Fees & Scholarships for International Students in the UK

The United Kingdom is a world-class destination for higher education, offering internationally respected degrees, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a vibrant cultural experience. But with these opportunities come financial considerations — especially for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) students who pay international tuition fees.

We’re here to help you understand the cost of studying in the UK and explore scholarship opportunities both in the UK and in India that can ease your financial burden.

Understanding Tuition Fees in the UK

As an NRI (international) student, you are subject to higher tuition fees than domestic UK or EU students. Here’s a general idea of what to expect:

Other Costs to Consider

Besides tuition, consider:

• Accommodation: £500 – £1,000/month
• Food & groceries: £150 – £300/month
• Transport & travel: £100/month
• Books, equipment, insurance: £500 – £800/year
• Visa & Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Approx. £490/year

Estimated total annual cost: £20,000 – £40,000+

Scholarship Options in the UK for NRI Students

The UK offers a wide range of scholarships to support international/NRI students:

Government Scholarships

1. Chevening Scholarships

• Fully funded scholarships for outstanding students with leadership potential.
• Covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and visa fees.
• For postgraduate programs (typically one year).
• Link – https://www.chevening.org

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

• For students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries (including India).
• Covers full tuition, airfare, and stipend.
• Available for Master’s and PhD programs.
• Link – https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk 

UK Institution-Specific Scholarships

Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarships

The Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships was launched by St. John’s College in honor of Dr. Manmohan Singh. This scholarship is given to the academically outstanding Indian students who want to pursue doctoral studies in St. John’s College and the University of Cambridge in specific fields like Science & Technology, Economics, and Social Sciences. Applications in Aerospace Engineering and Energy Studies are given the highest priority.

• Funded by: St John’s College, University of Cambridge
• Level: PhD
• Coverage: Academic fees, international airfare, living allowance
• Eligibility:
  • Indian citizen with a Master’s from a recognized Indian institution
  • Applying to PhD programs in Science & Technology, Economics, or Social Sciences

The Global Study Awards

The British Council, Study Portals and ISIC in partnership has initiated ‘The Global Study Awards’ to encourage international students to study in the UK and expand they’re intercultural understanding. The deserving scholar receives a scholarship worth £10,000.This scholarship is opened twice a year to two international students.

Goa Education Trust Scholarships

Goa Education Trust (GET) aims to supply students from Goa a medium to avail the golden opportunities in education, in areas of their interest. Eligible students get scholarships and research fellowships by the universities.The scholarship covers full or half tuition fees for the courses.

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) offers 10 long-term awards every year to international students which include accommodation and living expenses in Britain, fees and a contribution to international fares.

Two years of programs are not included in this scholarship.

• Funded by: British Council
• Level: Mid-career professionals in arts, heritage conservation, or humanities
• Coverage: Airfare, living expenses, tuition fees
• Eligibility:
  • Indian citizen aged 25–38
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in their field

British Council Great Scholarships for Indian students

British Council Great Scholarships announces around 198 scholarships with a total budget of £2.6 million every the academic year in partnership with 40 UK universities. The scholarships consist of approximately 169 Postgraduate and 29 undergraduate awards from art and design to engineering, law and management courses.

Felix Scholarship

Felix Scholarships are introduced for academically outperforming and disadvantaged students from India and different developing countries, having less than 30 years of age, who hold a first-class Bachelor’s degree from a renowned Indian university.

Maximum six scholarships are offered to the students to pursue their postgraduate education at the University of Reading & School of Oriental, the University of Oxford and African Studies each year by the Felix Scholarship Trust.

• For: Indian students at University of Oxford, Reading, or SOAS (University of London)
• Level: Postgraduate
• Coverage: 100% tuition + living expenses + return airfare
• Eligibility:
  • Indian national with a first-class undergraduate degree
  • Must be accepted into one of the partner universities
  • Demonstrate financial need

Erasmus Mundus Scholariships

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship improved the quality of higher education through cooperation between Europe and the educational institutes throughout the globe. The financial backing for institutes and scholarships for people are provided by this program. The scholarship amounts vary depending upon the level of studies/teaching/research, the duration of their course and also on the nationality of the student.A non-EU applicant receives a higher scholarship than that of EU applicant.

