The UK is a highly attractive destination for global students, especially from India, known for its prestigious universities, diverse culture, and global academic recognition. With centuries-old institutions, innovative teaching methods, and a variety of programs, the UK excels in educational excellence globally. Scholarships and grants play a crucial role in making education financially accessible. A UK degree offers not just a credential but a transformative journey. While the UK provides exceptional educational opportunities, understanding available financial aid is essential for aspiring international students. Numerous funding avenues exist, ranging from partial support to comprehensive funding covering program costs, living allowances, and return travel expenses, catering to diverse backgrounds and ambitions.Here are some scholarships that Indian students should explore:GREAT ScholarshipsThe GREAT Scholarships, initiated by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and British Council, offer financial support to international students, including those from India, to pursue postgraduate programmes in the UK. They provide students with the opportunity to receive £10,000 towards their tuition fees for a wide range of one-year taught postgraduate courses.For the 2024-25 academic year, there are 26 postgraduate scholarships available aimed at enabling Indian students to access high-quality education in the UK.Furthermore, there are specific postgraduate scholarships available for Indian students specialising in Justice and Law, and Science and Technology.Commonwealth ScholarshipsThe Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) extends scholarships and fellowships to talented individuals from Commonwealth countries, including India. These scholarships cater to postgraduate studies and contribute to the development of skilled professionals and future leaders.Each year, around 700 students from around the world are awarded this scholarship. With a focus on academic merit and the potential to create a positive impact in their home countries, Commonwealth Scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other essential study-related expenditures.The scholarships are offered under six CSC development themes:

• Science and technology for development
• Strengthening health systems and capacity
• Promoting global prosperity
• Strengthening global peace, security and governance
• Strengthening resilience and response to crises
• Access, inclusion and opportunity

Charles Wallace India Trust ScholarshipsThe Charles Wallace India Trust offers scholarships to Indian students, professionals, and artists seeking to engage in specific fields of study or research in the UK. These scholarships support short-term visits or longer-term programmes, emphasising cultural exchange and fostering expertise in areas like visual arts, heritage conservation, music, and more.The long-term grants are usually for a full-time MA course (maximum 1 year) and short-term grants (usually around three weeks) in the field of arts or heritage conservation. The trust aims to nurture talent and strengthen educational ties between India and the UK. The long-term grant covers the living costs and course fees in the UK. It also contributes GBP 600 towards international travel. Whereas the short-term grant is a one-off grant of £1,500 towards the costs of their short stay in the UK.British Council Women in STEM ScholarshipThe British Council’s Women in STEM Scholarship supports outstanding Indian women pursuing master’s degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields at UK universities. The scholarship programme is in partnership with 21 UK universities with the aim to encourage gender diversity and increase opportunities in STEM for girls and women. The scholarships cover tuition fees, stipends, travel expenses, visa fees, health coverage, and English language assistance.Several other scholarships like Chevening, The Felix Scholarship, Inlaks Scholarships and many more, are also offered by various organisations and UK government and higher education institutions (HEIs). The landscape of educational opportunities in the UK for Indian students is not only marked by its renowned academic institutions and diverse cultural milieu but also by the robust financial support offered through various scholarships and grants.As Indian students embark on their academic journeys to the UK, these scholarships play a significant role not only in providing financial assistance but also in creating opportunities to succeed in a globalised world.
(Author is MBE, Director Education India, British Council)
--Source: Financial Express