The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) of the United Kingdom offers UK scholarships for Indian students that are developed with international development objectives at their core.
Brief Intro
As part of the larger Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, these international scholarships aim to attract talent from diverse backgrounds who display leadership potential. By combining sustainable development with the national interests of the United Kingdom, this strategy unlocks the potential for international partnerships and collaboration.
Eligibility
The eligibility requirements for the Commonwealth Scholarship are as follows:
- Citizens and individuals who have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country
- All British Protected Persons
- Permanent resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
- An individual who will start their course in September 2025
- By September 2025, you must have achieved a minimum upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or alternatively hold a lower second-class honours degree (2:2) plus postgraduate qualifications such as a Master’s Degree.
- Financial need or the inability to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship
- All supporting documentation in the required format
How to Apply?
To be considered for the CSC, potential candidates must submit an application to both the nominating agency and the Commission itself. Agencies will submit the chosen candidates to the CSC for consideration. Applying directly to the CSC for these scholarships is not an option. The national nominating agency of India is:
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
Ministry of Education
West Block -1, Wing -6, 2nd Floor
R.K. Puram, New Delhi – 110066
India
Tel: +91 11 261 72917
Email: santoshkumar73@nic.in | es3.edu@nic.in
Website: www.education.gov.in/en/scholarships
GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarships are a collaborative initiative between the UK government (via the British Council) and participating UK universities, aimed at offering financial support to talented Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.
Brief Intro
Launched as part of the UK’s global campaign to strengthen international partnerships through education, the GREAT Scholarships offer Indian students the opportunity to pursue a wide range of one-year postgraduate (Master’s) courses in the UK. By fostering academic excellence and cultural exchange, this scholarship program helps build long-term links between India and the UK while supporting students in their pursuit of world-class education. Each scholarship is jointly funded by the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and individual UK higher education institutions.
Eligibility
The eligibility requirements for the GREAT Scholarship for Indian students are as follows:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must have an undergraduate degree that enables entry into a postgraduate program at a UK university.
- Must meet the academic and English language requirements of the selected university.
- Must have received an offer to study a one-year, full-time taught postgraduate course at a participating UK university.
- Must show interest in the chosen subject area and a willingness to engage with the UK as a scholar and alumni.
- Must demonstrate a commitment to return to India and contribute to the home country after studies.
How to Apply?
To apply for the GREAT Scholarship, candidates must:
- Apply directly to a participating UK university that offers the GREAT Scholarship for Indian students.
- Follow the university’s internal scholarship application process (usually includes an essay or statement of purpose).
- Receive an offer for a qualifying one-year Master’s program at that university.
- Submit the GREAT Scholarship application by the university’s deadline (deadlines vary, typically from March to May 2025).
Each university has its own application timeline, so students should consult the relevant university website for precise instructions. For more details and the list of participating universities for 2025, visit: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships/great-scholarships