Deadline: 06-Oct-2026
The International Scholarships Programme supports outstanding Indian professionals to pursue a fully funded one-year master’s degree at any eligible UK university. The scholarship covers major study and living costs and is designed for professionals who plan to return to India and contribute to the country’s development after completing their studies.
About the International Scholarships Programme
The International Scholarships Programme provides an opportunity for talented professionals from India to gain advanced academic knowledge and international experience through postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
Selected scholars can pursue a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any UK university, subject to the programme’s eligibility and university requirements.
The programme is particularly suited to professionals who want to strengthen their expertise, develop leadership skills, and use their UK education to create positive impact in India.
Scholarship Benefits
The programme provides comprehensive financial support to successful applicants.
The scholarship may cover:
- Full tuition fees for the approved master’s programme.
- Living expenses during the study period.
- Return travel costs between India and the UK.
- Additional allowances available under the scholarship.
- Other approved support associated with the scholarship.
This financial assistance allows scholars to concentrate on their studies without having to independently fund the major costs associated with studying in the UK.
What Can Scholars Study?
The scholarship supports one-year master’s degrees in any subject, provided the selected course and university meet the programme’s requirements.
Applicants can therefore consider postgraduate programmes across areas such as:
- Agriculture and environmental studies
- Public policy and international development
- Business and finance
- Science and technology
- Engineering
- Healthcare and public health
- Education
- Social sciences
- Law
- Arts and humanities
- Digital technology and innovation
Applicants should carefully check that their selected courses are eligible under the scholarship programme before submitting their applications.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements to be considered.
To qualify, candidates must:
- Be citizens of India.
- Be established professionals with relevant work experience.
- Have at least two years of work experience after completing their undergraduate degree.
- Intend to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
- Apply to three eligible UK university courses.
- Obtain an unconditional offer from at least one eligible UK university course by the required deadline.
- Be willing to return to India after completing the scholarship.
- Commit to returning to India for at least two years after the scholarship ends.
The programme is intended for professionals who can demonstrate the potential to use their education and experience to contribute to India’s future development.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Certain applicants are excluded from the programme.
Applicants may not be eligible if they:
- Hold British citizenship.
- Have UK residency.
- Have previously received a UK government-funded scholarship, subject to applicable exceptions.
- Do not meet the required professional work experience.
- Fail to obtain the required university offer by the specified deadline.
- Are unable to meet the programme’s post-study return requirement.
Applicants should review the official eligibility rules carefully because additional restrictions or exceptions may apply.
University Admission Requirement
A key requirement is securing admission to an eligible UK master’s programme.
Applicants must:
- Identify suitable one-year master’s programmes.
- Apply to three eligible UK university courses.
- Progress through the university admission process.
- Obtain at least one unconditional offer by the scholarship’s specified deadline.
- Provide the required evidence of the university offer as part of the scholarship process.
Applicants should begin university applications early because admission decisions can take time and the scholarship has its own deadlines.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow the scholarship application and university admission requirements carefully.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you are an Indian citizen, have the required post-undergraduate work experience, and can meet the programme’s commitment to return to India.
Step 2: Select Your Master’s Courses
Research eligible one-year master’s programmes at UK universities that match your professional experience and long-term career goals.
Step 3: Apply to Three UK Universities
Submit applications to three eligible courses. Make sure all required academic documents, references, personal statements, and other admission materials are provided.
Step 4: Secure an Unconditional Offer
Obtain an unconditional offer from at least one eligible UK university by the required scholarship deadline.
Step 5: Submit the Scholarship Application
Complete the International Scholarships Programme application and provide the required information and supporting documents before the deadline.
Step 6: Demonstrate Your Future Impact
Clearly explain how your proposed master’s degree will strengthen your professional capabilities and how you intend to apply your knowledge after returning to India.
Documents Applicants Should Prepare
Applicants should be prepared to provide information and documentation such as:
- Indian citizenship evidence.
- Undergraduate degree and academic records.
- Details of professional work experience.
- Curriculum vitae or résumé.
- Details of selected UK master’s courses.
- University application information.
- Evidence of an unconditional university offer.
- Personal or career statements.
- References or other supporting documents required by the programme.
The exact documentation requirements should be checked against the current application guidance.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The International Scholarships Programme offers Indian professionals an opportunity to gain internationally recognised postgraduate education without bearing the full cost of studying in the UK.
Beyond financial assistance, the programme can help scholars:
- Develop advanced professional expertise.
- Build international networks.
- Gain exposure to new approaches and ideas.
- Strengthen leadership and problem-solving skills.
- Connect with professionals and institutions in the UK.
- Apply international knowledge to challenges in India.
The requirement to return to India also ensures that the knowledge and experience gained through the scholarship can contribute to India’s social and economic development.
Important Tips for Applicants
Applicants should begin preparing well before the scholarship deadline.
Keep these points in mind:
- Start university applications early: Do not wait until the scholarship deadline to apply for master’s courses.
- Choose courses strategically: Select programmes that clearly connect with your professional background and future goals.
- Check the three-course requirement: Applicants must apply to three eligible UK courses.
- Secure an unconditional offer: At least one unconditional offer is required by the relevant deadline.
- Demonstrate professional impact: Explain how your education will benefit your career and contribute to India.
- Check eligibility carefully: British citizenship, UK residency, and certain previous UK government-funded scholarships can affect eligibility.
- Plan for the return requirement: Applicants must be prepared to return to India for at least two years after the scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the International Scholarships Programme for India?
Indian citizens with at least two years of work experience after completing their undergraduate degree can apply, provided they meet the programme’s other eligibility requirements.
What degree does the scholarship support?
The programme supports a one-year master’s degree at an eligible UK university.
Can applicants study any subject?
Yes. The programme allows applicants to pursue a master’s degree in any subject, subject to the programme and university eligibility requirements.
How many UK university courses must applicants apply to?
Applicants must apply to three eligible UK university courses and obtain an unconditional offer from at least one by the required deadline.
Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?
Yes. The scholarship provides full financial support, including tuition fees and other approved study and living expenses.
Can someone with UK residency apply?
No. Applicants holding UK residency are not eligible under the stated criteria. British citizens are also excluded.
Do scholars have to return to India after completing their studies?
Yes. Successful scholars must commit to returning to India for at least two years after the scholarship ends.
Conclusion
The International Scholarships Programme provides Indian professionals with a valuable opportunity to pursue a fully supported one-year master’s degree in the UK. With funding for tuition, living expenses, travel, and additional allowances, the programme is designed to develop skilled professionals who can bring their international education and experience back to India. Eligible candidates should begin their university applications early, secure the required unconditional offer, and prepare a strong scholarship application demonstrating their professional goals and future contribution to India.
For more information, visit Chevening.
