British Scholarships

There are nearly 8,000 young Indians studying in the UK and the UK High Commission is expecting to see this figure increased to 12,000 over the next three years. As a part of this effort the British Government offers 300 scholarships a year to study in the UK under programmes such as Chevening and the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Programme (CSFP).

British Chevening Scholarships

Chevening is the UK government's flagship scholarship scheme. The program is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and managed by British Council worldwide, supporting over 2,300 international students annually to study in the UK. India is the second largest beneficiary of this scheme with an annual budget of over £1.5 million. The British High Commission and the British Council in India invites applications from qualified students for the award of prestigious Chevening scholarships. Apart from academic merit, the potential applicants are assessed on leadership qualities, relevance of the course to India and the need for scholarship. There are three schemes available as follows:

Scheme A - Long Term (Open) Scholarships: These scholarships are applicable for a one-year postgraduate (Master's) study at any UK university. These are fully funded by the FCO and covers living expenses for a maximum period of 12 months and tuition fee up to a maximum of £12,000. For courses with tuition fee of over £12,000, the excess amount is to be borne by the scholar or his/her employer/sponsor. The British Council also arranges gratis student UK visas for the scholars. The following programmes are available under this scheme:

A01 - Open Human Rights Scholarships

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good (a minimum of upper second class, preferably a first class Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian -university.
• Having at least 3 years of relevant experience in the field of human rights having demonstrated interest in Human Rights issues.
• Application should reach your nearest British Council offices by the stipulated deadline of 30th November 2002 for the 2003 entry. Able to provide the evidence of your post-graduate application(s) to a maximum 3 institutions. Successful scholars will be required to submit proof of admission offer from any UK university, no later than by 31st May 2003. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in Delhi in January-March.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.
• Candidates in their final year of graduation are not eligible.

A02 - Open Social Science Scholarships

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good (a minimum of upper second class, preferably a first class Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian -university.
• Application should reach your nearest British Council offices by the stipulated deadline of 30th November 2002 for the 2003 entry. Able to provide the evidence of your post-graduate application(s) to a maximum 3 institutions. Successful scholars will be required to submit proof of admission offer from any UK university, no later than by 31st May 2003. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in Delhi in January-March.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.
• Candidates in their final year of graduation are not eligible.

A03 - Open Management Scholarships

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good (a minimum of upper second class, preferably a first class Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian -university.
• Application should reach your nearest British Council offices by the stipulated deadline of 30th November 2002 for the 2003 entry. Able to provide the evidence of your post-graduate application(s) to a maximum 3 institutions. Successful scholars will be required to submit proof of admission offer from any UK university, no later than by 31st May 2003. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in Delhi in January-March.Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.
• Having at least 1 year of relevant work experience and a GMAT score of 600 or above.
• Candidates in their final year of graduation are not eligible.

A04 - Open Science Scholarships

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good (a minimum of upper second class, preferably a first class Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian -university.
• Application should reach your nearest British Council offices by the stipulated deadline of 30th November 2002 for the 2003 entry. Able to provide the evidence of your post-graduate application(s) to a maximum 3 institutions. Successful scholars will be required to submit proof of admission offer from any UK university, no later than by 31st May 2003. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in Delhi in January-March.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.
• Candidates in their final year of graduation are not eligible.

A05 - Open Science Scholarships

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good (a minimum of upper second class, preferably a first class Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian -university.
• Application should reach your nearest British Council offices by the stipulated deadline of 30th November 2002 for the 2003 entry. Able to provide the evidence of your post-graduate application(s) to a maximum 3 institutions. Successful scholars will be required to submit proof of admission offer from any UK university, no later than by 31st May 2003. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in Delhi in January-March.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.
• Candidates in their final year of graduation are not eligible.

A06 - Open Scholarships

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good (a minimum of upper second class, preferably a first class Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian -university.
• Application should reach your nearest British Council offices by the stipulated deadline of 30th November 2002 for the 2003 entry. Able to provide the evidence of your post-graduate application(s) to a maximum 3 institutions. Successful scholars will be required to submit proof of admission offer from any UK university, no later than by 31st May 2003. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in Delhi in January-March.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.
• Candidates in their final year of graduation are not eligible.

