The UK is one of the most popular destinations for higher education. Its world-class universities, diverse culture, and career opportunities attract thousands of Indian students every year. But studying in the UK can be expensive. Many students don’t know the wide range of scholarship opportunities available to them.

If you’ve been wondering how to get scholarship to study in UK, this guide will help. We’ll explore different types of scholarships, eligibility, application steps, and tips to improve your chances. Whether you’re looking for UK scholarships for Indian students or general financial aid UK options, this blog will make the process clearer.

Quick Answer Box 

Q: How to get scholarship to study in UK

You can get a scholarship in the UK by researching available programs, checking eligibility, preparing documents like SOPs and transcripts, applying early, and securing strong recommendations. Popular scholarships include Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT, Rhodes, and university-specific awards for Indian students.

Why Scholarships Matter for Indian Students

Studying abroad is a dream, but the cost can be a hurdle. Scholarships provide:

• Affordability: Reduce tuition and living expenses.
  
• Access: Open doors to top UK universities.
  
• Relief from loans: Lessen the burden of education loans.
  

For many Indian families, financial aid UK options are not just helpful—they’re essential. Scholarships make studying abroad more achievable and sustainable.

Types of Scholarships in the UK

Merit-Based Scholarships

• Awarded for strong academic performance.
  
• Often linked to grades, research, or leadership.
  
• Examples: Chevening Scholarships, Rhodes Scholarships.
  

Need-Based Scholarships

• Designed for students with limited financial resources.
  
• Require proof of financial need.
  

Government-Funded Scholarships

• Supported by the UK government.
  
• Major programs: Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT Scholarships.
  

University-Specific Scholarships

• Offered directly by universities.
  
• Examples: Oxford Clarendon, Cambridge Trust, UCL Global Masters.
  

Subject-Specific & Research Scholarships

• Target STEM, MBA, arts, and PhD fields.
  
• Often tied to national research priorities.
  

Table: Scholarship Overview

Eligibility Criteria for UK Scholarships

Academic Requirements

Most require at least 60–70% in previous degrees. Some demand 80%+. Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) is often needed.

Nationality & Residency Rules

Many scholarships specifically target Indian students, while others are open to all international applicants.

Financial Need Proof

For need-based awards, students may need bank statements, income certificates, or sponsor affidavits.

Course/University Restrictions

Certain scholarships are only for postgraduate students or linked to specific universities.

How to Apply for UK Scholarships – Step by Step

Follow these steps to improve your chances:

1. Research scholarships – Look for government, university, and private options.
   
2. Check eligibility – Match your profile with requirements.
   
3. Gather documents – Academic transcripts, SOP, LORs, financial proof.
   
4. Write essays – Tailor them to scholarship goals.
   
5. Apply early – Deadlines are strict, often 8–12 months before intake.
   
6. Prepare for interviews – Practice common questions and motivations.
   

This structured process answers how to get scholarship to study in UK in the simplest way.

Top UK Scholarships for Indian Students (2025)

Chevening Scholarships

• Fully funded by the UK government.
  
• Covers tuition, living costs, and travel.
  
• Competitive, leadership-focused.
  

Commonwealth Scholarships

• For postgraduate and PhD students.
  
• Covers tuition, airfare, and living allowance.
  

GREAT Scholarships

• Jointly funded by UK universities and the government.
  
• Offers £10,000 towards tuition.
  

Rhodes Scholarships

• Prestigious award for Oxford University.
  
• Covers all study costs and living expenses.
  

University-Specific Scholarships

• Oxford Clarendon Fund – Full fees and living grant.
  
• Cambridge Trust Scholarships – For Indian postgraduate students.
  
• UCL Global Masters Scholarship – Up to £15,000.
  
• Manchester Global Futures – £6,000–£13,000 awards.
  

Table: Popular Scholarships for 2025

Application Tips to Improve Your Chances

• Start early – Deadlines close fast.
  
• Tailor your SOP – Reflect goals linked to the scholarship.
  
• Get strong references – Academic or professional.
  
• Maintain high grades – Consistency matters.
  
• Show leadership – Highlight extracurriculars and volunteering.
  
• Check documents twice – Avoid errors.
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing deadlines.
  
• Submitting generic essays.
  
• Weak or fake financial proofs.
  
• Ignoring eligibility details.
  
• Incomplete applications.
  

These mistakes cost many students scholarships. Stay alert.

People Also Ask

Q1: Can I get a full scholarship to study in UK?

Yes. Programs like Chevening, Rhodes, and Clarendon offer full funding including tuition and living costs.

Q2: When should I apply for UK scholarships?

Apply at least 8–12 months before your course begins. Deadlines often fall between October and March.

Q3: Do UK universities give scholarships to Indian students?

Yes. Almost all top UK universities have scholarships for Indian students, from partial fee waivers to full coverage.

Q4: What GPA is required for UK scholarships?

Most scholarships require 60–70% minimum. Prestigious ones like Rhodes may expect 80%+.

FAQs

Q1: What documents are required to apply for scholarships in the UK?

You need academic transcripts, English test results, SOP/essays, recommendation letters, and proof of financial status. Some scholarships also ask for work experience details.

Q2: Which are the easiest scholarships for Indian students to get in the UK?

University-specific scholarships such as UCL Global Masters or Manchester Global Futures are relatively easier compared to highly competitive government schemes.

Q3: Can I combine multiple scholarships in the UK?

Some allow combining smaller awards, but most major scholarships do not. Always check the rules before applying.

Q4: How much financial aid can Indian students expect in UK?

It ranges from £2,000 partial fee waivers to full scholarships that cover tuition, living costs, and travel.

Q5: Do I need to apply separately for UK university scholarships?

Yes, most require separate applications. A few may automatically consider you at the time of admission.

Conclusion

Scholarships can turn your UK education dream into reality. From government programs like Chevening and Commonwealth to UK scholarships for Indian students offered by universities, the opportunities are vast.

The key to success is starting early, preparing strong documents, and avoiding mistakes. If you’ve been asking yourself how to get scholarship to study in UK, the answer lies in planning ahead and applying smartly.

Start exploring scholarships today and take the first step towards your dream UK university.