Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK for Indian & Global Students

The dream of studying in the UK often comes with a heavy price tag, but financial barriers should not stop talented students from achieving their goals. Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK offer a golden opportunity for international students to pursue quality education without worrying about costs. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and more, helping students focus on their academic and professional growth. From global programs like Chevening and Gates Cambridge to university-specific awards such as Clarendon and Think Big, this blog explores the best fully funded scholarships that make studying in the UK more achievable.

List of Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK

Every year, the UK opens its doors to bright minds from around the world and yes, that includes Indian students too. These fully funded scholarships cover almost everything you can think of. Here is a quick list of the 15 best fully funded scholarships in the UK that can help you study without worrying about money. 

Scholarship Name	Benefit & Coverage	Application Deadline (Tentative)
Chevening Scholarship	Full tuition, maintenance allowance around GBP 21,000 per year, travel, and visa support	October 2026 based on previous cycle
Gates Cambridge Scholarship	Full tuition and annual stipend, estimated GBP 25,000	October 2026 based on previous cycle
Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship	Full tuition, maintenance allowance of around GBP 21,000 per year, travel, and visa support	November 2026 based on previous cycle
University of Bristol Think Big Scholarship	Tuition reduction or full fee waiver, living support estimated GBP 6,500 to GBP 6,000	June 2026 based on previous cycle
University of East Anglia Global Scholarships	Tuition fee waiver and maintenance support estimated GBP 4,000 to GBP 10,000	May 2026 based on previous cycle
Rotary Peace Fellowship	Full funding of tuition, living and travel for peace or leadership studies	July 2026 based on previous cycle
University of Dundee Global Excellence Scholarship	Up to GBP 7,500 per year for undergraduates, up to GBP 8,000 per year for postgraduates	13 December 2026
Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence	Tuition fee reduction estimated GBP 5,000 to GBP 10,000	April 2026 based on previous cycle
Global Leaders Scholarship	Tuition discount or funding estimated GBP 3,000 to GBP 5,000	May 2026 based on previous cycle
Cambridge University MBA Scholarships	Full or major tuition coverage and living support estimated GBP 30,000	May 2026 based on previous cycle
University of Exeter Undergraduate & Postgraduate Scholarships	India-specific and international student awards estimated GBP 7,500 to GBP 15,000	March 2026 based on previous cycle
Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship	Fully funded master’s and MBA path including full tuition, stipend estimated GBP 17,668 per year	January 2026 based on previous cycle
Clarendon Scholarship	Full tuition and stipend estimated GBP 18,000 per year	December 2026 based on previous cycle
St Cross College Scholarships	Merit-based awards estimated GBP 10,000 to GBP 12,000	March 2026 based on previous cycle
Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship	Full or major funding for Muslim or developing-country scholars, stipend estimated GBP 18,000 per year	January 2026 based on previous cycle

Chevening Scholarship

The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most popular fully funded scholarships in the UK for Indian students. It is funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and aims to support future leaders, changemakers, and ambitious professionals from across the world.

What the Scholarship Covers

Chevening is a fully funded scholarship. That means it pays for almost everything you’ll need during your stay in the UK:

• Full university tuition fees for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
  
• A monthly living allowance to cover accommodation, food, and transport.
  
• Round-trip economy flight to the UK.
  
• Visa and travel grants to attend events organised by the Chevening Secretariat.

Eligibility 

Students are fully eligible for Chevening as long as they meet these simple requirements:

• You must be a citizen of India and plan to return home for at least two years after completing your studies.
  
• You must have a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class.
  
• You must have at least two years of work experience.
  
• You must apply to three different eligible UK master’s courses and receive at least one offer by the deadline.
  
• You must meet the English language requirement.

Application Timeline and Process

The Chevening application process usually runs as follows:

1. Applications open in August every year.
   
2. Deadline falls around early October for the next academic year.
   
3. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews (February–April).
   
