UK Scholarships for Indian Students (2026 Guide)
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Planning to study in the UK but worried about the costs? You’re not alone. Fortunately, there are several UK scholarships for Indian students that can ease your financial burden and make your study abroad dream come true. From government-funded awards to university-specific grants, 2026 has brought a host of exciting opportunities tailored just for you.
Table of contents
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular scholarships, eligibility criteria, extra tips for Indian applicants, and how bluehawks has already helped students secure life-changing funding.
Why Scholarships Matter More in 2026
With the British Pound still strong and tuition fees averaging £10,000–£25,000 per year, scholarships are a lifesaver for Indian students. In 2026, post-pandemic inflation and rising living costs in cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester make UK scholarships for Indian students more relevant than ever.
And guess what? Many of these scholarships go unclaimed because students either apply too late or aren’t aware of them. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
Top UK Scholarships for Indian Students
🎓 1. Chevening Scholarships
- What it covers: Full tuition, living expenses, airfare, and more.
- Eligibility: Exceptional academic background, 2 years of work experience, leadership qualities.
- Deadline: Typically around November.
- Pro tip: Chevening loves clear future goals. Be specific about how the UK degree will help your community or country.
🌍 2. Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
- For whom: Students from lower and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
- What’s covered: Tuition, airfare, living allowance.
- Eligibility: Undergraduate degree with minimum 60%, and not studying in the UK currently.
- Pro tip: Show commitment to return and contribute to India’s development.
3. GREAT Scholarships
- Partnered with: UK Government & UK universities.
- Amount: Up to £10,000 toward tuition fees.
- Eligibility: Varies by university and program.
- Pro tip: Choose courses related to sustainability, innovation, or AI – UK institutions love future-facing programs.
Don’t Miss These University-Specific Scholarships
Many students overlook university-specific scholarships thinking they’re only for toppers or have hidden conditions. Truth? Most are flexible and underapplied for!
- University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships
- University of Bristol Think Big Scholarship
- UCL India Excellence Scholarships
- Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarship
- Leeds International Excellence Scholarship
Always apply early and read eligibility closely. Some are automatic, others need separate applications.
How bluehawks Students Grabbed These Scholarships
Over the past few years, bluehawks has helped numerous Indian students turn scholarship dreams into reality. Our deep understanding of top UK universities, UK’s New Immigration Rules, UK scholarship criteria, timeline planning, and personalized mentoring make all the difference.
💡 A few examples:
- Aditi from Hyderabad won the Chevening Scholarship for a Master’s in Public Policy at King’s College London after intense mentorship on her leadership essays and mock interviews.
- Rohit from Pune received the GREAT Scholarship to study Data Science at the University of Southampton. We helped him tailor his SOP around AI’s future in India.
- Shruti from Bangalore secured a Think Big Scholarship at the University of Bristol, worth £5,000, by building a compelling application showcasing her social enterprise background.
Whether it’s refining your personal statement, shortlisting the right awards, or preparing for final interviews—we’ve done it all, with you at the center of it.
Tips to Boost Your Scholarship Chances (From Our Experts)
At bluehawks, we know the difference between “almost there” and “yes, you got it!” Based on years of experience working with Indian students, here’s what we recommend:
✅ Start 10–12 months before intake
✅ Apply to at least 3–5 scholarships
✅ Customize every SOP—no copy-paste
✅ Show measurable impact in your achievements
✅ Mention your post-UK return plan (especially for Commonwealth/Chevening)
✅ Keep track of deadlines via a shared tracker (we provide one!)
Final Thoughts: Your Scholarship Journey Starts Now
Getting a scholarship is not reserved for toppers or Ivy-league dreamers. With awareness, preparation, and guidance, UK scholarships for Indian students are within your reach.
And if you’re looking for someone to walk the path with you—from shortlisting to submissions—bluehawks is your team. We don’t just guide; we strategize with you like it’s our own journey.
📩 Want to start your scholarship story? Reach out now and let’s make 2026 your year.
🌎 Chat with our 24/7 chat support team, tap on that chat button on the right bottom of your screen 👉
