Post Graduate (PG) Scholarships to Study in the UK
Are you dreaming of pursuing your Master’s degree in the United Kingdom, but feeling completely stressed about the massive costs? You are definitely not alone. Every year, over 600,000 international students pack their bags for the UK, and securing funding is their number one priority.
Let us look at the financial reality. A standard one-year Master’s degree in the UK usually costs anywhere between £15,000 and £30,000 (roughly ₹15 Lakhs to ₹31 Lakhs) just for tuition fees. When you add living costs in cities like London, the numbers can look very scary. However, here is the incredible news: you do not have to pay for all of it from your own pocket.
The UK government, independent trusts, and individual universities offer millions of pounds in financial aid every single year to help bright international students. In fact, programs like the GREAT Scholarships alone offer hundreds of awards worth £10,000 each!
Because a UK Master's degree only takes one year to complete, getting a scholarship makes it one of the most affordable, fast-tracked, and high-quality education options in the world. Whether you are an average student looking for a small discount or an academic topper aiming for a fully funded ride, there is a scholarship out there for you.
In this easy-to-understand guide, we will break down the absolute best government, private, and university-specific scholarships for Indian students. We will also share the exact eligibility rules and our top secret tips to help your application stand out from the crowd!
Types of Postgraduate Scholarships for International Students to Study in the UK
Before you start applying, it is important to know that not all scholarships are the same. They generally fall into three simple categories:
Highlights
Government-Funded Scholarships: These are massive funds provided directly by the UK government. They are highly prestigious and often cover 100% of your expenses, including flights and rent.
Non-Government (Private) Scholarships: These are offered by private trusts, charities, and large global organizations (like the Tata Trust or Felix Trust). They can offer partial discounts or full funding.
University-Specific Scholarships: Almost every single university in the UK has its own budget to attract smart international students. These usually offer a direct discount on your tuition fees (e.g., £2,000 to £5,000 off).
Top Government-Funded Scholarships to Study PG in the UK
If you want a completely free education, these are the big ones to target. Because they pay for everything, the competition is very high.
| Scholarship Name | What it Covers | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarships | Fully funded! Covers 100% tuition, monthly living allowance, and return flights. | Future leaders with at least 2 years of work experience. |
| Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships | Fully funded! Covers full tuition, living costs, and flights. | Brilliant students from developing Commonwealth countries (like India). |
| GREAT Scholarships | Offers a flat £10,000 discount directly off your tuition fees. | Indian students applying for a 1-year postgraduate course at participating universities. |
Top Non-Government Scholarships to Study PG Courses in the UK
Many generous private trusts want to help Indian students achieve their global dreams
| Scholarship Name | What it Covers | Eligibility Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Felix Scholarships | 100% tuition fees, living stipend, and a return flight. | Underprivileged Indian students applying to Oxford, Reading, or SOAS. |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships | Up to $120,000 to cover full tuition, flights, and living expenses. | Exceptional Indian students applying to top-tier UK universities. |
| Charles Wallace India Trust | Varies. Usually offers partial funding or grants toward living costs. | Indians studying arts, heritage, and humanities in the UK. |
Top University-Specific Scholarships to Study PG Courses in the UK for International Students
If you do not win a government scholarship, do not worry! Apply directly to your university's financial aid office.
| University | Scholarship Name | Scholarship Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | Clarendon Fund | Fully funded (Tuition + Living expenses) |
| University of Cambridge | Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Fully funded (Tuition + Living + Flights) |
| Imperial College London | Imperial College India Foundation | Fully funded for specific engineering/science master's. |
| University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh Global Master's Scholarship | £5,000 to £10,000 tuition fee discount. |
| UCL (University College London) | UCL Global Masters Scholarship | £15,000 discount for low-income background students. |
Eligibility Criteria for Applying for Scholarships to Study in the UK for Indian Students
How do they choose the winners? While every scholarship has its own specific rules, they generally all look for the same basic things:
Highlights
Academic Excellence: You need a strong Bachelor’s degree. For Indian students, this usually means scoring at least 65% to 75% (a first-class degree) in your graduation.
English Language Proof: You must have a strong IELTS score, usually an overall 6.5 or 7.0, to prove you can handle the course.
Work Experience: For massive awards like the Chevening Scholarship, you must have at least 2 years (2,800 hours) of actual work experience. For university discounts, freshers are perfectly fine!
An Offer Letter: For almost all scholarships, you must already have an "Unconditional" or "Conditional" admission offer letter from a UK university before you can apply for the money.
Leadership Skills: Funding committees love students who have done volunteer work, led college clubs, or solved problems in their local community.
Top Tips to Apply for Postgraduate Scholarships in the UK
Winning a scholarship is not just about having high marks. It is about how you present your story.
Tips
Apply Very Early: Scholarships close months before the actual university course starts. For example, to study in September 2026, you must apply for Chevening in October 2025!
Write a Powerful SOP: Your Statement of Purpose must show passion. Do not just list your grades. Explain why you want to study this course and how you will use the degree to help your home country.
Choose the Right Referees: Your Letters of Recommendation (LORs) are crucial. Pick professors or managers who actually know you well, rather than someone with a big job title who barely remembers your name.
Tailor Every Application: Never copy-paste the exact same essay for different scholarships. Read what the specific charity or university values, and write your essay to match their goals.
How SIEC Can Guide You for PG Scholarships in the UK
Finding and applying for scholarships can feel like a massive, confusing maze. You do not have to do it alone! SIEC is your expert partner in making your study abroad journey affordable and stress-free.
Highlights
Profile Evaluation: Our experts look at your grades and experience to find the exact scholarships you have the highest chance of winning.
University Shortlisting: We help you apply to universities that are known for giving generous discounts to Indian students.
SOP & Resume Help: Our writing team guides you on how to craft a powerful, winning essay that captures the attention of scholarship judges.
End-to-End Support: From securing your university offer letter to filing your final UK Student Visa, SIEC holds your hand through every single step.
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