There are various financial support options available to help your studies in the UK. This includes scholarships, grants, bursaries, fellowships, financial rewards, and loans.
Some of the common sources to fund your studies in the UK are:
Financial aid from own country – Education loans provided by banks and other financial institutions with long repayment tenure are a common source of funds for international students. The loan assistance provided by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in association with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of HRD, and Indian Banks Association (IBA) is an example.
Financial assistance provided by international organizations – Financial support provided for education by international agencies such as SAARC, UN, Amideast, Soros Foundation, World Council of Churches, Full Bright Foundation, etc.
Financial assistance provided by UK colleges – Some of the colleges and universities in UK offers limited financial aid for international students to attract them to the particular institution. There is scope through the student exchange program as well, by a formal exchange between the institution you study in your home country and the institution you wish to attend.
Private Funding – Sponsorship from family circles, known organizations, etc.
Scholarships & Grants – There are various scholarship options available for academically bright students.
A S Hornby Trust Scholarship: Scholarships for English language teachers to develop their language skills.
Scotland’s Saltire Scholarship: Scholarship for postgraduate master's studies in the areas of science, technology, creative industries, healthcare, medical sciences, renewable and clean energy, etc.
Chevening Fellowships: Short courses or professional/academic research opportunities for mid-career professionals.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan: Master and Doctoral courses (for study in the UK and distance learning) plus academic, professional, and medical fellowships.
GREAT Scholarships: Scholarships for one-year master's courses across a range of subjects from eighteen UK universities.
British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM: Scholarships for women undertaking masters in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics courses at one of nineteen universities in the UK.
Global Wales Scholarship for International Students: Global Wales offers a variety of scholarships for international students from the USA, India, Vietnam, and EU countries.
Euraxess UK Financial Assistance for Researchers: Financial assistance provided for research placement in the UK.
Royal Society Grants: Financial support for post-doctoral science research.
Newton Fund Ph.D. Fellowships Financial aid for short-term Ph.D. placements between UK and Indian institutions.
Few other scholarships available for Indian students showing outstanding performance are the following:
Rhodes Scholarships: One of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships meant for outstanding international students to study at the University of Oxford. Every year more than 100 scholarships are bestowed to deserving candidates who wish to pursue their postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.
The Global Study Awards – Given twice a year, two international students are offered the scholarships, targeting talented and motivated young students. The scholarship is disbursed by British Council, the International Student Identity Card Association.
Worcester University Scholarships: International students are eligible for a merit scholarship up to GBP 11,000 (divided into eight semesters or upon completion of your degree). Students are automatically considered for a merit scholarship as part of the admission process and the award is based on their academic credentials.