Scholarships for MBA in UK for Indian Students for 2025

There are many types of scholarships to pursue MBA in the UK. All the way from general scholarships to the preferred programs and merit-based scholarships, the UK offers many scholarships designed for students. 

Let’s break it down the types of MBA Scholarships in the UK:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are all about rewarding students who’ve done exceptionally well in academics or professional achievements. If you’ve got a strong GMAT score or a standout undergraduate degree, this might be the right fit for you.

2. Need-Based Scholarships

If paying for an MBA feels like a stretch, need-based scholarships can step in to help. They’re designed for students who need financial support, covering tuition fees, living expenses, or sometimes both.

3. Diversity Scholarships

These MBA scholarships in the UK try to bring a mix of perspectives to the classroom. They support students from underrepresented backgrounds—whether that’s based on nationality, gender, or unique experiences.

4. Leadership Scholarships

Have you been the one calling the shots at work or leading a community project? Leadership scholarships recognize those skills and help students who can bring big ideas and energy to their MBA program.

5. Industry-Focused Scholarships

If you’ve got your eyes set on a specific career, like finance, healthcare, or tech, Industry-focused scholarships focus on helping students with interests in particular industries. They’re often backed by partnerships between universities and companies.

6. Government Scholarships

Programs like Chevening and Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are funded by the UK government and cover most of your costs—tuition, living expenses, and even travel.

7. University-Specific Scholarships

Most universities offer their own scholarships for MBA students. These can range from a partial fee waiver to full funding, and they usually consider a mix of your academic record, work experience, and career plans.

8. External Organization Scholarships

Scholarships from organizations like the British Council or the Inlaks Foundation are another great option. They mostly focus on leadership, niche fields, and cultural exchange.

There are several scholarships to study an MBA in the UK that can help you manage your study expenses. These scholarships are not just provided by top universities but also by private organisations and the UK Government.

Here are some of the MBA scholarships in the UK for Indian students

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1. Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan (CSFP)

Fully funded by the Ministry of HRD, Govt of India, Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan takes a massive load off your shoulders by covering tuition fees, living expenses, and even airfare. It’s a golden opportunity for students with a solid academic record who want to bring their skills back to India and make a difference.

If you’re under 45 years old, academically brilliant, and dreaming of studying in the UK, this is your shot at turning those dreams into reality!

2. Chevening Scholarships

You can think of the Chevening Scholarship as the VIP pass to your UK MBA dreams. Funded by the UK Government, this scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and even airfare. 

This scholarship also aims to build a network of global leaders, and if you’ve got two years of work experience and an undergraduate degree, this could be your ticket to becoming one of them.

3. GREAT Scholarships

Offered by UK universities, the GREAT Scholarship provides up to £10,000 (approximately ₹10 lakhs) to academically strong students with a clear vision for their career.

If you’re a citizen of India with relevant experience and an undergraduate degree, this scholarship can help you focus on learning rather than stressing over expenses.

4. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

For those with a passion for development and a desire to give back, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is a perfect fit. Fully funded, it covers tuition, living expenses, and even airfare. 

If you have a strong academic record and a heart set on making an impact in your home country, this opportunity could be exactly what you’re looking for.

5. The Global Study Awards

The Global Study Awards, worth up to INR 9 lakh, are perfect for ambitious students planning to gain international exposure. With backing from the British Council and Study Portals, this award supports tuition fees and also living expenses.

6. Goa Education Trust

The Goa Education Trust scholarship covers full or partial tuition fees for a one-year Master’s degree at UK universities. If you’re under 30, hold an unconditional offer, and are ready to represent Goa on an international stage, this scholarship is for you.

7. The Skoll MBA Scholarship

The Skoll MBA Scholarship at Said Business School, Oxford, covers full tuition fees (around ₹73 lakhs), it’s awarded to those with at least three years of experience in social entrepreneurship.

8. Felix Scholarships

The Felix Scholarship does helps Indian students at universities like Oxford, SOAS, and Reading. From tuition fees to living expenses and airfare, everything’s covered. If you’re an academically brilliant student with a Bachelor’s degree and a commitment to returning to your home country post-graduation, this scholarship is your answer.

9. Inlaks Scholarships

With funding up to USD 100,000 (around ₹93 lakh), Inlaks Scholarships covers tuition fees, living expenses, and more for postgraduate studies. Open to Indian students under 30 with a standout academic record, this scholarship can make your MBA dream come true without financial stress.

10. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

For Indian artists and creative professionals, this scholarship offers financial support covering tuition, living expenses, and more, it’s perfect for those in creative fields who want to elevate their skills in the UK.

As a scholarship applicant, there are several eligibility criteria you’ll have to fulfill for both half-funded and fully-funded scholarships for MBA in the UK. There’s high competition for these awards, so you should make your profile stand out among the rest of the applicants to be selected for your scholarship. 

