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Broadly speaking, postgraduate scholarships in the UK offer a partial or complete deduction on the total tuition fee. However, there are some scholarships that, in addition to tuition fees, also cover living expenses, airfare, visa fee and insurance based on the applicant’s academic excellence and background. You will notice that there are many universities, private organisations, NGOs and governments that offer postgraduate scholarships for UK students. If you’re looking for some financial support in pursuing your postgraduate course in the UK, then read on to find out some of the best postgraduate scholarships in the UK today.
Scholarships for International Students
The following postgraduate scholarships in the UK are available to international students who wish to pursue their postgraduate studies in the UK, irrespective of their nationality. This means that if there are a few Masters’s scholarships in the UK that interest you, you will have to compete with international students from all corners of the world. There are also a few postgraduate scholarships in the UK that are available to students who come from a particular country or region. Let’s learn more about them.
Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships
Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships are one of the most popular scholarships for postgraduate studies in the UK. This scholarship is aimed at grooming future leaders, decision-makers and opinion formers in countries with whom the UK’s economic relationship is expected to develop. The winners of the Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships are selected by British embassies and high commissions throughout the world.
- Scholarships awarded by this organisation:
- Chevening Scholarships.
- Chevening Fellowships.
- Eligibility criteria –
- Have an undergraduate degree
- Have at least 2 years’ eligible work experience
- Meet the Chevening English language requirements
- Application process:
The application process for this scholarship takes a minimum of eight months and the candidates are asked to apply on Chevening.org. After the deadline is reached, the admission committee commences the sifting of the eligible candidates. The final stage before being conditionally selected is the interview round which takes place at the British Embassy/ High Commission.
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)
Just like the Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships, the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) offers a wide range of scholarships to students from other British Commonwealth countries. The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) not only provides students with postgraduate scholarships in the UK but also undergraduate, doctoral, distance-learning, undergraduate exchanges, post-doctoral fellowships, mid-career academic fellowships and short professional scholarships.
Since its inception in 1959, the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) has helped over 27,000 students to pursue their higher education in the UK. Currently, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission gives out over 800 postgraduate scholarships for UK students every year. Students from all Commonwealth countries are welcome to apply for this scholarship.
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is funded by the Department for International Development, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Department for Education (DFE), along with partner UK universities.
- Scholarships awarded by this organisation:
- Masters degree scholarships.
- Scholarships for PhD study
- Split-site Scholarships for split-site PhD study
- Shared Scholarships for Master’s study
- Distance Learning Scholarships
- Commonwealth Rutherford Scholarships
- Professional Fellowships
- Medical Fellowships
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Have to be a citizen of a Commonwealth country
- Be below 40 years of age
- Minimum qualification of Bachelor’s degree is required
- Minimum score of 60%
- Application Process:
The initial screening of Commonwealth Scholarship recipients in India will be conducted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. This selection process involves shortlisting applications and conducting personal interviews in New Delhi.
For more information on the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), check their website.
Gates Scholarships
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation launched the Gates Cambridge Scholarships programme in October 2000. This foundation donated $210 million to the University of Cambridge, with the aim of encouraging international postgraduate students to study at the University of Cambridge and develop skills to provide service to their communities.
As a recipient of a Gates Scholarship, your entire cost of studying at the University of Cambridge is covered. Students from all over the world can apply for the Gates Scholarships, provided they are pursuing a postgraduate degree in the UK.
The Gates Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students from outside the UK who wish to study at an accredited UK-based university. This is one of the most prestigious postgraduate scholarships in the UK and in order to win it, you need to meet the eligibility criteria.
- Eligibility criteria –
- Leadership potential
- Outstanding academic achievements
- A commitment to improving the lives of others
- A good fit between the applicant’s qualifications and aspirations and the postgraduate programme at Cambridge for which they are applying.
- Application process
This scholarship can only be applied by students who have an American – Indian background. Moreover, an important and mandatory document during the application process is for students to have proof of tribal enrolment. Nonetheless, the application process remains the same.
The International Research Foundation for English Language Education (TIRF)
The International Research Foundation for English Language Education (TIRF) offers postgraduate scholarships in the UK to international students. Since the International Research Foundation for English Language Education is a non-profit organisation, most of its scholarships go to students coming from low and middle-income countries.
The International Research Foundation for English Language Education has a wonderful doctoral scholarship programme, where PhD or EdD applicants are invited to submit proposals for Doctoral Dissertation Grants (DDGs). The TIRF committee of international researchers reviews the proposal and winners are awarded scholarships of up to $5,000.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree
- Language proficiency in English is required
- Applicants must also submit a research proposal
- LOR
- Application process:
Applicants are required to complete the online application form, providing accurate and detailed information. Some scholarships may also involve an interview or additional selection stages. It is crucial to carefully follow the instructions provided by TIRF and submit the application before the specified deadline.