Scheme B - Short Term (Professional) Scholarships: These scholarships are named as "Professional" scholarships, which suggest that this scheme provides for professional training and is only for working professional training and is only for working professionals and practitioners who have substantial experience in their professional field. This scheme is designed for working professionals who are interested in participating in a short-term training programme to expand, integrate and consolidate their experience, knowledge and skills by joining tailor-made courses of up to three months in the UK. The scholarships under this scheme are funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the UK government with contributions from the participating UK institution in some cases. Each scholarship covers the full fee and the living expenses for a maximum period of 12 weeks. The British Council also arranges gratis student UK visas for the scholars. Application should reach your nearest British Council offices by the stipulated deadline of 30th November 2002 for year 2003. The following eight programmes are available under this scheme:

B01 - Gurukul Scholarships in Leadership and Excellence

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good (a minimum of upper second class, preferably a first class Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian -university.
• Interested in pursuing a course of not more than 10 weeks duration in the UK.
  Able to provide the demonstration of proven leadership in your chosen field or profession and have at least five years of relevant work experience.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.
• Computer literate.

B02 - Senior Executive Programme

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good (a minimum of upper second class, preferably a first class Master's degree from a recognized Indian -university.
• Interested in pursuing a course of not more than 4 weeks duration in the UK.
• Have at least ten years of full time managerial experience in a middle or senior level position.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.
• Computer literate.

B03 - Young Indian Print Journalists Programme

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good (a minimum of upper second class, preferably a first class Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian -university.
• Interested in pursuing a course of not more than 12 weeks duration in the UK.
• Have at least five years of full time journalistic experience with an English or Indian language newspaper or magazine.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.
• Having good typing and computer skills (preferably DTP).

B04 - Young Indian Broadcast Journalists Programme

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good (a minimum of upper second class, preferably a first class Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian -university.
• Interested in pursuing a course of not more than 12 weeks duration in the UK.
• Having at least three years of full time experience of Professional Broadcaster working in radio or television.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.

B05 - Wolfson College Press Fellowships

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good (a minimum of upper second class, preferably a first class Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian -university.
• Interested in pursuing a course of not more than 10 weeks duration in the UK.
• In addition you should have a well-thought out research proposal (plan of special study or enquiry) in a field of interest related to your journalistic work.
• Having at least five years of continuous experience in journalism.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.

B06 - Young Indian Environmental Managers Programme

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good (a minimum of upper second class, preferably a first class environmentally related Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian -university.
• Interested in pursuing a course of not more than 12 weeks duration in the UK.
• Should not have been short-listed on a previous environmental manager programme unless you were the one of the reserve for the programme.
• Having at least five years of relevant experience in an aspect of environ management in a private, government or NGO.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.
• Computer literate

B07 - Women in Leadership and Management Programme

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good (a minimum of upper second class, preferably a first class Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian -university.
• Interested in pursuing a course of not more than 12 weeks duration in the UK.
• Should be women managers having at least five years of part and/or full time work experience at middle or senior management level in a public or non-government sector.
• Should have demonstrated leadership potential and empathy for gender issues.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.

B08 - Peace and Conflict Resolution Programme

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good (a minimum of upper second class, preferably a first class Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian -university.
• Interested in pursuing a course of not more than 12 weeks duration in the UK.
• Should have demonstrated interest in peace and conflict issues with at least five years experience, practice and research in the field.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.

Scheme C - Long Term (Shared or Joint) Scholarships: This scheme is funded jointly with contribution from participating UK institution(s) and other co-sponsors. This scheme is designed for candidates who are interested in applying or have already applied for a one-year postgraduate (master's) study at specific UK universities participating in this scheme for 2003 entry. These scholarships are funded jointly by FCO of the UK government and one or two co-sponsor(s). Each scholarship covers the tuition fee up to a maximum amount of £12,000 and the living expenses for a maximum period of 12 months. The excess amount is to be borne by the scholar or his/her sponsor. The British Council also arranges gratis student UK visas for the scholars. The following five programs are available under this scheme:

C01 - Indian Friends of London School of Economics Shared Scholarships

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good (a minimum of upper second class, preferably a first class Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university with preference to those who have additionally a first class Master's degree or equivalent.
• Applicants must hold offer letter from LSE confirming your acceptance on the proposed course of study by no later than 31st March 2003 for year 2003. Selection interviews of shortlisted candidates are held in Mumbai, normally in June/July.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.
• Candidates in their final year of graduation are eligible to apply.

