The United Kingdom remains one of the most sought-after destinations for higher education, and the numbers bear that out. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA, the UK hosted 697,365 international students in the 2024/25 academic year, making it the second most popular study destination globally after the United States. India consistently ranks among the top source countries, with 116,455 study visas granted to Indian students in the year ending March 2024 — the highest of any nationality.
Yet the cost of studying in the UK tuition fees alone can range from £10,000 to £38,000 per year is a significant barrier for many families. This is precisely where UK scholarships play a transformative role. Whether you are planning to pursue an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate programme, there are substantial scholarships to study in the UK available in 2026–27 across government, university, private, and subject-specific categories.
Types of Scholarships Available for International Students in the UK
1. University-Specific Scholarships
These are merit-based scholarships offered directly by UK universities to undergraduate students. Each institution sets its own eligibility criteria, typically centred on academic performance. Many universities offer automatic awards to eligible international applicants — no separate application required.
2. Government-Funded Scholarships
The UK government provides several prestigious scholarships to international students through programmes such as Chevening, Commonwealth, and GREAT. These are highly competitive and are designed to support future global leaders. Postgraduate scholarships UK students pursue most often fall under this category.
3. Private Scholarships
Offered by private companies and foundations in the UK, these scholarships consider both financial need and academic merit. They are particularly useful for students who may not qualify for merit-only awards but demonstrate strong potential.
4. Subject-Based Scholarships
These are specifically available to international students enrolled in particular fields such as Medicine, Engineering, STEM, or Law. Undergraduate scholarships UK universities offer in STEM subjects have grown notably in recent years, with several programmes targeting women in science and technology.
Note: International students typically receive scholarships applied directly towards their tuition fees. Funding varies considerably by scholarship — some are fully funded (covering tuition, living costs, and flights), whilst others cover a partial amount. Scholarship values generally start from £2,000 and can go up to full tuition coverage worth £38,000 or more for prestigious awards.
Eligibility Criteria for UK Scholarships
Eligibility varies across scholarships, but the following factors are commonly assessed:
- Academic score: Universities generally look for strong grades throughout your academic history
- English language proficiency: Typically demonstrated through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent
- Financial background: Required for need-based private scholarships
- Country of origin: Some scholarships are limited to Commonwealth nations or specific bilateral agreements
- Programme level: UG or PG, as many scholarships are level-specific
IELTS Waiver: Can You Study in the UK Without IELTS?
Many UK universities offer IELTS waivers to international students, including Indian applicants, meaning you can apply for a UK student visa and begin your studies without sitting the IELTS exam. However, this route comes with certain conditions and limitations.
Conditions to qualify for an IELTS waiver:
- You must have scored above 60% in the English subject in your Class 12 (10+2) examinations
- Students who completed their schooling under national boards — CBSE or ICSE — have higher chances of receiving a waiver
- Students from state boards have comparatively fewer chances of being granted a waiver
Limitations of the IELTS waiver route:
- Your course and university options will be significantly limited
- You must fulfil every waiver condition in full before applying
- Even if you qualify for a waiver, a good IELTS score can significantly strengthen your scholarship application
Pro Tip: If time permits, we strongly recommend appearing for IELTS before applying. A score of 6.5 or above not only broadens your university choices but also improves your eligibility for many of the top UK scholarships listed below.
