UK Opens 12 GREAT Scholarships for Indian Students, Offers £10,000 Support for Postgraduates

The United Kingdom has opened applications for the 2026–27 GREAT Scholarships, offering Indian students financial support of at least £10,000 for one-year postgraduate courses across 12 universities. The initiative, jointly run by the British Council and the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign, aims to make higher education in the UK more accessible to international students.

Participating institutions include renowned universities such as Queen’s University Belfast, Royal College of Art, and University of Bristol, among others. The scholarships cover tuition fees and are available across a wide range of disciplines, from arts and humanities to science and technology.

The programme is particularly significant for Indian students, as rising tuition costs often act as a barrier to studying abroad. Education experts note that schemes like GREAT Scholarships, along with Women in STEM and university-specific awards, reflect the UK’s continued push to attract talented graduates from India. The initiative also encourages scholars to remain engaged as alumni and contribute to socio-economic development after completing their studies.

To be eligible, applicants must be Indian citizens with an undergraduate degree, meet English language requirements, and demonstrate a clear interest in their chosen field. In addition to academic criteria, candidates are expected to participate in networking events, act as programme ambassadors, and stay connected with the British Council and their respective universities.

Applications must be submitted directly through the websites of participating universities, with deadlines varying by institution. Experts advise students to begin the process early—even with predicted results—to secure conditional offers for competitive programmes. Successful candidates will be informed by their universities, and the scholarship amount will be disbursed after enrolment.