Rotary
The international Rotary is a network of over 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries. This organization offers postgraduate scholarships in the UK to students living in countries where there are active Rotary clubs.
Every year, the Rotary offers scholarships for postgraduate studies in the fields of world peace and conflict resolution or water and sanitation. The Rotary Peace Fellowships are awarded to candidates who enrol in a Master’s degree or certificate programme at one of six partner universities, which are known as ‘Rotary Peace Centres’. One of the Rotary Peace Centres includes the University of Bradford.
- Scholarships awarded by this organisation:
- Education Future International Scholarship – USA & Non-USA 2023
- AvaCare Medical Scholarship 2023
- Leakey Foundation Research Grants 2023
- Future Journalism Teacher Scholarships 2023
- Japan America Society Of Minnesota (JASM) Mondale Scholarship 2023
- Nurses Make A Difference Scholarship 2023
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Strong academic performance and achievements.
- Rotary affiliation, such as being a member or having a close family relationship with a Rotary member.
- Proficiency in the language of instruction.
- Demonstrated leadership skills and community service involvement.
- Relevant work experience in the field of study.
- Commitment to promoting peace, understanding, and international goodwill.
- Meeting health and character requirements specified by Rotary International.
- Application process:
The application process for the International Rotary Foundation Scholarship typically involves the following steps. First, applicants must identify and contact their local Rotary Club or Rotary District to inquire about available scholarship opportunities. Next, they need to carefully review the eligibility criteria and gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and a detailed study or research plan. After completing the application form, applicants may be required to participate in interviews or other selection activities. It is important to submit the application by the specified deadline and follow any additional instructions provided by the Rotary Club or District handling the scholarship programme.
Popular UK Scholarships For Indian Students
Dr. Singh Scholarships
The Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship was first launched by St John’s College, in honour of Dr. Manmohan Singh. These scholarships are targeted at Indian students who wish to pursue doctoral studies at St. John’s College, a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. Indian students pursuing postgraduate courses in areas like Economics, Social Sciences and Science & Technology, Aerospace Engineering and Energy Studies will be given preference. The monthly stipend will be enough to fully cover academic fees, international airfare, living expenses and student visa to the UK.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be an Indian citizen with a valid passport
- Be below 35 years of age
- Hold a master’s degree from an Indian university
- Not be a recipient for other UK scholarships
Goa Education Trust Scholarships
The Goa Education Trust Scholarships are aimed at providing Goans with the financial arsenal to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. As per the Goa Education Trust Scholarships rules, scholarships and research fellowships are awarded to deserving students for their post-graduate studies in the United Kingdom, irrespective of their area of study. Since its inception in 2010, these scholarships have helped many Indian students to pursue their dream of studying Ancient History, Journalism, and Law at the most popular universities in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency in Goa is a requirement.
- Belonging to a Minority community is mandatory.
- Pursuing classes ranging from 1st to 10th is necessary.
- Obtaining a minimum of 50% marks in the previous year’s examination is essential.
- The annual income limit must not exceed Rs. 1,00,000/-.
Sir Ratan Tata Scholarships
Started in honour of one of the most philanthropic people of our time, Mr Ratan Tata, the Sir Ratan Tata Scholarships provide partial international airfare for Indian students travelling from India to the UK. These travel grants are for Indian students applying for post-graduate and doctoral studies in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria
- Indian citizenship and residency are mandatory.
- The candidate must be younger than 35 years of age.
- A remarkable academic track record in the undergraduate degree is necessary.
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
The Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships is one of the most popular postgraduate scholarships in the UK among Indian students. Charles Wallace India Trust offers up to 10 long-term awards to Indian students who are pursuing their postgraduate studies in the UK. This scholarship covers the cost of tuition, accommodation and other living costs. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships are available only to Indian students who are pursuing 1-year postgraduate degree programmes in the UK. CWIT does not provide scholarships for two-year courses.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicants must be enrolled in disciplines that fall within the scope of CWIT.
- They should be Indian citizens residing in India.
- Previous recipients of CWIT grants within the last five years are ineligible to apply.
Every year, thousands of students apply for the aforementioned scholarships. This means that the probability of you bagging a scholarship is pretty slim. But don’t let this fact discourage you. You can always apply for an education loan from UniCreds, which will allow you to live your dream of studying in the UK. Education loans listed on the UniCreds platform are 100% safe and reliable. They also have loans that cover the entire cost of tuition, accommodation expenses and other living expenses.
If you are looking for scholarships for graduate students, head over to UniScholars to find the perfect scholarship that matches your academic background.
