Scholarships in UK for Indian Students 2026: Chevening, GREAT & University Awards

Scholarships in UK for Indian students in 2026 range from fully-funded government awards covering tuition, living costs, and flights to university-specific merit discounts worth £2,000–£20,000. The Chevening Scholarship, GREAT Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and dozens of university merit awards offer Indian students realistic paths to reduce — or even eliminate — the financial burden of studying in Britain. Over 55,000 Indian students enrolled in UK universities in 2024-25, and scholarship funding for Indian applicants has grown every year since 2020. This complete 2026 guide from EEC — 27+ years of experience, 50,000+ students placed — covers every major scholarship in UK for Indian students, including exact amounts, eligibility criteria, application strategies, and a month-by-month deadlines calendar so you never miss a funding opportunity.

Top Scholarships for Indian Students in UK — Complete Overview (2026)

The UK offers four main categories of scholarships for Indian students: government-funded national awards, the GREAT Scholarships programme, Commonwealth Scholarships, and university-specific merit awards. Together, these provide hundreds of funded places every year. Here is a snapshot of the most valuable scholarships available in 2026:

The total funding available across these programmes exceeds £15 million annually for Indian students alone. Whether you are pursuing a master's in UK or an undergraduate degree, there is a scholarship category suited to your profile. The key is understanding which scholarships match your eligibility and applying with a winning strategy — which is exactly what this guide provides. For a broader understanding of overall expenses, read our cost of studying in UK 2026 guide.

Chevening Scholarship — The UK's Most Prestigious Full Funding Award

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government's flagship global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It is the single most valuable scholarship in UK for Indian students — covering 100% of tuition at any UK university, a monthly living allowance of £1,133, economy return flights, arrival allowance, homeward departure allowance, thesis grant, and study travel grant. In 2024-25, over 100 Indian scholars were selected for Chevening, making India one of the programme's largest recipient countries.

Chevening Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students

Chevening Application Timeline (2026 Cycle)

The Chevening application window is narrow. Applications typically open in August 2025 and close in early November 2025 for the 2026-27 academic year. Here is the complete timeline:

“I applied for Chevening twice. The first time I was rejected because my essays were too generic. The second time, EEC helped me rewrite every essay with specific examples from my career. I was selected and studied International Development at SOAS London — fully funded. EEC's guidance made all the difference.”

— Kavita R., Chevening Scholar 2024 — MSc International Development, SOAS University of London

GREAT Scholarships — £10,000+ at 30+ UK Universities

The GREAT Scholarships programme is a joint initiative between the British Council and over 30 UK universities, offering Indian students a minimum of £10,000 towards their postgraduate tuition fees. Unlike Chevening, GREAT Scholarships are easier to win because each participating university selects its own scholars — meaning you compete against a smaller pool of applicants. For the 2026-27 academic year, participating universities include institutions across all regions of the UK:

The beauty of GREAT Scholarships is that they can often be stacked with university-specific merit awards. For example, a student admitted to the University of Leeds could receive the £10,000 GREAT Scholarship plus a £5,000 Leeds merit award — a total of £15,000 in tuition reduction. Combined with the already lower tuition at affordable UK universities, the net cost of a UK master's drops to levels comparable to Indian private universities. For students concerned about remaining costs, an education loan for UK can bridge any gaps.

Commonwealth Scholarships — Full Funding for Master's & PhD

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is one of the oldest and most generous international scholarship programmes in the world, funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. For Indian students, Commonwealth Scholarships cover the full cost of studying in the UK:

Commonwealth Scholarships for Indian students are administered through the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Applications are submitted to the Indian government, which nominates candidates to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in London. The selection criteria focus on academic merit, the quality of your study plan, and the potential for your studies to contribute to development in India. Candidates with research-oriented proposals in areas like public health, climate change, governance, and education have the strongest chances. The typical deadline is December 2025 for the 2026-27 cycle. For the full visa process after receiving a scholarship, see our UK student visa process guide.

University-Specific Merit Awards — Automatic Scholarships Based on Grades

Beyond the headline government scholarships, dozens of UK universities offer their own merit scholarships for Indian students — and many are awarded automatically based on your academic profile when you apply for admission. No separate scholarship application is needed. If your grades meet the threshold, the university includes the scholarship in your offer letter. This makes university merit awards the most accessible form of UK scholarship funding for Indian students in 2026:

The "auto-considered" scholarships are the most underrated funding source. Simply by applying with strong grades, you are automatically evaluated. Indian students with 65%+ in their bachelor's from a recognised Indian university are eligible for merit awards at most post-1992 universities and many Russell Group institutions. For the best universities in UK, aiming for 70%+ significantly increases your scholarship value. Students targeting the September 2026 intake should submit applications early — scholarship funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis at most universities.

How to Win UK Scholarships — Step-by-Step Application Strategy

Knowing which scholarships in UK for Indian students exist is only half the battle. The other half is applying strategically. Most Indian students submit generic applications and lose out to candidates who tailor every essay and document. Here is the proven 7-step framework that EEC has refined over 27+ years of scholarship guidance:

Scholarship Deadlines 2026 — Month-by-Month Calendar for Indian Students

Timing is the most common reason Indian students miss out on UK scholarships. Government scholarships close 10–12 months before your programme starts. University scholarships operate first-come, first-served. Missing a deadline by even one day means losing thousands of pounds in potential funding. Here is the complete 2026 deadlines calendar:

Your UK scholarship journey starts with one action. Whether you target the fully-funded Chevening, the accessible £10,000 GREAT Scholarships, or the automatic university merit awards, the earlier you start, the better your chances. Indian students who plan 12 months ahead consistently outperform those who scramble at the last minute. With flexible English test options and no GRE requirement for most UK programmes, the barrier to applying is lower than ever. After graduation, the Graduate Route visa gives you 2 years to work in the UK. Part-time jobs during studies further offset your costs. And for any remaining financial gap, an education loan can bridge the difference. Book a free consultation with EEC today and let our UK scholarship specialists build your personalised funding plan. Visit any of our 26 centres across Gujarat or apply online. Students considering multiple destinations should also explore our UK vs Canada vs Australia comparison and study in UK after 12th guide for additional pathways. With 27+ years of experience and 50,000+ students placed, EEC is your partner for UK scholarship success in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions: Scholarships in UK for Indian Students