MBA: The Why, The Whats & The Hows

MBA Scholarships in the UK: A Guide for Indian Students

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Sumeet Jain
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For many Indian students, pursuing an MBA in the UK is an aspiration, though the significant costs can pose a challenge. Fortunately, many scholarships to study in the UK provide financial support to students, helping ease the burden and enabling access to world-class education and professional development for international students. MBA scholarships in the UK are awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, and financial need. They are available through both government and private organisations, as well as individual universities.

Key Highlights:

  • Top MBA universities in the UK offering scholarships for Indian students include London Business School, the University of Oxford (Saïd Business School), and the University of Cambridge (Judge Business School).
  • Scholarships like the Chevening Scholarship £18,000 (INR 16.67 lakh), Inlaks Scholarship £72,000 (INR 67.07 lakh) and Felix Scholarship (100% fees + living costs) help Indian students manage MBA expenses.
  • Most scholarships in the UK require a separate application, and you need to apply for them while applying to the MBA program. Be sure to check the official website for details.

Table of Contents: 

  •  Why Choose the UK for an MBA?
  • Top 10 MBA Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students
  • Cost of Studying MBA in the UK for Indian Students
  • Eligibility Requirements to Apply for an MBA Scholarship in the UK
  • How to Apply for MBA Scholarships in the UK?

Why Choose the UK for an MBA?

The UK has become a leading destination for MBA students, offering a blend of academic excellence, affordability, and strong industry connections. With world-class universities, expert faculty, and a diverse, international student body, studying an MBA in the UK provides a unique opportunity to gain a top-tier education and build valuable networks. 

  • Academic Excellence: The UK is home to world-class universities known for their high academic standards and rigorous curriculum.
  • Quality Education: UK universities boast expert faculty with significant industry experience, providing students with practical insights.
  • Strong Networking Opportunities: MBA programs in the UK offer robust alumni networks, enabling students to connect with professionals from various fields and backgrounds.
  • Cultural Diversity: Over half of MBA students in the UK come from international backgrounds, fostering a culturally diverse and harmonious learning environment.
  • Affordable MBA Programs: Compared to countries like the United States, MBA courses in the UK are generally more cost-effective.
  • Industry Connections: UK MBA programs often have close ties with industry leaders, offering students valuable exposure and potential career opportunities.
  • Career and Mentoring Support: Top UK universities provide career counseling and mentoring services to guide students in maximising their potential and securing employment.

Top 10 MBA Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students

There are a variety of scholarships to study 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. Some of the top B-schools offering these scholarships are discussed below:

Scholarship Name

Provided By

Amount

Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan (CSFP)

Ministry of HRD, Govt of India

Varies (Covers tuition, living expenses, airfare)

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening (UK Government)

Fully funded (Covers tuition, living expenses, airfare)

GREAT Scholarships

UK Universities

Varies by university (Typically up to £10,000, or INR 93,000)

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

Fully funded (Covers tuition, living expenses, airfare)

The Global Study Awards 

British Council, Study Portals, ISIC

INR 9 lakh

Goa Education Trust 

Goa Education Trust

Covers full or half tuition fees.

The Skoll MBA Scholarship

Said Business School, University of Oxford

EUR 78,150 or 73 lakh

Felix Scholarships

University of Oxford, Reading, SOAS

Fully funded (Covers tuition, living expenses, airfare)

Inlaks Scholarships

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation

Up to USD 100,000 (INR 93,000)

 (Covers tuition, living expenses)

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

Various arts/creative organisations

Varies by award and organisation

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1. Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan (CSFP)

Open to Indian students for Master’s and PhD programs, selected based on academic excellence and the potential to contribute to India’s development.

Application Deadline

August - November 

Amount covered 

Varies (Covers tuition, living expenses, airfare)

Duration 

Whole Program

Provided By

Ministry of HRD, Govt of India

Eligibility Criteria 

  • PR of a commonwealth country
  • Minimum undergraduate degree
  • Financial need
  • Less than 45 years old
  • Must have an offer letter from a UK university

2. Chevening Scholarships

A UK government-funded scholarship for Indian students pursuing a Master’s degree in any subject, awarded based on leadership potential and academic excellence.