4. Final results are announced by June.
   
5. Students start their studies in the UK by September or October.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most respected and competitive scholarships in the world. Established in 2000 through a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, it supports exceptional students from outside the UK to study at the University of Cambridge. The aim is to help outstanding students use their education to improve the lives of others through research, innovation, and leadership.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is fully funded, meaning it covers almost every cost related to studying in the UK:

• Full tuition fees at the University of Cambridge.
  
• Maintenance allowance of around GBP 20,000 per year for living expenses.
  
• Airfare to and from the UK at the start and end of the course.
  
• Visa and health surcharge costs.
  
• Additional support such as funding for conferences, fieldwork, and family allowance.

Eligibility

Students are eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship if they meet the following conditions:

• Must be a citizen of a country outside the UK.
  
• Must be applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
  
• Must demonstrate strong academic excellence, leadership ability, and a commitment to improving lives.

Application Process and Timeline

The application process is completed through the University of Cambridge’s official application portal. Here’s how it works:

1. Submit your course application on the Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.
   
2. Select the option to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
   
3. Upload your Gates-specific essays, academic references, and personal statement.
   
4. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, which usually happens in early 2026 for Indian applicants.

Deadlines:

• December 2025: Main deadline for most international applicants.
  
• January 2026: Some courses may have a later deadline depending on the department.

Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship

The President’s PhD Scholarship at Imperial College London is one of the most sought-after research scholarships in the UK. It supports brilliant students from all over the world, who want to pursue a PhD at one of the top universities for science, technology, engineering, and medicine. The scholarship is designed to let researchers focus completely on their projects while receiving full financial and academic support.

What the Scholarship Covers

This is a fully funded PhD scholarship, which means it removes financial barrier for your research journey. It includes:

• Full tuition fee coverage for up to 3.5 years.
  
• Annual stipend of about GBP 25,150 to cover living expenses.
  
• Research cost allowance of up to GBP 2,000 per year for equipment, travel, or fieldwork.
  
• Access to world-class labs, supervision, and innovation networks at Imperial College London.

Eligibility 

Students can apply for the Imperial President’s PhD Scholarship if they meet the following conditions:

• Must hold a first-class or equivalent undergraduate and postgraduate degree.
  
• Must have strong research potential and an excellent academic record.
  
• Must have contacted a potential supervisor at Imperial College before applying.
  
• Must be applying for a PhD programme at Imperial College London.
  
• Must meet the English language requirement set by the university.

Application Process and Timeline

The application is completely online through the Imperial College London portal. Students must first find a suitable supervisor and research area before submitting their proposal.

The university offers three application rounds every year for this scholarship:

1. Round 1: Opens in October 2025 & Deadline: Early November 2025.
   
2. Round 2: Opens in January 2026 & Deadline: Early March 2026.
   
3. Round 3: Opens in April 2026 & Deadline: June 2026.

Also Read: Study in UK: 3 BU Scholarships Indian Students Can Apply for January 2025 

University of Bristol Think Big Scholarship

The Think Big Scholarship at the University of Bristol is one of the most popular UK scholarships for international students. It aims to attract bright minds who can contribute to global change through academic excellence and leadership potential. The scholarship supports both undergraduate and postgraduate students across various disciplines.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Think Big Scholarship is partially funded, but it significantly reduces the financial burden for international students. The value of the award depends on the level of study:

For Undergraduate Students

• Scholarship value: GBP 6,500 to GBP 13,000 per year for tuition fees only.

For Postgraduate Students

• Scholarship value: GBP 6,500, GBP 13,000, or GBP 26,000 per year for tuition fees only.
  
• Some recipients may also receive a one-time GBP 3,000 living cost bursary in their first year.

Eligibility 

Students can apply if they meet the following criteria:

• Must be an international student for fee purposes.
  
• Must have applied to a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught program at the University of Bristol.
  
• Must not already be receiving another fully funded scholarship.
  
• For postgraduate programs, the applicant should have an undergraduate degree with good academic standing.
  
• Must meet English language requirements as per the course chosen.

