How can I get a 100% scholarship in the UK?

To get a fully funded scholarship to study in UK will require you to shortlist the scholarship that is providing such kind of financial support and meet the eligibility criteria. Studying in a location like the UK can be exciting for many reasons; one of them is the location itself. The international students, especially those who are from India, are looking for better options to pursue their studies in a foreign location.

Many students choose to study abroad in countries like the US or the UK since these are the representatives of one of the fastest-growing civilisations in the world, offering a global-level education with a vibrant variety of experiences. However, choosing a location like the UK can take a heavy toll on your bank account since everything, from tuition fees to the cost of living, is generally more expensive than in other countries. So what to do? Education Vibes explains how you can have a 100% scholarship to study in UK.

Some Important Points Before Applying for a Scholarship in the UK

Make sure that you are starting early in the process since the deadlines for most of the scholarships last up to a period of 8-12 months before the start of the course. When you apply for a scholarship at a university, first apply for admission to the university, followed by an application for the scholarship. Hence, apply to multiple universities with desired scholarships. Also, there are different routes to study in UK with a scholarship, so identify which one you want to apply for.

Government Scholarships

There are multiple scholarships available from the government, namely Chevening Scholarships (for master’s degrees), Commonwealth Scholarships (for students from Commonwealth countries, including India), and GREAT Scholarships (joint scholarships by the UK government and universities for one-year master’s courses).

University-Specific Scholarships

Some specific universities from the UK are providing scholarships, such as the Rhodes Scholarship (for postgraduate students at the University of Oxford), the Gates Cambridge Scholarship (for postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge), the Clarendon Fund (for graduating students at the University of Oxford), and the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships (from various universities to study in UK).

Other External Sources of Scholarships

Other sources of scholarships from universities and organizations include some of the following:

British Council Scholarships

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation

Steps to Apply For Scholarships to Study in UK by Indian Students

Once you have shortlisted the scholarships and universities, the first step is to verify if you meet the eligibility and then prepare the required documents to submit the application.

Eligibility Criteria

Availing of a 100% scholarship requires strict criteria with a competitive process. Generally, the following criteria are required for Indian students to apply and study in UK:

Strong academic record (2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent or high GPA)

High English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL scores are mandatory)

Showing leadership qualities and commitment to community service

Age restrictions for certain scholarships (19-25 years old for the Rhodes scholarship)

Minimum two years of work experience (specific scholarship may require)

Compelling evidence of financial need

Excellent SOP defining clear career goals and academic aspirations

Some universities require Indian students to return after completion of studies for a specific period of time

Prepare Documents

Prepare and gather all the required documents to apply for a scholarship and study in UK, which will include but not be limited to the following list of documents:

Academic transcripts

Degree certificate (if applicable)

IELTS/TOEFL scorecard

LOR

SOP or equivalent (like an essay)

Proof of leadership and extracurricular activities (depending on the scholarship)

Work experience proof (if applicable)

Updated CV

Summary

Applying for and being accepted for a 100% scholarship in the UK is not an easy feat. Among thousands of applicants, only a few, most probably only a single student, make it through the application process. The highlight to remember is that a student with a strong academic background, leadership qualities and commitment to the studies (with community service, too, for example) will make your application stand out and give you higher chances of acceptance.

Need more guidance to study in UK with a scholarship? Contact Education Vibes today!