Planning to study in the UK but worried about the cost? UK scholarships can reduce your tuition fees or, in some cases, cover tuition, living costs, and travel. You can find undergraduate, master’s, and PhD funding via university portals, the British Council, Chevening, or the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Gradstar provides full support as study in the UK consultants, ensuring you discover and secure the exact financial aid that fits your profile and goals.

Winning these awards requires meeting eligibility rules and applying early. Most 2026 academic year deadlines have closed. But 2027 opportunities are actively opening. For example, the 2027-28 Chevening Scholarship closes on 6 October 2026. Prepare your documents early to secure funding.

Where Can Indian Students Find UK Scholarships?

You should start your search with official sources, rather than relying on a single scholarship website. You can also find detailed information on Gradstar’s Funding Your Studies Abroad page.

The main places to look are:

• UK Government and British Council: Chevening, GREAT and other UK-funded opportunities

• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission: Commonwealth scholarships for eligible students

• UK university websites: University-specific, subject-specific and international scholarships

• Indian Ministry of Education: Foreign government and bilateral scholarship opportunities

• University scholarship databases: Funding offered by individual departments, faculties and colleges

• Scholarship search platforms: Useful for finding opportunities, but information should be verified independently

The British Council's GREAT Scholarships page connects Indian applicants directly to participating universities. For the 2026-27 academic year, 12 postgraduate awards were available for Indian students. Each scholarship provides at least £10,000 to cover tuition fees.

This approach is more reliable than searching only for “fully funded UK scholarships”. A partial scholarship can also significantly reduce the amount you need to pay yourself.

Can Indian Students Get a 100% Scholarship to Study in the UK?

Yes, Indian students can receive fully funded scholarships in the UK, but a full scholarship is not guaranteed.

Some awards can cover approved tuition fees and provide funding for living expenses and travel. Chevening is a major example for eligible students applying for a one-year master's degree. The Commonwealth Master's Scholarship is another major government-funded option.

Other scholarships cover only part of your tuition. For example, the University of Bristol's Think Big scholarships for 2026 offered undergraduate awards of £6,500 or £13,000 and postgraduate awards of £6,500, £13,000 or £26,000. These are tuition-fee scholarships rather than full-cost awards.

So, when planning your study in the UK, look at:

1. Full scholarships

2. Partial tuition scholarships

3. University bursaries

4. Departmental funding

5. External scholarships

Combining a university scholarship with personal savings or other permitted funding can still substantially reduce your overall student costs.

Most Popular UK Scholarships for Indian Students

Is the Chevening Scholarship Fully Funded? What's Covered?

Yes. Chevening is one of the most popular scholarships among Indian students. It is a fully funded UK Government scholarship for eligible scholars.

The current Chevening information lists tuition fees, travel, a monthly personal living allowance, arrival and departure allowances, the cost of one visa application, and other eligible allowances among the award components.

Chevening is intended for eligible applicants pursuing an eligible one-year taught master's degree in the UK. Chevening is a competitive postgraduate scholarship. It is therefore better to build a strong application around your actual experience and future plans than to rely only on academic marks.

How to Apply for UK Scholarships as an Indian Student?

Applying for a UK scholarship starts with choosing the right course and university, then finding scholarships that match your profile.

1. Choose Your Course and University

Decide your study level, course, and preferred universities. Use GRADSearch's course finder to explore suitable UK courses.

2. Find Scholarships You Qualify For

Check university funding pages and official scholarship websites. Compare the eligibility criteria, funding, required documents, and deadlines before applying.

3. Prepare Your Application

Gather your academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, references, and any other documents required by the scholarship. Tailor your scholarship statement to your achievements, goals, and expected impact.

4. Apply Before the Deadline

Scholarship deadlines may differ from university deadlines. Submit your application and supporting documents early, and check whether the scholarship has additional nomination or university requirements.

What Does Gradstar Do As A Study In The UK Consultant?

Finding the right scholarship can be easier when you understand which universities, courses and funding options match your profile.

With Gradstar, you can get personalised support to:

• Explore UK study options

• Find suitable courses

• Shortlist universities

• Identify relevant scholarship opportunities

• Understand scholarship eligibility

• Plan your application

You can book your free consultation session with Gradstar if you need help planning your UK study journey.

Remember that Gradstar cannot guarantee a scholarship. Scholarship decisions are made by the university or scholarship provider. Your best approach is to start early, follow the official requirements, and apply only for scholarships that genuinely match your profile.

Rounding Up

Finding UK scholarships for Indian students requires exploring multiple sources, including government portals, university websites, and partial funding options. Be sure to confirm eligibility rules, funding details, and key deadlines on official portals prior to submitting your application. If targeting the 2027-28 intake, start early and track key timelines closely. 

Let Gradstar support you as study in the UK consultants, helping you navigate complex applications and secure the best scholarship for your academic future. 

FAQs About UK Scholarships for Indian Students

1. Is it easy to get a scholarship in the UK as an Indian student?

Not necessarily. Major scholarships can be highly competitive, and each provider uses its own selection criteria. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award.

2. What scholarships can Indian students get after Class 12?

Indian students can apply for eligible undergraduate scholarships offered by UK universities. Examples include the Reach Oxford Scholarship, Bristol's Think Big scholarships, and Warwick's Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship. Availability and eligibility vary by year.

3. Are there need-based scholarships for UK study?

Yes. Some scholarships consider financial need. For example, UCL's Global Master's Scholarship is aimed at international students from lower-income backgrounds and uses financial need as a selection criterion. Not every UK scholarship is need-based.

4. Can Indian students get a scholarship for a specific course?

Yes. Universities may offer scholarships for specific subjects, faculties, or courses. Always check the scholarship's eligible-course list before applying.

5. What documents do I need for a UK scholarship?

It depends on the scholarship. Common requirements include academic transcripts, degree certificates, passport, CV, personal statements, scholarship essays, and references. PhD applicants may also need a research proposal.

6. When should Indian students apply for UK scholarships?

Start several months before your intended intake. For the 2027-28 cycle, Chevening is already open in August 2026, while Commonwealth Master's Scholarship applications open in September 2026. University scholarship deadlines vary.

7. Can I apply for more than one UK scholarship?

You can apply for multiple scholarships if you meet their individual eligibility requirements. However, some scholarships restrict whether they can be combined with other funding. Always check the terms before accepting more than one award.