Application Process and Timeline

Applications for the Think Big Scholarship are submitted online through the University of Bristol’s official scholarship portal. The process is simple and can be done even before receiving an offer from the university.

Application Cycle	Deadline
Undergraduate 2026 entry	February 2026
Postgraduate 2026 entry (Round 1)	April 2026
Postgraduate 2026 entry (Round 2)	June 2026

University of East Anglia Global Scholarships

The University of East Anglia in Norwich is known for its creative teaching approach, research excellence, and student-friendly campus. To support talented international students, UEA offers the Global Scholarships, a set of funding options designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and accessible.

What the Scholarship Covers

The UEA Global Scholarships are partially funded, but they can significantly reduce the tuition fee burden. The value of the scholarship depends on the course level and academic performance.

For Undergraduate Students

• Scholarship value: GBP 4,000 per year which is applied as a tuition fee discount.

For Postgraduate Students

• Scholarship value: GBP 4,000 to GBP 10,000, depending on academic merit.
  
• In some cases, exceptional candidates may receive a full tuition fee scholarship through the UEA International Development Full Fees Scholarship.

Eligibility

Students are eligible to apply if they meet the following requirements:

• Must be an international student.
  
• Must have applied for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught course at the University of East Anglia.
  
• Must demonstrate academic excellence and a strong personal statement outlining career goals and motivation.
  
• For master’s courses, students must hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 classification.
  
• English language proficiency as per course requirements.

Application Process and Timeline

The UEA Global Scholarships are application-based for most postgraduate courses, while some undergraduate awards are automatically considered during admission.

Level	Application Deadline	Notes
Undergraduate	Automatically considered upon course application	No separate form needed
Postgraduate	30 April 2026 for September intake	Apply via the UEA Scholarship Portal

Rotary Peace Fellowship

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is one of the most respected global awards for students who want to work toward peace, social change, and global development. It funds master’s degrees and professional development programs in fields like international relations, public policy, and peace studies.

What the Scholarship Covers

For Indian students who dream of creating real-world impact, this fellowship can open global doors. It covers full tuition, living expenses, travel, internship costs, and even field-study opportunities. 

Eligibility

To apply, students need a bachelor’s degree, at least three years of work or volunteer experience in peace-related fields, and a strong track record of leadership or service. Rotary looks for people who genuinely want to make a difference.

Application Process

1. Apply directly through the Rotary International website.
   
2. Get endorsed by a local Rotary District before submission.
   
3. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed and matched with a partner university.
   
4. Final fellows are announced globally by Rotary International.

Scholarship Coverage

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is fully funded. It includes:

• Full tuition and university fees
  
• Living and travel allowance
  
• Internship and field study funding

Application Deadline

Usually between April and July every year but it can vary slightly by region.

University of Dundee Global Excellence Scholarship

The University of Dundee Global Excellence Scholarship rewards students who show outstanding academic performance and strong potential to contribute to their field. It’s designed for international students, applying for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at the University of Dundee in Scotland.

Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

• Hold an offer to study a full-time course at the University of Dundee.
  
• Have achieved the equivalent of at least a UK first-class distinction in previous studies.
  
• Be classed as an international fee-paying student.

Application Process

1. Apply for an eligible course at the University of Dundee.
   
2. If selected, the university automatically considers your application for the scholarship, no separate form is needed.
   
3. Shortlisted students are informed via email.

Scholarship Coverage

• Up to GBP 6,000 per year for undergraduate programs.
  
• Up to GBP 5,000 to GBP 10,000 for postgraduate programs.
  
• Awarded as a tuition fee reduction.

Application Deadline

Usually late July for September entry. 

Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence

The Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence Scholarship is offered by the University of Bath and a few other top UK universities to recognise students with outstanding academic records and potential for future leadership. It’s one of the most respected merit-based awards for international students, who plan to pursue postgraduate study in the UK.

Eligibility

To qualify, students must:

• Hold an offer to study a full-time taught master’s programme at the University of Bath or other participating universities.
  