C02 - Cable & Wireless Shared Scholarships

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a good engineering degree, preferably first class from a recognized Indian university in relevant subject.
• Interested in pursuing a course of not more than 12 months duration in the UK.
• Should have minimum three years of work experience within the telecommunication industry.
  Applicants must hold offer letter confirming their acceptance on the proposed course of study by no later than 31st March 2003 for year 2003. Selection interviews of shortlisted candidates are held in New Delhi, normally in May/June 2003.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.
• Candidates in their final year of graduation are not eligible to apply.
• International return economy airfares are normally covered.

C03 - FCO/Nottingham/Commonwealth Partnership Joint Scholarships

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a first or good second class honours degree, with preference to those who have additionally a first class Master's degree or equivalent.
• Applicants must hold offer letter confirming their acceptance on the proposed course of study by no later than 31st March 2003 for year 2003. Selection interviews of shortlisted candidates are held in New Delhi, normally in May/June 2003.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.
• Candidates in their final year of graduation are not eligible to apply.
• International return economy airfares are normally covered.

C03 - FCO/Pearson/Stirling Joint Scholarships

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a first or good second-class honours degree. Preference will be given to candidates with additionally a first class Master's degree or diploma in a subject related to current field of work and with at least three years of professional experience within media.
• Applicants do not need prior admission. However, if admission is secured, the copy of offer letter may be attached latest by 31st March 2003 for year 2003. Selection interviews of shortlisted candidates are held in New Delhi, normally in May/June 2003.
• Having a satisfactory score in IELTS or similar English language proficiency test.
• Candidates in their final year of graduation are not eligible to apply.
• International return economy airfares are normally covered.

How to Apply

Prospectus and application forms are available at the British Council offices in Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai & New Delhi and the British Libraries in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Pune & Thiruvananthpuram. You can apply for a maximum of three Chevening Scholarship Programmes in a given year provided you meet the eligibility criteria for the relevant programme. Application Form can also be downloaded from our Download Centre.

Who is not eligible?

You are not eligible to apply for a British Chevening Scholarship under the India Program, if you:

• Have already started a course of study in the UK at the time of application.
• Have received funding for a study programme from the UK government in the past.
• Are in the final year of graduation not having completed your first degree at the time of application.

Note: The only exception to this clause is programme C01 - Indian Friends of London School of Economics Shared Scholarship, where students in their final year are eligible to apply.

Other Chevening Programmes:

The following programmes are also available to international students including students from India. Students need to apply to the participating institutions and NOT to the British Council.

1. FCO/British Gas International/University of Strathclyde Joint Scholarship

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a first or good second class honours degree, with a minimum of work experience (links with the Oil/Gas industry are desirable). Preference will be given to those candidates who have not undertaken a course of full time study in the last two years. You should not have studied for a degree course in the European Union or US previously.
• Interested in pursuing a course of not more than 12 months duration in the UK.
• Must have a score of Band 6.5 in IELTS.
• A good GMAT score is required for MBA applicants.

 2. Shell Centenary Chevening Scholarships

• An Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
• Resident in India at the time of application.
• Of outstanding academic ability with a first or good second class honours degree from a recognised Indian University. Professional work experience will be preferred.
• Interested in pursuing a course of not more than 12 months duration in the UK.
• Must have firm offer of admission from any respective university.
• Must have a score of Band 7.5 in IELTS.

ORS Scholarship

These awards are open to International students applying for research degrees and are equivalent to the difference between the fees payable by home students and those payable by overseas students. They are merit based and hence competitive. The last date is March 2003.

DfID Shared Scholarships

These awards are primarily for taught Masters Programs. The scheme is for students from Commonwealth countries displaying academic excellence, and is jointly funded by the Department for International Development and participating UK institutions. It covers tuition fee, maintenance and airfare. The last date is 30th May 2003.

University Funded Scholarships

A number of universities offer partial scholarships for Indian students. Some are departmental and others are general. Information can be obtained from our counselors at theteam@triomind.com