Study Abroad

Master’s in the UK 2024: University Eligibility, Scholarship & more

29 October, 2024

Ranjana Singh, Lead Admission Consultant, IMS Venturi

Are you one of the 94,149 Indian students aiming to pursue a master’s in the UK but concerned about the cost? Fear not! Plenty of scholarships are available to help ease the financial burden of master’s in the UK for Indian students.

masters in the uk

Key Highlights of Scholarships for Master’s in the UK

Here are essential details about the scholarships available for master’s in the UK:

Highlight	Details
Types of Scholarships	Government, Private, University, Subject-based
Top Scholarships	Chevening, Gates Cambridge, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship
Average Reward	GBP 1K to GBP 8K (INR 1L to 8.6L)
Eligibility	Academic Merit, Nationality, Admission Offer

What Do Scholarships for a Master’s in the UK Cover?

Scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of a master’s in the UK, which averages between INR 12L and 48.7L (GBP 11K to GBP 45K) per year. Some scholarships even provide living stipends to cover accommodation, food, and travel. For example, the prestigious Chevening Scholarships offer full financial backing for one-year postgraduate programs at over 150 top UK universities.

Types of Scholarships for Master’s in the UK

Various scholarships are available, offering support in different forms for MS courses in UK:

1. Government-Funded Scholarships:

The UK government offers prominent scholarships like the Chevening, which fully funds international students for their master’s degrees.

2. Private Scholarships:

Funded by corporations and foundations, these scholarships, like the Gates Cambridge, offer financial support based on merit and need.

3. University-Based Scholarships:

Several UK universities, such as Sussex, offer scholarships that reduce tuition fees and living costs for master’s in the UK for Indian students.

4. Subject-Based Scholarships:

These scholarships focus on specific fields, such as engineering and medicine, and are awarded based on merit and need. For example, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarship provides fully funded opportunities in various disciplines.

Read More – Most Affordable MBA Programs in the World

Top 10 Scholarships for Master’s in the UK

Scholarships are essential for Indian students pursuing a master’s in the UK. Below is a list of the top scholarships available:

Scholarship	Award Amount
Chevening Scholarship	GBP 30K (INR 32.4L) a year
Gates Cambridge Scholarship	GBP 30K to 45K (INR 32.4L to 48.7L) a year
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship	GBP 1.4K to 1.7K + full tuition fee
Rhodes Scholarship	GBP 19.1K (INR 20.6L) a year
Felix Scholarships	Tuition + GBP 17.8K (INR 19.2L) living allowance
GREAT Scholarship	GBP 10K (INR 10.8L) total
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree	GBP 1.2K (INR 1.3L) monthly allowance
Scotland Saltire Scholarships	GBP 8K (INR 8.6L) a year
Inlaks Scholarships	Up to GBP 77.7K (INR 84L) in total
Sussex Chancellor’s Scholarships	GBP 11.5K (INR 12.4L) living allowance

Eligibility Criteria for Popular Scholarships

1. Chevening Scholarship

The Chevening is a government-funded scholarship that covers full tuition, accommodation, and travel. To be eligible, Indian students must:

Be from a Chevening-eligible country
Have at least two years of work experience
Hold an undergraduate degree
Apply to three UK courses and secure an offer from one

2. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship offers full funding for international students at Cambridge. To qualify, applicants must:

Be non-UK citizens
Apply for a full-time postgraduate degree (MLitt or one-year course)
Show academic excellence and leadership potential

3. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship

This scholarship supports students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. To qualify, you must:

Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country
Hold an undergraduate degree with at least upper second-class honours
Demonstrate financial need

4. Rhodes Scholarship

The prestigious Rhodes Scholarship funds postgraduate study at Oxford for exceptional students. Eligibility criteria include:

4 to 10 years of formal education in India
Age between 19 and 25
A first-class undergraduate degree

5. Felix Scholarships

Available to Indian and other developing country students, the Felix covers tuition fees and living expenses at select UK universities. Eligibility includes:

Indian nationality
Academic excellence with a first-class degree
Admission to the chosen university

6. GREAT Scholarships

The GREAT Scholarships provide financial support to students from 15 countries, including India. Eligibility criteria include:

Indian citizenship
An undergraduate degree
Motivation to study in a specific field