• Be classed as an international fee-paying student.
  
• Have achieved strong academic performance in previous degrees.

Application Process

1. Apply for an eligible postgraduate course.
   
2. Once you receive an offer, apply separately for the Dean’s Award through the university’s online scholarship portal.
   
3. Write a short statement explaining how your academic and personal goals align with the university’s values.

Scholarship Coverage

• Amount: Typically GBP 5,000 to GBP 10,000.
  
• Type: Tuition fee reduction, not a cash award.
  
• Number of Awards: Around 20–30 students per year across faculties.

Application Deadline

Usually around April–May each year.

Global Leaders Scholarship

The Global Leaders Scholarship is a merit-based award offered by top UK universities like the University of Bath, University of Exeter, and University of Glasgow. It is designed for international students, who show exceptional academic ability, leadership potential, and a desire to make a difference in their chosen field.

Eligibility

To be considered, applicants must:

• Hold an offer to study a full-time taught master’s programme at one of the participating universities.
  
• Be classed as an international fee-paying student.
  
• Have a proven record of academic excellence and leadership activities.

Application Process

1. Apply for an eligible postgraduate course at a participating university.
   
2. After receiving an offer, complete a separate scholarship application through the university portal.
   
3. Submit a short personal statement explaining how you have shown leadership and how the scholarship will help your goals.

Scholarship Coverage

• Amount: Typically ranges between GBP 3,000 to GBP 5,000.
  
• Type: Tuition fee reduction only.
  
• Number of Awards: Limited slots per faculty.

Application Deadline

Usually between April and June each year.

Also Read: Study in UK: International Students House & London Met Postgraduate Scholarships Open for Indian Citizens 

Cambridge University MBA Scholarships 

The Cambridge University MBA Scholarships, such as the Boustany Foundation Scholarship at Cambridge Judge Business School, are among the most prestigious opportunities for international MBA students. These scholarships aim to support talented individuals who want to pursue a world-class business education at the University of Cambridge.

Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

• Hold an offer of admission to the Cambridge MBA Programme at Judge Business School.
  
• Have a strong academic background and professional experience.
  
• Demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to making a positive global impact.

Application Process

1. Apply for admission to the Cambridge MBA Programme first.
   
2. Once admitted, submit a separate application for the Boustany Foundation Scholarship via the foundation’s website.
   
3. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.

Scholarship Coverage

• Amount: Around GBP 30,000 to GBP 32,000.
  
• Type: Partial funding covering tuition and related expenses.
  
• Extras: Internship opportunity with the Boustany Foundation in Monaco.

Application Deadline

Usually around May. 

University of Exeter Undergraduate & Postgraduate Scholarships

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships to attract bright international students. These scholarships are designed to support talented students across disciplines like business, engineering, data science, and humanities. Many of them are merit-based, meaning they reward academic excellence and leadership potential rather than financial need.

Eligibility

To apply, students must:

• Hold an offer to study a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Exeter.
  
• Be classified as an international fee-paying student.
  
• Meet the academic and subject-specific requirements of their chosen program.

Application Process

1. Apply for an eligible course at the University of Exeter.
   
2. Once you receive an offer, you’ll automatically be considered for certain scholarships, while others may require a separate application.
   
3. Some scholarships ask for a short statement explaining your achievements and goals.

Scholarship Coverage

• Undergraduate: Up to GBP 7,500 per year.
  
• Postgraduate: Up to GBP 10,000–GBP 15,000.
  
• Offered as tuition fee reductions for the first year or full program duration.

Application Deadline

Usually between March and May.

Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship

The Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards offered by the University of Oxford for exceptional students pursuing the 1+1 MBA programme, a combination of a master’s degree and an MBA at the Saïd Business School. It is a fully funded scholarship, covering all major costs and supporting students who want to solve global challenges through business and innovation.

Eligibility

To apply, candidates must:

• Apply for both an eligible master’s program and the Oxford MBA as part of the 1+1 MBA track.
  