Application Deadline

August - early November

Amount covered 

Fully funded

Duration 

1 year

Provided By

Chevening (UK Government)

Eligibility 

  • Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
  • Must return to the home country for at least two years after the award ends.
  • Minimum of 2 years of work experience.
  • Undergraduate degree from a recognized university.

3. GREAT Scholarships

Offered by UK universities, these scholarships are for a wide range of courses and awarded based on academic merit.

Application Deadline

Jan - May

Amount covered 

Upto EUR 10,000 (INR 93,000)

Duration 

1 year 

Provided By

UK Universities 

Eligibility 

  • Citizen of India.
  • Must meet the English language requirement.
  • Undergraduate degree from a recognized university.
  • Relevant experience in the subject area.

4. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

For Master’s students in development-focused fields, awarded based on academic merit and contribution to development in home countries.

Application Deadline

February - March

Amount covered 

Fully funded

Duration 

1 year

Provided By

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

Eligibility 

  • Citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country.
  • Unable to afford a degree in the UK without a scholarship.
  • Undergraduate honours degree (2:1 or equivalent) from a recognized university.

5. The Global Study Awards

The Global Study Awards, launched by the British Council, ISIC, and Study Portals, encourages students to pursue higher education abroad. It offers financial support to cover tuition fees, living costs, or other study-related expenses, helping students to gain international experience.

Application Deadline

Twice a year

Amount covered 

9 lakh

Duration 

1 year 

Provided By

British Council, Study Portals, ISIC

Eligibility 

  • Must be over the age of 18.
  • Must fulfil the English language requirement.

6. Goa Education Trust

The Goa Education Trust Scholarship supports students from Goa in pursuing a one-year master’s degree at UK universities. This scholarship provides either full or partial tuition coverage, helping talented students gain world-class education abroad.

Application Deadline

Varies (Depends on the UK university's admission deadline)

Amount covered 

Full or half tuition fees

Duration 

1 year

Provided By

Goa Education Trust

Eligibility 

  • Applicants must be a resident of Goa.
  • Age must not exceed 30 years.
  • Must have an unconditional offer from a UK university for a 1-year program.

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7. The Skoll MBA Scholarship

The Skoll MBA Scholarship at Said Business School, University of Oxford, is a fully-funded award for aspiring social entrepreneurs. It covers the full tuition and provides a living stipend, supporting students who want to use their business skills to make a social impact.

Application Deadline

January (Round 3 Oxford MBA application deadline)

Amount covered 

73 lakh

Duration 

1 year

Provided By

Oxford University 

Eligibility 

  • Must demonstrate a commitment to social entrepreneurship and making a positive impact on the world.
  • Have a minimum of 3 years of work experience in social entrepreneurship or a similar field.
  • Must have applied and received an offer for the MBA program at Said Business School, University of Oxford.
  • Able to demonstrate financial need.
  • Must meet the Oxford MBA program’s academic and language requirements.

8. Felix Scholarships

Fully funded scholarships for Indian students to pursue postgraduate degrees at Oxford, Reading, or SOAS. Covering tuition, living expenses, and travel costs, this scholarship supports students throughout their academic program. Applications are accepted from January to March, emphasising academic excellence and societal contributions.

Application Deadline

January - March

Amount covered 

Fully funded

Duration 

Duration of the Program 

Provided By

University of Oxford, Reading, SOAS

Eligibility 

  • Citizen of India or a developing country.
  • Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in India.
  • Must return to the home country to work after completing the award.

9. Inlaks Scholarships

Offering up to USD 100,000, the Inlaks Scholarship is open to Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies at leading global institutions. Applications are accepted from January to April. This scholarship covers tuition and living expenses, supporting academic merit, leadership, and personal growth.

Application Deadline

January - April

Amount covered 

Up to USD 100,000 (INR 

Duration 

1-2 years

Provided By

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation

Eligibility 

  • Applicant’s age should not exceed 30 years.
  • Citizen of India.
  • Undergraduate degree from a recognized university.

10. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

This scholarship supports Indian artists, performers, and creative researchers, covering a range of expenses. The deadlines and amounts vary by the organisation, focusing on creative talent and artistic development. Ideal for students in creative fields, the scholarship provides opportunities for growth and global exposure.

Application Deadline

Varies

Amount covered 

Varies by award and organisation

Duration 

Varies

Provided By

Various arts/creative organisations

Eligibility 

  • Citizen of India.
  • Must not have received the same scholarship in the past 5 years.

Cost of Studying MBA in the UK for Indian Students

The cost of studying for an MBA in the UK typically ranges from EUR 20,000 to EUR 60,000 (INR 18 lakhs to INR 55 lakhs) for tuition fees, depending on the university and program. Additional expenses, including living costs, materials, and travel, can add another EUR 10,000 to EUR 15,000 (INR 9.3 lakhs to INR 13 lakhs) annually. Students should budget around EUR 30,000 to EUR 75,000 (INR 27 lakhs to INR 70 lakhs) for the entire MBA experience.

Tuition Fees

The UK is a prime destination for MBA aspirants due to its globally recognized institutions and diverse business environment. The average tuition fees for an MBA in the UK range from EUR 30,000 to EUR 50,000 (approximately INR 30 lakh to 50 lakh). Fees can vary significantly based on the university and the program's reputation.

University

Tuition Fees (GBP)

Tuition Fees (INR) (Approx. in Lakhs)

Duration

University of Oxford (Saïd)

£71,540

58.7 lakhs

1 year

University of Cambridge (Judge)

£70,000

. 57.5 lakhs

1 year

London Business School

£109,700

90.6 lakh

15-21 months

Imperial College Business School

£61,500

50.8 lakhs

1 year

University of Warwick (Warwick Business School)

£51,200

42.5 lakhs

1 year

Cost of Living in UK

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

Expense Category

Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP)

Estimated Monthly Cost (INR) (Approx. in Lakhs)

Accommodation (rent)

£500 - £1,200

INR 41,500 - INR 1,00,000 

Food and Groceries

£150 - £300

INR 12,450 - INR 24,600 

Utilities (electricity, water, internet)

£50 - £150

INR 4,150 - INR 12,450 

Transportation (public)

£50 - £100

INR 4,150 - INR 8,300 

Personal Expenses (clothing, entertainment, etc.)

£100 - £300

INR 8,300 - INR 24,600

Study Materials

£40 - £100

INR 3,300 - INR 8,300 

Miscellaneous

£50 - £100

INR 4,150 - INR 8,300 

Eligibility Requirements to Apply for an MBA Scholarship in the UK

As a scholarship applicant, there are several eligibility criteria you’ll have to fulfill for both half and fully-funded MBA scholarships 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 have a look at a few generic eligibility criteria that most MBA funding options UK require from applicants:

  • 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.

How to Apply for MBA Scholarships in the UK?

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. 

To apply for scholarships for an MBA in the UK: 

  1. Visit the official website of the university
  2. Understand the eligibility criteria for the university scholarship. 
  3. Gather the necessary documents. 
  4. Take the required tests (GMAT, IELTS). 
  5. Register and apply for the scholarship online. 
  6. Await the university's response.

From the Desk of Yocket 

Scholarships for MBA programs in the UK offer Indian students significant financial support. Prestigious awards like the Chevening Scholarship, Inlaks Scholarship, and Felix Scholarship cover substantial tuition and living costs, while university-specific scholarships such as the Dean’s Impact Scholarship and Cambridge Judge Dean’s Scholarship award academic and leadership excellence. With a range of scholarships based on merit, leadership potential, and diversity, Indian students have various opportunities to pursue an MBA in the UK for the 2024-25 academic year. Applying early and meeting specific eligibility criteria is key to securing these scholarships.

Are you an Indian student looking to pursue an MBA in the UK for the 2024-25 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!

Frequently Asked Questions about MBA Scholarships in UK

Is it hard to study MBA in UK with scholarship?

Does the UK government provide MBA scholarships in UK for Indian students?

Are there fully funded MBA scholarships in UK?

Are MBA scholarships in UK for international students available for complete program duration?

What GMAT score is required to get an MBA scholarship in UK?

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