University-Specific Scholarships

Most UK universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. Popular examples:

University of Oxford – Clarendon Fund

1. Full scholarships for Master’s and DPhil (PhD) students.
2. Based on academic excellence.

University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarships

1. Fully funded for postgraduate study at Cambridge.
2. Highly competitive and prestigious.

University College London (UCL) Global Masters Scholarship

• £15,000 for international Master’s students.
• Based on financial need and academic merit.

University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships

• Wide range of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Tip: Always check each university’s “Funding/Scholarships” page for current offers tailored to Indian or South Asian students.

Commonwealth Masters Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships are offered by the Department for International Development (DFID) in the UK to the international students from developing Commonwealth countries wanting to pursue Masters and Ph.D. in the UK.The scholarship offers airfare to and from the UK, thesis grant (if applicable), additional allowances to cover personal basic expenses, examination and tuition fees, all included.

• Commonwealth Fellowship Plan
• Commonwealth Fellowship Plan is a government initiative was taken especially for the students of Commonwealth countries which make the major contribution to their home country on the completion of the higher education program in the United Kingdom.

This scholarship covers the entire the tuition fee of the scholar, one economy-class return and many more allowances.

• Funded by: UK Department for International Development (DFID)
• Level: Master’s and PhD
• Coverage: Tuition, airfare, living expenses, thesis grant
• Eligibility:
  • Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (India is included)
  • Must not afford to study in the UK without this support
  • Application Timeline: October–December

How to find more about Scholarships

• Official University Websites: Check their funding/scholarship sections
• British Council India: https://www.britishcouncil.in/
• UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs):https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/
• Scholarship Portals:
  • https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/
  • https://scholarship-positions.com/

Private & External Scholarships in the UK

• British Council GREAT Scholarships: Co-funded by the UK Government and universities. Offers up to £10,000 toward tuition for postgraduate programs.
• Saltire Scholarships (for Scotland): £8,000 towards tuition fees for courses in Scotland.
• Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships: Indian-based trust offering partial to full scholarships for postgraduate studies in the UK.
• Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships: For Indian citizens in the fields of arts, heritage conservation, and the humanities.

Scholarship Options in India for Studying in the UK

Many Indian organizations and government bodies support talented NRI or Indian-origin students to pursue education abroad:

1. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)

• Offered by the Indian Ministry of Social Justice.
• For SC/ST/OBC/EWS category students.
• Covers tuition, living expenses, and travel.
• Link – https://nosmsje.gov.in

2. JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians

• Loan scholarships ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakhs.
• Open to Indian citizens pursuing higher education abroad.
• Includes partial travel grants and gift scholarships based on merit.
• Link – https://jntataendowment.org

3. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

• Up to USD 100,000 for Master’s or research-level courses at top UK institutions.
• Highly competitive and prestigious.
• Link – https://inlaksfoundation.org

4. KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad

• Interest-free loan scholarships up to ₹8 lakhs.
• For Indian students pursuing a Master’s degree overseas.
• Link – https://www.kcmet.org

5. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships

• Joint initiative of the US and Indian governments.
• Occasionally applicable to UK-based programs via special tracks or partner institutions.

Tips for Securing Scholarships

1. Start Early: Many scholarships have early deadlines—some even a year before your course begins.
2. Focus on Academics & Extracurriculars: Most scholarships are merit-based and consider holistic profiles.
3. Craft Strong Personal Statements: Show how you’ll contribute to your field or home country.
4. Apply to Multiple Sources: Combine institutional, governmental, and private scholarships for maximum benefit.
5. Track Requirements: Each scholarship has different criteria—check for nationality, income limits, fields of study, etc.

Tips for Managing Costs

• Apply Early for Scholarships: Many scholarships have early deadlines.
• Consider Part-Time Work: Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
• Choose Cities Wisely: Living costs vary; consider universities in cities with lower living expenses.
• Use Student Discounts: Take advantage of discounts on transportation, food, and entertainment.