Great Scholarships India 2027 | Study in United Kingdom — British Council
An Indian student weighing a UK master’s offer against the sterling conversion on their bank statement often needs just one solid scholarship to tip the decision in favor of going.
About the Scholarship
GREAT Scholarships India is delivered by the British Council as part of the wider GREAT Britain Campaign, a partnership between the UK government and a growing list of UK universities that each commit to funding a set number of awards every year. For the 2026 to 2027 cycle, participating institutions include universities across the arts, sciences and business disciplines, with four Greater Manchester institutions, Manchester Metropolitan University, the Royal Northern College of Music, the University of Manchester and the University of Salford, newly added for 2027 entry alongside longer running partners. Each participating university manages its own version of the scholarship, so Indian applicants effectively choose both a course and a specific university scholarship at the same time.
Scholarship Benefits
- A minimum of ten thousand pounds off tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate taught course
- Recognition as a GREAT Scholar within the host university’s community
- Access to alumni networks connecting past Indian scholars across participating institutions
- Coverage across a wide range of subjects depending on the chosen university
- A relatively straightforward application compared to fully competitive, centrally run schemes
Eligibility Criteria
- Hold Indian nationality and be ordinarily resident in India
- Hold a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible one-year, full-time postgraduate taught course
- Meet the host university’s standard academic and English language entry requirements
- Apply within the specific university’s GREAT Scholarship window, which varies by institution
- Not already hold another scholarship that fully covers the same tuition costs
- Be starting a new postgraduate course rather than continuing one already underway
Fields of Study Covered
Coverage spans finance, marketing, business, psychology, STEM subjects, design, humanities, arts, music and dance, depending on which participating university’s course list an applicant chooses, making this one of the broader GREAT Scholarship categories by subject range.
Required Documents
- A confirmed offer letter for an eligible one-year postgraduate course
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of Indian nationality and residency
- English language test results meeting the course requirement
- A completed GREAT Scholarship application form for the specific host university
- A short personal statement where the host university requests one
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Decide which participating UK university and course best matches your academic and career goals
- Apply for and secure an offer on that university’s eligible postgraduate course
- Check that university’s specific GREAT Scholarship page for its own application form and deadline
- Submit transcripts, English test results and any requested personal statement
- Track your application status directly with that university’s scholarships office
- Accept your university place promptly once a scholarship decision is confirmed
Selection Process
Each participating university runs its own shortlisting and selection for GREAT Scholarships India, generally weighing academic merit, the strength of the application materials and genuine interest in building a long term connection between India and the host institution, since the scheme is explicitly designed around that cultural and educational exchange goal.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Apply to a university and course combination you are genuinely well matched to, since fit is assessed alongside grades
- Check each participating university’s own deadline separately, since these do not all align with a single national date
- Keep your English language test results current and above the course’s minimum requirement
- Apply as early in the cycle as possible, since award numbers at each university are limited
- Compare this with Great Scholarships Bangladesh or Great Scholarships Pakistan if you are exploring the wider GREAT Scholarships programme
- Consider the Chevening Scholarship in parallel if you would like a backup fully funded option
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for GREAT Scholarships India?
Indian nationals ordinarily resident in India who hold an offer for an eligible one-year UK postgraduate course at a participating university.
Does the scholarship cover full tuition fees?
No, it provides a minimum ten thousand pound reduction, and students are responsible for any remaining balance.
Do all UK universities take part?
No, only a specific list of participating universities offers GREAT Scholarships India each cycle, and that list changes from year to year.
Can I apply to more than one participating university’s scholarship?
Yes, applicants may apply to multiple participating universities, though they can only accept and hold one award.
Is a living stipend included?
No, the scholarship reduces tuition fees only and does not provide a separate maintenance allowance.
Does it cover PhD study?
No, GREAT Scholarships India is designed for one-year, full-time postgraduate taught courses only.