Dreaming of studying at a prestigious UK university but worried about the cost? Good news: many Russell Group universities offer generous scholarships and funding options exclusively for Indian and other international students.
This guide breaks down all the key scholarships available, university-wise, so you can plan your study abroad journey smartly and affordably.
The Russell Group represents 24 of the UK’s top research-intensive universities, known for academic excellence, global reputation, and strong employability outcomes. Think of them as the UK’s Ivy League.
Read More At: Russell Group Of Universities (UK)
Here’s a breakdown of major scholarships offered by each Russell Group university relevant to Indian students:
University | Scholarship Name | Level | Value (Approx.) | Eligibility | Deadline |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Oxford | Reach Oxford, Clarendon Fund | UG/PG | Full tuition + living costs | Academic merit, financial need | Jan–Mar 2025 |
University of Cambridge | Cambridge Trust Scholarships | PG | Full/partial funding | Indian passport, academic excellence | Dec 2024–Jan 2025 |
Imperial College London | President’s India Scholarship | PG | £10,000–£15,000 | Indian nationals with offer | May 2025 |
University College London (UCL) | Global Masters Scholarship | PG | £15,000 | International students from lower-income backgrounds | April 2025 |
University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship | PhD | Tuition fee difference | Research proposal, academic record | Feb 2025 |
University of Manchester | Global Futures Scholarship | UG/PG | £5,000–£10,000 | Indian students with unconditional offer | June 2025 |
King’s College London | King’s India Scholarship | PG | £5,000 | Indian nationals with strong academics | March 2025 |
University of Bristol | Think Big Scholarship | UG/PG | Up to £20,000 | Academic merit, essay-based | April 2025 |
University of Warwick | Chancellor’s International Scholarships | PG/PhD | Tuition + stipend | Indian postgrad research applicants | Jan 2025 |
University of Glasgow | International Leadership Scholarship | PG | £10,000 | Academic merit | April–May 2025 |
University of Leeds | Dean’s Excellence Scholarship | PG | £5,000 | Academic excellence | May 2025 |
University of Birmingham | India Outstanding Achievement Scholarship | UG | £2,500 | Indian passport, academic merit | June 2025 |
University of Nottingham | Developing Solutions Scholarship | PG | 50–100% tuition | Indian nationals focused on development | May 2025 |
University of Sheffield | International Undergraduate Scholarship | UG | £2,000–£2,500/year | Academic performance | April–May 2025 |
Queen Mary University of London | QMUL India Scholarship | UG/PG | £3,000 | Automatically applied if eligible | Rolling |
University of Southampton | GREAT Scholarship (India) | PG | £10,000 | Indian passport + conditional offer | May 2025 |
Durham University | Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship | UG | £5,000 | Exceptional academic record | April 2025 |
Criteria | Typical Requirement |
---|---|
Nationality | Indian citizen or Indian passport holder |
Academic Record | 70–85%+ or 2:1 UK equivalent |
Offer Letter | Unconditional or conditional admission offer |
Language | IELTS/TOEFL (Some scholarships waive based on medium of instruction) |
Documentation | SOP, LORs, proof of income, transcripts |
Step | Action |
---|---|
1 | Apply to the university and get an offer (conditional/unconditional) |
2 | Review scholarship deadlines and eligibility |
3 | Submit a separate scholarship application (if required) |
4 | Write a compelling personal statement or essay |
5 | Upload academic transcripts, passport, and financial docs |
6 | Attend interviews (if shortlisted) |
7 | Wait for results and confirm funding |
Scholarship | Value | Offered By | Applicable To |
---|---|---|---|
Commonwealth Scholarship | Full tuition + living | UK Govt. | Master’s & PhD |
Chevening Scholarship | Full tuition + stipend | FCDO, UK Govt. | Leadership potential & experience |
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation | Up to $100,000 | Private trust (India) | Top global universities |
JN Tata Endowment | Loan-Scholarship | Tata Trusts | PG courses abroad |
British Council GREAT Scholarship | £10,000 | UK Govt. + partner unis | Indian PG students |
Choosing the right university, shortlisting scholarships, and perfecting your SOP can be overwhelming. Admitix can help you with not just that, but also:
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What is the Russell Group?
It’s a group of 24 top UK research universities known for academic excellence.
Can Indian students get scholarships at Russell Group universities?
Yes, many offer scholarships exclusively for Indian and international students.
Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
Some require a separate application, while others are automatic based on your admission.
When should I apply for UK university scholarships?
Ideally 6–10 months before your course start date.
Are full scholarships available?
Yes, universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Warwick offer fully funded options.
What is the GPA or percentage required?
Most scholarships need 70–85% or higher in your previous degree.
Can I combine university and external scholarships?
In many cases, yes—check terms for each.
Do I need IELTS for scholarship eligibility?
Usually yes, but some waive it if your education was in English.
Is financial need considered for UK scholarships?
Some are merit-based, while others also consider financial background.
What documents are needed to apply?
You’ll need transcripts, SOP, LORs, passport, and sometimes income proof.