The prestigious universities and diversity of academic streams in the United Kingdom are considered a dream of pursuing higher education for many Indian students. However, pursuing higher education can be financially heavy.
There are countless fully funded UK scholarships to help achieve their dreams of studying at UK institutions.
This comprehensive guide by MSM Unify overseas education consultant covers a list of the top 7 scholarships with eligibility criteria, application procedures, and tips for increasing your likelihood of getting the funding.
Understanding fully funded scholarships
Fully funded scholarships are totally financially supported study abroad scholarships so that the students will not be paying anything, including all these costs: tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and sometimes extra stipends for research and books. Such scholarships are administered by the government of the UK, individual universities, or private organizations to attract “the best” international students.
Top fully funded scholarships for Indian students in the UK
Study in the UK for higher education can be expensive; however, scholarships funded entirely allow students from India to pursue studies free of tuition fees, accommodation charges, and others. The top fully funded scholarships for Indian students in the UK are listed below:
1. Chevening scholarships
Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential and a strong academic background. They offer fully funded scholarships for Indian students in UK, providing full financial support for a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any of the top universities in UK.
Eligibility criteria
- Be from any Chevening-eligible country, with a main citizen in India
- Visit your country of citizenship for at least 2 years after your scholarship ends
- Have an undergraduate degree
- Have at least two years of work experience
- Meet the English language requirements
2. Commonwealth scholarships
These scholarships are aimed at students from Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. They are one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships in UK for international students.
Eligibility criteria
- Be a Commonwealth country citizen or permanent resident of the country
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honors standard
3. Gates Cambridge scholarships
Established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, these scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject at the University of Cambridge. This is one of the best fully funded PhD scholarships in UK for international students.
Eligibility criteria
- Apply to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study: PhD, MSc/MLitt, or a one-year postgraduate course
- Exhibit scholastic achievement, the capacity for leadership, and a dedication to enhancing the lives of others
4. Rhodes scholarships
One of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs, the Rhodes Scholarships enable outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. If you are searching for a fully funded LLM scholarship in UK, this could be an excellent choice, as it covers law studies at Oxford.
Eligibility criteria
- Be a citizen of India
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree by the time of application
- Be between 19 and 25 years old
- Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service
5. Clarendon Fund scholarships
Each year, the Clarendon Fund awards about 140 new scholarships to University of Oxford graduate students who succeed academically. Fully funded scholarships in UK universities like the Clarendon Fund ensure financial security for outstanding students.
Eligibility criteria
- Apply for a full-time or part-time master’s or DPhil course at Oxford
- Demonstrate outstanding academic merit and potential
6. Dr. Manmohan Singh scholarships
Named after India’s former Prime Minister, these scholarships are awarded to Indian students applying for doctoral studies at St. John’s College, University of Cambridge. This is an excellent option for students seeking fully funded PhD scholarships for international students in UK.
Eligibility criteria
- Be an Indian national with a valid passport
- You should have 35 years of age while submitting your application
- Have a master’s degree from a reputed or popular Indian institution
- Demonstrate leadership qualities and potential
7. GREAT scholarships
Funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council, in partnership with UK higher education institutions, these scholarships offer £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course. These scholarships are among the best fully funded scholarships in UK for international students.
Eligibility criteria
- Be an Indian citizen
- Have an undergraduate degree
- Meet the English language requirements of the UK university
For those looking for a fully funded LLM scholarship in UK, several GREAT Scholarships support law studies in leading UK institutions.
Fully Funded Scholarships for September Intakes
Top fully funded scholarships for Indian students in the UK at a glance
|
Scholarship name |
Universities providing |
Courses |
|
Chevening scholarships |
All UK universities | Master’s (Any subject) |
| Commonwealth scholarships | All UK universities |
Master’s, PhD |
|
Gates Cambridge scholarships |
University of Cambridge | PhD, MSc, MLitt, Postgraduate |
| Rhodes scholarships | University of Oxford |
Postgraduate (Any subject) |
|
Clarendon Fund scholarships |
University of Oxford | Master’s, DPhil |
| Dr. Manmohan Singh scholarships | University of Cambridge |
PhD |
|
GREAT scholarships |
Participating UK universities |
Postgraduate (One-year course) |
Fully funded PhD scholarships in UK
|
Scholarship name |
University | Eligibility |
Funding covers |
|
Dr. Manmohan Singh PhD Scholarships |
University of Cambridge | Indian nationals, under 35 years, master’s degree holder | Full tuition, living expenses |
| Gates Cambridge PhD Scholarships | University of Cambridge | Exceptional students from outside the UK |
Full tuition, living allowance, airfare |
|
Clarendon Fund PhD scholarships |
University of Oxford | Excellent academic record, no specific country restriction |
Full tuition, living expenses, additional grants |
Top 15 Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
Conclusion
Securing a fully funded scholarship for Indian students in UK can be a life-changing opportunity, making quality education accessible without financial burdens. Whether you want to pursue an LLM, MBA, or PhD in the UK, numerous scholarships cover tuition, living costs, and travel expenses.
At MSM Unify, overseas education consultants, we provide expert assistance in identifying and applying for fully funded scholarships in UK universities. Our team helps with university selection, application strategies, and interview preparation, ensuring you maximize your chances of winning a scholarship.
Start your study abroad journey today with MSM Unify overseas education consultants and unlock the best scholarship opportunities in the UK!
FAQs
1. How can an Indian student get a fully funded scholarship in the UK?
To obtain a fully funded scholarship for Indian students in the UK, one should have a good academic record along with good leadership skills and relevant work or research experience. Most scholarships need a well-written personal statement, recommendation letters, and sometimes an interview.
2. List some of the best fully funded scholarships for Indian students at UK universities?
There are various leading fully funded scholarships at the universities of the UK, including Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, Rhodes Scholarships, Gates Cambridge Scholarships, and GREAT Scholarships, which cover fees and living as well as traveling costs.
3. How can I study for a Ph.D. from the UK with fully funded scholarships?
Yes, there are a number of fully funded PhD scholarships for international students in the UK, including Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, Gates Cambridge Scholarships, and university-specific funding options. These scholarships cover tuition, research grants, and a stipend for living expenses.
4. Are there fully funded scholarships in the UK for MBA programs?
Yes, Indian students can apply for fully funded scholarships for an MBA in the UK, such as the Chevening MBA Scholarship, the Skoll MBA Scholarship (University of Oxford), and the Cambridge Judge Business School Scholarship.
5. How can MSM Unify overseas education consultants help in getting a UK scholarship?
MSM Unify overseas education consultants provide expert assistance in finding and applying for fully funded scholarships in the UK. They help with university selection, application processes, essay writing, and interview preparation, increasing your chances of securing financial aid for your studies.