UK scholarships for Indian students: Chevening, Commonwealth & more
The fully funded UK scholarships Indian students can apply for, who qualifies, what they cover and when the next rounds open.
The two biggest fully funded UK scholarships open to Indian students are Chevening and the Commonwealth Master's Scholarships. Chevening covers tuition, a monthly stipend, flights and visa costs for a one-year master's, and needs two years' work experience. Commonwealth Master's Scholarships pay full tuition and £1,712 a month (£2,000 in London). Both rounds for 2027–28 closed in October 2026, so most students starting in 2027 should look at university scholarships and GREAT awards, and plan for the next Chevening round opening in August 2027.
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What is the Chevening Scholarship, and who can apply?
Chevening is the UK government's scholarship for future leaders to do a one-year master's in the UK. India is an eligible country.
- Work experience: at least two years after your undergraduate degree, equivalent to 2,800 hours.
- Degree: one that qualifies you for a UK master's, completed at least two years before the application deadline.
- Courses: apply to three different eligible UK courses and hold at least one unconditional offer by the offer deadline.
- Return: you must return to India for at least two years after the scholarship.
- No upper age limit.
What it covers: tuition fees, a monthly living stipend (higher in London), economy return flights, arrival and departure allowances, the visa application cost, up to £75 towards a TB test and a travel top-up allowance.
What are Commonwealth Master's Scholarships?
Funded by the UK government and run by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), these are for students who couldn't otherwise afford UK study. India is an eligible country.
- Covers: full tuition, a stipend of £1,712 a month (£2,000 at London-area universities), return airfare and a study travel grant.
- Eligibility: at least a 2:1-equivalent first degree (or a lower second plus a relevant postgraduate qualification), permanent residence in India, and inability to fund UK study yourself.
- How to apply: not directly. You apply through a nominator (usually the national nominating agency) and also submit on CSC's online system.
What other UK scholarships can Indian students get?
- GREAT Scholarships: a joint British Council and UK university programme for one-year postgraduate taught courses. Each award is a fixed contribution to tuition, offered through participating universities. Check the British Council's Study UK site for the current list of countries, subjects and universities.
- University merit scholarships: most UK universities offer automatic or application-based discounts for international students, usually a partial reduction on the first-year fee. These are the most realistic option for most students.
- Telangana overseas scholarship: eligible SC, ST, BC, EBC and minority students can get up to ₹20 lakh for the UK. See our Telangana scholarship guide.
When do UK scholarship applications open?
| Scholarship | 2027–28 round | Next step for you |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening | Opened August 2026, closed October 2026 | Prepare now for the round opening August 2027 (study from autumn 2028) |
| Commonwealth Master's | Closed 20 October 2026 | Watch the CSC site for the next round |
| GREAT and university awards | Varies, often November to June | Apply alongside your university applications |
Sources: Chevening application timeline and the CSC Commonwealth Master's page, checked 23 October 2026.
How do I improve my chances?
- Apply to universities early, because Chevening needs an unconditional offer and many university awards are first-come.
- Show leadership with evidence: projects you led, results and impact, not just job titles.
- Link the course to a plan for India: both Chevening and Commonwealth look for impact after you return.
- Budget for the gap: most students combine a university award with an education loan. See MS in UK cost.
Official sources
Figures on this page were checked on 23 Oct 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the current numbers on the official site before you pay or apply.
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Frequently asked questions
Can Indian students apply for Chevening?
Yes. India is a Chevening-eligible country. You need at least two years of work experience after your degree and must return to India for two years afterwards.
Is Chevening fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, economy return flights, arrival and departure allowances and the visa application cost.
When does the next Chevening round open?
The 2027–28 round opened in August 2026 and closed in October 2026. The next round is expected to open in August 2027.
How much is the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship stipend?
£1,712 a month, or £2,000 a month at London-area universities, plus full tuition and airfare.
What is the easiest UK scholarship for Indian students?
University merit scholarships, which many universities offer automatically or with a short application as a partial reduction on the first-year fee.
Can Abbacy help me apply for UK scholarships?
Yes. We shortlist universities with scholarships that fit your profile and help with your statement and application, free of charge.
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