7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarships

These scholarships offer fully funded master’s programs across multiple European universities. To be eligible, you need:

A first degree (180 ECTS)
Practitioner experience in a relevant field
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

8. Scotland Saltire Scholarships

Available to Indian students pursuing full-time master’s degrees in Scotland, this scholarship requires:

Permanent Indian residency
Admission to a Scottish university
A UK first-class or 2:1 honours degree

9. Inlaks Scholarships

This scholarship funds Indian students to study abroad, focusing on the humanities and social sciences. To be eligible, you must:

Hold Indian citizenship
Be born on or after January 1, 1994
Have prior admission to your chosen institution

10. Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships

Sussex offers a 50% tuition fee reduction for international students based on academic excellence.

How IMS Venturi Can Help You With Getting a Master’s in the UK?

At IMS Venturi, we are dedicated to guiding you through the scholarship application process. Our expert team will assist you in understanding each scholarship’s requirements, preparing compelling application materials, and meeting deadlines. We offer personalised support to help you craft standout applications and maximise your chances of securing funding.

Whether you’re aiming for a Chevening, Gates Cambridge, or any other scholarship, our comprehensive services are designed to ensure you present the strongest application possible. Let IMS Venturi be your partner in achieving your academic and professional goals abroad. Contact us today to start your journey towards a fully-funded education in the UK!

Master’s in the UK – Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the top scholarships for a Master’s in the UK?

The top scholarships for a Master’s in the UK include:

The Chevening Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship

These are fully funded scholarships for a master’s in the UK, providing financial support for tuition and living expenses.

Q. How can I find postgraduate scholarships in the UK for international students?

You can find postgraduate scholarships in the UK for international students by researching UK university websites, government scholarship portals, and organisations that offer funding. Many universities also list UK master’s scholarships for international students on their official pages.

Q. What are the eligibility criteria for a scholarship for a master’s in the UK for Indian students?

Eligibility criteria for a scholarship for master’s in the UK for Indian students typically include:

A solid academic record
Proof of English language proficiency
An offer of admission from a UK university.

Some scholarships also require work experience or a demonstrated commitment to leadership.

Read More – Top MiM Universities in the UK

Q. Can I apply for multiple UK master’s scholarships for international students?

Yes, you can apply for multiple UK master’s scholarships for international students. However, you should ensure that each scholarship application is tailored to meet the specific requirements and that you qualify for each scholarship you apply for.

Q. How competitive are fully funded scholarships for a master’s in the UK?

Fully funded scholarships for a master’s in the UK are highly competitive, with many applicants vying for limited spots. Preparing a strong application that highlights your academic achievements, leadership skills, and why you are a good fit for the scholarship is essential.

Q. What is the best master’s in Law UK scholarship available?

The Chevening Scholarship is considered one of the best master’s in Law UK scholarships. It offers full financial support for a one-year LLM program at any UK university and is highly regarded for its focus on leadership and academic excellence.

Q. How do I get a scholarship for a master’s in the UK if I have average grades?

Even with average grades, you can still secure scholarships for a master’s in the UK by highlighting other strengths such as work experience, extracurricular activities, and strong personal statements. Some postgraduate scholarships in the UK for international students consider the candidate’s overall profile.

Q. Are there scholarships for a master’s in the UK specifically for Indian students?

Yes, there are scholarships for a master’s in the UK specifically for Indian students, such as the Felix Scholarships and Inlaks Scholarships. These scholarships focus on supporting academically gifted Indian students who wish to study in the UK.

Q. Do I need to be accepted into a program before applying for postgraduate scholarships in the UK for international students?

Yes, most postgraduate scholarships in the UK for international students require you to have an offer of admission from a UK university before you can apply. Make sure to secure your place in the program early.

Q. What documents are required for applying to scholarships for a master’s in the UK?

Commonly required documents for scholarships for a master’s in the UK include:

Academic transcripts
Proof of English language proficiency
A personal statement
Letters of recommendation
A copy of your admission offer from a UK university

Q. How can I increase my chances of getting a fully funded scholarship for a master’s in the UK?

To increase your chances of getting a fully funded scholarship for a master’s in the UK, start by thoroughly researching how to get a scholarship for a master’s in the UK. Focus on applying early, ensuring your application is complete, and highlighting your unique qualifications and aspirations.