Pursuing studies in the UK
Studying in the U.K. can be quite expensive, but it doesn't have to be that way if you plan well and, in advance. There are many scholarships offered by British Universities and colleges that you can apply for.
These scholarships are for meritorious students, which helps them with the funding for their education. These financial aids are either partially or fully paid, which depends on the course and the institution to which you have applied. The British Government also offers many scholarships and bursaries. Various private and public establishments also offer scholarships and funding opportunities.
Make sure to check the qualification required before you start the application process. Always keep a tab on the application closing or deadline date to submit and try to submit at the earliest.
What is the amount of money available?
Some scholarships provide full funding from tuition to living expenses. At the same time, some of them or most of them offer an amount that is significant but does not cover the whole cost as mentioned before there are scholarships by both the British Government and Universities. It is quite obvious that because of a large number of applicants, the government scholarships are a lot more competitive than the university scholarship. The whole scholarship process can take a while. So, it is advisable to prepare and apply around 8-12 months before your intake.
Keep in mind that many foreign countries, like U.K. universities, have some scholarships, especially for Indian students. Be sure to look for them. Following is a list of popular scholarships in the U.K.:
1. Chevening Scholarship
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This particular scholarship supports students and professionals who have talents and leadership skills and who have amazing performance scores in their interested fields. Using the Chevening scholarship, you get to select whether you want to attain a scholarship or want to go for a fellowship. The selection of students is done by the authorities responsible for British embassies.
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Such scholarships are sponsored and funded.
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This scholarship stays relevant for 12 months if your course duration is 12 months. However, if any situation arises, you can get it extended for 1 year more but it depends on how serious the situation is and that seriousness will be decided by FCO
2. Fellowships and scholarships by the commonwealth
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Indian students who are willing to apply master's or Ph.D. course in UL can also go ahead and grab this education scholarship as the commonwealth scholarship commission in the U.K. provides scholarships as well as fellowships for applicants belonging from commonwealth countries.
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The scholarship conveniently covers tuition fees, maintenance expenses, airfare, and other expenses.
3. Great scholarship for students
This scholarship is provided by the GREAT Britain campaign of the U.K. Government and the Study U.K. campaign of the British Council. Moreover, specifically for the students from India, 12 of the U.K.’s best educational institutes offer 13 postgraduates. The tuition fees for a postgraduate degree are approx. £10,000 and that is what the same amount that scholarships provide too. As per different institutions, application closing dates or deadlines are different for all so keep a strict track on your University’s website regarding the same.A total of around 99 masters level scholarships and from 30+ universities. Source: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships/great-scholarships-2020/india
4. Charles Wallace Indian Trust Scholarships for students
The CWIT scholarships are for all Indian students who are applying for graduate & postgraduate degrees in arts, heritage, conservation, or humanities branches. This scholarship gives your full funded tuition fees, visiting fellowships in decided subjects at particular colleges; allowances for doctoral study; grants for educational visits or research; and concession to visit the Scottish universities summer schools.
The duration and amount are different and varies among the categories mentioned below:
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CWIT Long-term grants :The duration of these grants usually last up to 2- 3 months or up to 1 year covering all the expenses that sum up your international fares.
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Visiting fellowships : It has 10 fellowships in a total that enables the writers and academic translators to spend almost 3 months at a specific university to do a specific work. The deadlines of the fellowships are decided by your educational institution which shall be conducting the orientation.
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CWIT short-term grants : This grant consists of a total of 15 grants at the maximum that can sum up to £1,400 which can easily cover short term research expenses or educational tour visits specifically in the fields of heritage conservation, arts, and humanities field. This amount is granted for over 3 weeks but if you decide to stay for longer then you better have backup supports from other sources like the grant from Indian Council for Historical Research. You can pay this after you have arrived in the U.K. and don't cover international fares.
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Final year grants for doctoral courses : This grant is provided to eligible students during the final year of their Ph.D. studies in the fields of heritage conservation, arts, or humanities to bridge the financial gaps. This amounts to £500-£600
5. Scotland saltire student scholarships
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This scholarship aims at awarding a maximum of 50 students for a one-year full-time grad program in the prestigious fields of health care, science, technology, creative studies, and energy source studies.
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The Scottish Government offers the Scotland Saltire scholarships in association with the universities. The amount of these scholarships and grants sum up to £8,000 that is enough to cover the tuition fees for a complete year of full-time study in the master’s program at any Scotland university.