for applying to scholarships for Indian students
A good academic score is the most important criteria for most scholarships, but it also depends on factors such as chosen destination and degree. Some scholarships can be availed by students from factors such as extracurricular activities and volunteering.
It is important to keep in mind that every scholarship has its eligibility requirements. While in some, a simple application may suffice, in others, students may have to satisfy many other requirements. For example, for research-centric programs, students need to submit written assignments in order to avail the scholarship.
Amount of money available through scholarships
The amount of money available and the type of award differ from institution to institution. Some research programs provide up to 100 percent of the school fees, in addition to covering part of your living expenses while some programs just provide scholarships.
Students may even face higher competition while applying for government scholarships compared to university scholarships. So, it is recommended that the scholarship seeker starts the procedure around 8-12 months before your desired intake starts.
Here are some common government scholarship programs that you can apply to study in the UK as an Indian student:
| 1. Chevening Scholarship | This initiative supports talented professionals who have shown prior leadership skills and exceptional performance in their respective fields. These scholarships are fully funded, and include airfare, living expenses and tuition fees. The tenure of this scholarship is 12 months so it is important for the duration of the course to be of the same tenure. However, it can be extended after 1 year under the special case that will be approved by FCO. |
| 2. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship | Indian students applying for a master’s degree or a PhD in the UK can take advantage of this scholarship to fund their education. This scholarship covers airfare, tuition fees and some of the maintenance expenses. |
| 3. GREAT Scholarships | This scholarship is jointly funded by the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council under the Study UK campaign. This program includes 99 postgraduate scholarships from 36 UK universities in a variety of subjects. However, for Indian students, 12 of the UK higher education institutions are offering 13 postgraduate scholarships. The amount of each scholarship is a minimum of £10,000, the equivalent of one year’s tuition of a postgraduate (taught) degree. |
| 4. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT) | These scholarships are given to Indian students who are in early or mid-stage of their career and experienced in arts, heritage conservation or the humanities. The amount of scholarship varies as per the above-mentioned categories: CWIT Long-term grants: The duration of this is usually between 2-3 months up to 1 year covering accommodation, living cost and fees or any contribution to international fares. CWIT short-term grants: This includes 10-15 grants that amount up to £1,400 to cover UK costs of short research or professional visits by academic research scholars and professionals working in the arts, heritage conservation and the humanities. |
In addition, several British universities and colleges have their own list of scholarships for Indian students. Details of the same are available on their respective website. Apart from the scholarships, United Kingdom as a country has a lot to offer to it’s students. So if you have a good academic score and have been dreaming to study in a foreign destination by availing some scholarships, UK is the place for you. Good luck!
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