Top 10 Scholarships to Study in the UK in 2026–27 (UG + PG)
1. Chevening Scholarship
Offered By: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Level: Postgraduate (Master’s) — 1 year
Fully Funded?: Yes — Fully Funded
Funding: Tuition fees + monthly living stipend + return flights + visa costs
Eligibility: Indian nationals with at least 2 years of work experience; strong leadership profile
2026–27 Deadline: Applications typically open August–November 2025 for 2026–27 entry
2. Commonwealth Scholarship
Offered By: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), UK
Level: Postgraduate (Master’s) & PhD
Fully Funded? Yes — Fully Funded
Funding: Tuition + living allowance + airfare
Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries (India eligible); academic excellence required
2026–27 Deadline: Varies by institution — typically January to May 2026
3. GREAT Scholarship
Offered By: British Council & UK Government
Level: Postgraduate (Master’s) — 1 year
Fully Funded? Partial
Funding: £10,000 towards tuition fees at 60+ UK universities
Eligibility: Students from 18 eligible countries including India; must hold a university offer
2026–27 Deadline: Varies by institution — typically January to May 2026
4. Saltire Scholarship (Scotland)
Offered By: Scottish Government
Level: Postgraduate — 1 year
Fully Funded? Partial
Funding: £8,000 award per student
Eligibility: Students from Canada, China, Egypt, India, Japan, Pakistan, or USA; enrolled at a Scottish university
2026–27 Deadline: Applications typically open April–June 2026
5. Think Big Scholarship — University of Bristol
Offered By: University of Bristol
Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
Fully Funded? Partial (up to substantial)
Funding: Awards of £6,500, £13,000, or £26,000 towards tuition
Eligibility: International students with overseas fee status; merit-based; auto-consideration on application
2026–27 Deadline: Applications closed — check for 2027 round
6. University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships
Offered By: University of Edinburgh
Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
Fully Funded? Partial
Funding: Varies by award; Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships worth £5,000–£10,000
Eligibility: International students applying to eligible programmes; academic excellence required
2026–27 Deadline: Varies by scholarship — check individual deadlines on Edinburgh’s website
7. University of Leeds International Excellence Scholarship
Offered By: University of Leeds
Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
Fully Funded? Partial
Funding: Up to £10,000 tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: International fee-paying students; automatically considered upon application
2026–27 Deadline: Considered at offer stage — no separate deadline
8. Imperial College London — Women in STEM Scholarship
Offered By: Imperial College London
Level: Undergraduate (Master’s)
Fully Funded? Yes — Full Tuition
Funding: 100% of tuition fees covered
Eligibility: Female international students; STEM disciplines only; highly competitive
2026–27 Deadline: Check Imperial’s website — typically early 2026
9. University of Nottingham Excellence Scholarships
Offered By: University of Nottingham
Level: Undergraduate
Fully Funded? Partial
Funding: £5,000 tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: International students applying for eligible UG programmes; automatic award
2026–27 Deadline: Awarded at offer stage — no separate application required
10. Rhodes Scholarship — University of Oxford
Offered By: Rhodes Trust
Level: Postgraduate (Master’s & PhD)
Fully Funded? Yes — Fully Funded
Funding: Full tuition + annual stipend + flights
Eligibility:5 scholarships allocated specifically for Indian students each year; exceptional academic and leadership record required
2026–27 Deadline: Applications typically open June–August 2026
Quick Comparison: Top 10 UK Scholarships at a Glance
| Scholarship | Level | Funding | Fully Funded? | Open to Indians? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Chevening | PG | Tuition + Living + Flights | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 2. Commonwealth | PG / PhD | Tuition + Travel + Allowance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 3. GREAT Scholarship | PG | £10,000 | ❌ Partial | ✅ Yes |
| 4. Saltire (Scotland) | PG | £8,000 | ❌ Partial | ✅ Yes |
| 5. Think Big – Bristol | UG + PG | Up to £26,000 | ❌ Partial | ✅ Yes |
| 6. Edinburgh Global | UG + PG | £5,000–£10,000 | ❌ Partial | ✅ Yes |
| 7. Leeds Excellence | UG + PG | Up to £10,000 | ❌ Partial | ✅ Yes |
| 8. Imperial Women STEM | PG | 100% Tuition | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 9. Nottingham Excellence | UG | £5,000 | ❌ Partial | ✅ Yes |
| 10. Rhodes – Oxford | PG / PhD | Full Tuition + Stipend | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
How to Apply for UK Scholarships: Step-by-Step
- Research and shortlist scholarships that match your academic profile and intended programme level (UG or PG)
- Check eligibility carefully — nationality, English proficiency (IELTS or waiver), board type, and academic scores
- Prepare your documents — transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and English language proof
- Apply to your chosen UK university first — most scholarships require a conditional or unconditional offer
- Submit your scholarship application before the stated deadline for each award
- Track your application status and respond promptly to any interview invitations
Important: Fully funded scholarships such as Chevening and Commonwealth open applications 8–10 months before the intake. Begin your preparation well in advance, ideally at least a year before your intended start date.
Tips to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
- Maintain strong academic scores — particularly in English and your core subjects
- Sit the IELTS exam and aim for a band score of 6.5 or above, even if a waiver is available
- Write a compelling, personalised Statement of Purpose tailored to each scholarship
- Secure strong Letters of Recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers
- Demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and clarity of career goals
- Apply to multiple UK scholarships simultaneously to maximise your chances of success
Also Read: 10 UG Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad – Canada, USA & UK
Planning to Study in the UK? Get Expert Guidance from Abroad Gateway
Navigating UK scholarships, visa applications, and university admissions can be overwhelming, especially with deadlines spread across the year. At Abroad Gateway, our expert student visa consultants help students identify the right UK scholarships, prepare strong applications, and secure their UK study visa with confidence.
Our services include:
- UK University Shortlisting
- Scholarship Application Support
- UK Student Visa (UK Study Visa) Consultation
- SOP & LOR Guidance
- IELTS Coaching