Let us look at some common eligibility criteria required for MBA scholarships in the UK:

• The applicant must be an international student.
• The applicant must show excellent academic status and prove his or her capacity.
• The applicant should be eligible to apply for an MBA degree.
• The applicant should have experience in international business management.
• A good GMAT or GRE score is also required.
• At least two outstanding letters of reference.

Other than these, some universities and scholarship agencies in the UK might also require additional eligibility criteria owing to the high competition for the same. If you are looking forward to securing your scholarship for MBA funding in the UK for Indian students, you are advised to work on your portfolio and resume to make it stand out from the rest of the crowd.

Applying for scholarships abroad isn’t complicated. You can directly apply on the website of that particular business school. In case of confusion, you can also reach out to the admin department of your desired university to guide you through the process. 

Follow the below mentioned steps to apply for MBA scholarships in the UK: 

• Step 1: Visit the official website of the university
• Step 2: Understand the eligibility criteria for the university scholarship. 
• Step 3: Gather the necessary documents. 
• Step 4: Submit the required exam scorecards (GMAT, IELTS). 
• Step 5: Register and apply for the UK MBA scholarship online. 
• Step 6: Await the university's response.

Alright, so you’ve gone through the scholarships and picked your favorites—now comes the big question: how do you actually get an MBA Scholarship in the UK? 

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. 

Landing an MBA scholarship in the UK isn’t rocket science, but it does take some planning, effort, and a pinch of strategy. Let’s break it down so you’re ready to ace it!

The trick lies in standing out—showing the selection committees why you deserve the scholarship. 

Here’s how to do just that:

1. Start early, stay ahead - Scholarships aren’t last-minute deals. Deadlines sneak up fast, so make sure you’re researching scholarships and gathering documents well in advance—ideally a year before your MBA program starts.
2. Showcase what makes you shine - Leadership skills? Check. Work experience? Double check. Universities and organizations love candidates who’ve made an impact, so flaunt your achievements and any real-world problems you’ve tackled. Be it leading a project at work or volunteering for a cause, it all counts!
3. SOP: Your personal spotlight - Your Statement of Purpose is your story, make it inspiring, but don’t oversell—stay authentic. Talk about why an MBA in the UK is your dream, how the scholarship can make it possible, and what you aim to achieve after graduating.
4. LORs that speak for you - A great Letter of Recommendation is like a vote of confidence from someone who knows your potential. Choose recommenders who can genuinely highlight your skills, growth, and leadership abilities.
5. Get that GMAT (If Needed) - Some scholarships value high test scores, so if the GMAT or GRE is on the table, aim for a strong score. It’s not mandatory everywhere, but it can boost your profile for merit-based scholarships.
6. Be honest about financial need - If you’re applying for need-based scholarships, be upfront about your financial circumstances. Provide the necessary documents to back up your application.
7. Don’t stop at one scholarship - Why limit yourself? Apply for multiple scholarships—government-funded, university-specific, and private ones. The more you apply, the better your chances!
8. Prepare to impress in interviews - If there’s an interview round, treat it like a conversation about your goals, not an interrogation. Be confident, know your story, and show them how their investment in you will pay off.

See? It’s all about presenting your best self while staying true to your story.

The cost of studying for an MBA in the UK ranges from INR 18 lacs to INR 55 lacs (EUR 20,000 to EUR 60,000) for tuition fees, depending on the university and program. Additional expenses, including living costs, materials, and travel, can add another INR 9.3 lacs to INR 13 lacs (EUR 10,000 to EUR 15,000) annually. 

Indian Students should budget around INR 27 lacs to INR 70 lacs (EUR 30,000 to EUR 75,000) for completing an entire MBA program in the UK.

Tuition Fees

The average tuition fees for an MBA in the UK range from EUR 30,000 to EUR 50,000 (approximately INR 30 lac to 50 lac). Fees can vary significantly based on the university and the program's reputation.

Cost of Living in UK

The average cost of living in the UK for an Indian student is approximately INR 12 lac to 15 lac (EUR 12,000 to EUR 15,000) per year.

This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses, varying by location and lifestyle. Living costs in the UK differ based on the city, lifestyle, and type of accommodation. While London is generally pricier, other cities provide more budget-friendly alternatives.

Are you an Indian student looking to pursue an MBA in the UK for the 2025 academic year? Scholarships like the Chevening, Inlaks, and Felix Scholarships, along with university-specific awards, can significantly reduce your tuition and living costs. To maximise your chances, it's essential to apply early and meet the eligibility criteria. At Yocket, we offer a free consultancy call to guide you through the scholarship opportunities, application processes, and eligibility requirements. Let us help you unlock world-class education with the financial support you need. Book your free call today!