University College London (UCL) stands as one of the best universities in London. With an annual tuition fee of approximately 25,000 GBP across courses, UCL is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to deserving students, irrespective of their financial circumstances. The university extends UCL Scholarships to support this mission, particularly for international students on a UK student visa, often through collaborations with external organisations. This blog focuses on the various UCL Scholarship available for Indian students and outlines their eligibility criteria.
Key Takeaways:
- Out of 31 UCL Scholarships, 3 postgraduate-specific scholarships are available to Indian students, namely the Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, and Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.
- UCL is offering 33 postgraduate programme scholarships to Indian students in the academic year 2024-2025.
- These scholarships will be launched under UCL Excellence Scholarship India. Wherein each deserving student will get £5,000 (for one year).
UCL Scholarship For International Students- Postgraduate Programmes
Among the 31 UCL scholarships, Indian students can access three scholarship programs. These programs are the Commonwealth Scholarships, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, and British Chevening Scholarship programmes. These scholarships provide different benefits, including covering tuition fees and offering a stipend for travel and accommodation expenses in the UK. In the following table, let’s learn about each of the scholarship’s purposes:
| Scholarship Name | Purpose |
| Chevening Scholarship | Open to both graduate-taught and research students, the Chevening Scholarship program identifies exceptional individuals with leadership potential from around the globe. The application date for this scholarship is closed for 2024-2025. |
| Commonwealth UK Scholarship: | Commonwealth Scholarships target students from the Commonwealth who may not have the means to pursue studies in the UK. These scholarships finance postgraduate studies in various formats, contributing to the development of future innovators and leaders. The application for this scholarship is now open. |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarship: | Available to students from Commonwealth countries starting a master’s degree in the UK. This scholarship is more or less the same as the Commonwealth Scholarship but has a different eligibility criteria and application process. |
Scholarship Initiatives By UCL College For Indian Students
There are many scholarships available at UCL College for incoming international students, for example, UCL law scholarship, UCL PhD scholarship. However, as mentioned above, there are very few scholarships for Indian students. Hence, UCL College has recently announced its UCL India Excellence Scholarship. UCL India Excellence Scholarships is set to award 33 scholarships for the upcoming 2024-25 academic year, exclusively targeting exceptional students with a first-class degree or those on the path to achieving it. An additional 67 scholarships will be granted in the subsequent two years, marking a significant leap in promoting academic excellence and collaboration across fields.
Key Information Of UCL Excellence Scholarship India:
- Value: £5,000 (for one year)
- Available to: Prospective postgraduate taught students
- Selection Criteria: Bachelor’s degree GPA and NIRF ranking of the current/previous institution of study
- Eligible Fee Status: Overseas
- Eligible Programmes: All postgraduate taught (excluding distance learning programmes)
Candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Overseas fee rate applicable.
- Permanent domicile in India.
- Possess a bachelor’s degree or be enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s degree from an institution listed in the Top 100 of the Government of India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
- Have a GPA in their bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK first-class degree.
- Submission of a complete admission application for a full-time Master’s degree at UCL.
University College London Scholarships Eligibility And Benefits
UCL College London Scholarships for Indian students vary in terms of eligibility, application process, and awards or benefits they provide. It’s important to understand which scholarship suits your financial needs, course, and application processes. The table below simplifies it for you:
| Name of the Scholarship | Eligibility | Application Process | Benefits |
| Chevening Scholarship | At least 65% in previous qualification; IELTS score 6.5+ or equivalent; 2+ years of work experience | Completion of a country-specific scholarship application. | The university offers a 20% tuition fee waiver |
| Commonwealth UK Scholarship | 65% in Science & 60% in Social Science; below 40 years of age; member of eligible country for Commonwealth scholarships | Applications should be made via the National Nominating Agency. | Thesis grant, tuition fees, travel expenses; monthly expenses. |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarship | Above 75% in previous academic qualifications; not sponsored; citizen of Commonwealth countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. | Complete the Commonwealth Shared scholarship application before December | Tuition fees, airfare costs, living expenses, thesis grant |
UCL Scholarship For Undergraduate Programme
For undergraduate programs, University College London offers a total of 26 scholarships for incoming students. Among these, only a few UCL scholarships are accessible to international students, namely:
- Denys Holland Scholarship (9,000 GBP/year)
- UPC Progression Scholarships (5,000 GBP/year)
- UPCE Progression Scholarship (5,000 GBP/year)
Documents Required For UCL Scholarships London
The documents required for UCL Scholarship London vary depending on the course, and type of scholarship you are applying for. However here is a generic list of documents given below-
- Copy of passport
- Academic transcripts
- admission letter of a UK university
- Proof of exams to study in the UK
- English language proficiency test scores
- Personal statement
- Proof of financial needs
Importance Of Scholarships For Indian Students Studying Abroad
Studying abroad, especially at a top university like UCL, can be expensive. Looking at the cost of living in London, can add to the burden. UCL scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden, making it possible for talented Indian students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their academic aspirations without facing immense debt.
A UCL degree, combined with the recognition of a scholarship, equips graduates with valuable knowledge, skills, and international exposure. This can significantly enhance their employability and career prospects, opening doors to highest paying jobs in London as well as India.
FAQs
Q1. Does University College London give full scholarships?
Ans: UCL Scholarships range from part-funding, for example paying part of your fees, to full-funding which covers programme fees, living expenses, and return flights to the UK.
Q2. How can an international student get into UCL?
Ans: You can either take an education loan or avail of a scholarship sponsored by UCL to get into the university. The admission process includes filling up an admission form, submitting the documents, and undertaking language proficiency tests for a smooth admission.
Q3.Can students apply for multiple scholarships at UCL?
Ans: If you are eligible for more than one funding scheme, you can apply for them all. You must inform the Student Funding Office if you secure additional funding after accepting an award offer if you are successful in more than one scheme.
Q4. Are UCL scholarships available for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies?
Ans: Yes, UCL scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Q5. What are the typical amounts awarded by UCL scholarships?
Ans: The typical amounts awarded by UCL scholarships vary depending on the type of scholarship and the level of study. The typical amounts awarded by UCL Scholarships are generally equivalent to the course fees, living expenses, or airfare. Some scholarships like Chevening are fully funded scholarships covering all the expenses.
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