International Scholarships for Indian Students after 12th Grade – UK Edition
The UK is consistently at the top of the list for many aspiring international students exploring global higher education options. And international scholarships for Indian students after 12th grade can make these dreams come true.
The UK is among the top study abroad destinations thanks to its prestigious universities, world-class education, and rich cultural experiences. Nonetheless, one reason many students hesitate is the cost of studying in the UK, which can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, UK universities reserve hundreds of thousands of pounds every year for scholarships, helping make excellent higher education accessible for international students.
Below, we break down how to explore and secure the best UK scholarships for international students.
Why Study in the UK in 2025?
Before diving into the scholarships, let’s tackle why the UK remains a favorite for higher education among Indian students. The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious higher education institutions, including Imperial College London, #2 on the QS World University Rankings (2025), the University of Oxford (#3) and the University of Cambridge (#5). The education system in the UK fosters critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, which are vital skills in today’s global economy.
Moreover, the UK offers a multicultural environment, allowing students to interact with peers from different backgrounds, broadening their worldview. The qualifications you earn in the UK have global recognition, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
With all these pluses, we must also address what might be holding you back from applying to the UK to study abroad after 12th grade. Tuition and living expenses in the UK can be substantial and are often one of the biggest barriers between you and your dream degree. This is where international scholarships for Indian students after 12th grade can make all the difference.
Types of Scholarships Available
The biggest scholarship providers for students planning to study in the UK are the universities you are targeting themselves. These awards come in many shapes and sizes – below, we break down some of the broad categories of scholarships you can consider.
1. General Scholarships
Universities offer merit scholarships to students demonstrating academic excellence during their 12th grade or equivalent studies. These highly competitive scholarships require students to have outstanding grades, extracurricular achievements, and often, leadership qualities. Some excellent options to consider for merit scholarships at UK universities include:
| University | Scholarship Name | Scholarship Details |
| University of Exeter | Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship |
An award of £7,500 for students enrolling in programs under the following faculties: • Environment, Science and Economy |
| University of Lincoln | Global Leaders Scholarship | 50% of tuition fees for one academic year |
| University of Suffolk | Vice-Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship | An award of £4,000 contributing towards tuition fees |
| University of Leicester | International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship |
If you meet or exceed the minimum entry criteria of your program - £3,000 per year If you achieve three grades above the minimum A-level criteria or equivalent - £5,000 per year |
| Coventry University | Vice-Chancellor Undergraduate Scholarship | An award of £1,000 for each academic year of the program |
| University of Portsmouth | Chancellor’s Global Academic Merit Scholarship | A £5,000 tuition fee reduction applying to the first academic year of the program |
| Bangor University | Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship | An award of £10,000 contributing to tuition fees |
| Nottingham Trent University | NTU Excellence Scholarship | 50% fee reduction for first academic year tuition fees |
| Manchester Metropolitan University | Vice-Chancellor’s International Regional Scholarship | 50% fee reduction for first academic year tuition fees |
| De Montfort University | DMU International Scholarship |
Award values vary depending on the faculty offering your program: • Arts, Design, and Humanities: £2,000 |
2. Subject-Specific Scholarships
Technically a subset of university-specific scholarships, subject-specific scholarships apply only to applicants of the awarding faculty. Students who have a strong interest in particular subjects and are applying to pursue a degree in that area are eligible for these awards.
Where many university-specific scholarships are open to applicants across all faculties, subject- or faculty-specific scholarships have their own perks. For starters, you might have an easier time securing international scholarships for Indian students after 12th grade with these scholarships. This is because these scholarships will see less competition than general entrance and merit scholarships, which will see a considerably larger pool of candidates.
Some examples of subject-specific scholarships include:
| University | Subject Area | Scholarship |
| University of Birmingham | Engineering | Engineering International Achievement Scholarship |
| University of Bristol | Law | Think Big about Global Justice Scholarship for Undergraduates |
| University of Strathclyde | Science | Faculty of Science Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students |
| University of West of England, Bristol | Business | 1st Formations Business Scholarship |
| Northumbria University | Design | The Vaughan Oliver Graphic Design Scholarship |
| University of Reading | Architecture | School of Built Environment Undergraduate Scholarship |
| University of Southampton | Computer Science | Southampton Electronics and Computer Science Commonwealth Scholarship |
3. Region-Specific Scholarships
Alongside general and subject-specific scholarships, this is an excellent category of international scholarships for Indian students after 12th grade to consider. This is especially the case as universities reserve certain scholarships for students from specific parts of the world. These scholarships can be region-specific (for example, South Asia-specific) or country-specific (for example, specific to students from India).