• Demonstrate exceptional academic performance and leadership skills.
  
• Have a clear plan for addressing world-scale challenges through their work or research.

Application Process

1. Apply to both the Oxford MBA and the chosen master’s program before the January admission deadline.
   
2. Tick the option for the Pershing Square Scholarship in the funding section of the MBA application form.
   
3. Submit a short essay outlining your vision and how your goals align with the Pershing Square Foundation’s mission.

Scholarship Coverage

• Full tuition fees for both degrees.
  
• Living stipend: Around GBP 17,668 per year.
  
• Additional funding for conferences, internships, and global networking events.

Application Deadline

Usually in early January each year.

Clarendon Scholarship 

The Clarendon Scholarship is one of the most well-known and competitive scholarships offered by the University of Oxford. It is a fully funded scholarship available for both master’s and doctoral programs, and it welcomes outstanding international students across all subjects and departments at Oxford.

Eligibility

To qualify, students must:

• Apply for a full-time or part-time master’s or DPhil course at the University of Oxford.
  
• Show an excellent academic record and research aptitude.
  
• Meet the individual course’s English language and admission requirements.
  
• There is no separate application, all eligible applicants are automatically considered.

Application Process

1. Submit your Oxford course application by the December or January deadline.
   
2. The university automatically considers all eligible candidates for the Clarendon Scholarship.
   
3. Shortlisted candidates are contacted directly by the Clarendon Fund administrators.

Scholarship Coverage

• Tuition and college fees: Fully covered.
  
• Living stipend: Around GBP 18,000 per year.
  
• Covers the entire duration of the course.

Application Deadline

Usually between December and January each year.

St Cross College Scholarships

The St Cross College Scholarships are awarded by St Cross College, one of the graduate colleges at the University of Oxford, to support outstanding international students who are pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees. While not all awards under this category are fully funded, several provide generous financial support to help with tuition and living costs, making them highly valuable for international applicants.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Hold an offer of admission for a full-time master’s or DPhil program at the University of Oxford.
  
• List St Cross College as their first choice on their college preference form.
  
• Demonstrate strong academic achievement and potential.

Application Process

1. Apply for an eligible graduate course at the University of Oxford.
   
2. Once you receive an offer, submit a separate scholarship application to St Cross College via their official website.
   
3. Provide a short personal statement and academic references.

Scholarship Coverage

• Amount: Around GBP 10,000 to GBP 12,000.
  
• Type: Partial funding towards tuition or living costs.
  
• Extras: Guaranteed accommodation if available and membership benefits within the college community.

Application Deadline

Usually around March–April each year.

Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship

The OCIS is a prestigious award offered by the University of Oxford to support students from Muslim communities worldwide. It aims to promote academic excellence while encouraging better understanding between the Islamic world and the global community. This scholarship is ideal for Indian students interested in studying subjects that relate to Islamic culture, society, development, or other fields that contribute to global harmony and progress.

Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

• Apply for a full-time graduate course at the University of Oxford.
  
• Belong to and actively engage with the Muslim community, either through heritage or work.
  
• Demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to contributing to their community.
  
• Preferably intend to return to their country of origin after completing studies to promote development.

Application Process

1. Apply for an eligible graduate course at Oxford before the December or January deadline.
   
2. In the “University Funding” section, select that you wish to be considered for the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship.
   
3. Submit all required documents and references as per course requirements.

Scholarship Coverage

• Tuition and college fees: Fully covered.
  
• Living allowance: Around GBP 18,000 per year.
  
• Covers the entire duration of the course.

Application Deadline

Usually between December and January each year.

Also Read: Study in UK: University of Edinburgh Offers India Merit Scholarship for PGT Masters Students

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This was everything you needed to know about Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK. These scholarships help international students study in the UK without financial stress while rewarding their academic excellence and leadership potential. For more such detailed guides on scholarships and study opportunities abroad, visit the Scholarships Page on Leverage Edu and stay updated with reliable information.