Again, like subject-specific scholarships, these are great awards to research and pursue since they will see less competition than the university’s largest flagship awards. Some examples of region and country-specific scholarships include:
| University | Scholarship |
| University of Essex | South Asia Scholarship |
| University of Dundee | South Asia Community Scholarship |
| The University of Aberdeen | PGDE South Asia Scholarship |
| Queen’s University Belfast | India Academic Excellence Award |
| University of East Anglia | UEA India Undergraduate Scholarship |
How to Apply for Scholarships?
1. Start Early
The application process for scholarships can be lengthy and competitive, so it is advisable to start early. Researching the available international scholarships for Indian students after 12th grade and understanding eligibility criteria is the first step. GRADSearch, our course finder tool, is a great way to explore the scholarships on offer by our university database, capturing information from over 3,300 global universities. Students should begin preparing their application materials, such as academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements, well in advance.
2. Focus on Academic and Extracurricular Achievements
Most international scholarships for Indian students after 12th grade, especially merit scholarships, require a strong academic record. However, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service can also play a significant role in the selection process. Students should highlight these achievements in their applications to stand out.
3. Craft a Strong Personal Statement
A personal statement is a crucial component of the scholarship application. It provides an opportunity for students to express their motivation, career goals, and how the scholarship will help them achieve their aspirations. A compelling personal statement can make a bigger difference than you might think when admissions officers consider the applicant pool’s eligibility for scholarships.
4. Seek Guidance and Support
Students should not hesitate to seek guidance from teachers, mentors, or educational consultants during the application process. They can provide valuable insights and feedback to find the best UK scholarships for international students and strengthen your application. Additionally, some scholarships require interviews, so practicing with a mentor can be beneficial.
Top Tips for Securing a Scholarship
Securing a scholarship can be a pivotal moment in a student’s academic journey, especially for those aspiring to study abroad. Scholarships not only provide financial relief but also open doors to prestigious institutions and global opportunities. For students seeking scholarship opportunities, the competition can be fierce. But with the right approach, securing a scholarship is achievable. Here are some things you should not overlook when looking into your scholarship options.
1. Research Thoroughly
One of the most crucial steps in securing a scholarship is thorough research. There are various types of international scholarships for Indian students after 12th grade to explore. For students targeting international students, it’s important to identify the ones that best match your academic background, interests, and financial needs. Start your research early, as some scholarships have application deadlines up to a year before the start of the academic program.
2. Understand the Eligibility Criteria
Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, and understanding these is key to a successful application. Carefully read the requirements for the scholarships you are targeting and be sure that you meet and exceed them.
For example, many scholarships require a certain grade point average (GPA), proof of leadership skills, or involvement in community service. Meeting these criteria is the first step, but exceeding them sets your application apart from others and bumps up your chances to succeed.
The number of scholarships a university offers is finite. In other words, be sure that you are using your time, effort, and resources effectively by applying for scholarships you have a strong chance of securing.
3. Prepare a Strong Application
Your application is your chance to demonstrate why you are an ideal fit for the scholarship. Ensure that all necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements, are in perfect order. A well-crafted personal statement is particularly important—it should highlight your achievements, career goals, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them. Tailor your personal statement to align with the scholarship’s mission and objectives, demonstrating why you are a perfect fit.
4. Highlight Your Extracurricular Achievements
Scholarships are not only about academic performance. Many scholarship committees look for well-rounded individuals who excel in extracurricular activities. Whether you were a student organization leader, community volunteer, or participating in sports or the arts, make sure to showcase these achievements in your application. Leadership roles, in particular, are high-value for scholarship applications, as they indicate your potential to contribute positively to the university community.
5. Apply to Multiple Scholarships
While focusing on a single scholarship can seem like a good strategy, it’s advisable to apply to multiple scholarships. This increases your chances of success, especially as universities offer a finite number of scholarships every year. Additionally, you can combine some scholarships, further easing the financial burden of studying abroad. Make a list of all the scholarships you qualify for and track their application deadlines to ensure you don’t miss any opportunities.
6. Seek Feedback and Support
Before submitting your application, seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or education consultants. They can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement. If your application involves an interview, practice with someone who can provide constructive criticism. Additionally, some universities and organizations offer workshops or resources to help with scholarship applications—take advantage of these if available.
7. Stay Organized and Persistent
Finally, organization and persistence are key. Keep track of deadlines, necessary documents, and any follow-up actions necessary. Scholarship applications can be time-consuming, but persistence pays off. Even if you don’t succeed in your first attempt, learn from the experience and apply again.
Rounding Up
By following these tips, you can secure international scholarships for Indian students after 12th grade to significantly ease the financial burden of studying in the UK. The key to success lies in meticulous preparation, strong applications, and persistence. With the right approach, Indian students can take full advantage of the numerous scholarships available and embark on an enriching educational journey in the UK.