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MBA: The Why, The Whats & The Hows

Scholarships to...

MBA: The Why, The Whats & The Hows

Scholarships for MBA in UK for Indian Students for 2024-25

Q: Is it hard to study MBA in UK with scholarship?

Getting an MBA scholarship in UK is tough given the competition among applicants. If you meet the eligibility criteria, have outstanding academic records, GMAT scores, professional achievements or you are an international student or from an underrepresented community, there are higher chances of getting a scholarship.

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

Yes, the UK government provides MBA scholarships in UK for Indian students. You can check the variety of available scholarships at the UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) website.

Q: Are there fully funded MBA scholarships in UK?

Yes, there are some fully funded MBA scholarships in UK such as Clarendon Fund, Oxford-Indira Gandhi Graduate Scholarships, Felix Scholarship, London Business School Funds Scholarship, etc.

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

Clearly, whether MBA scholarships in UK for international students will be available for the complete program duration or not varies with the type of scholarship. Some scholarships are only awarded as one-time awards while others may cover the entire program duration. Since MBA in UK can be completed in 1 year, there are several scholarship options for the complete program.

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

If you are aiming for a merit-based scholarship from one of the top MBA colleges in UK, you will need a GMAT score of at least 700.

Sumeet Jain

Dec 6, 2024

11k views

So, here’s a thought: What if you could earn an MBA from a prestigious UK university without breaking your bank account?

Sounds too good to be true, right? But the good news is—it’s actually possible.

For Indian students eyeing top B-schools like London Business School or Oxford, scholarships aren’t just a bonus; they’re your secret weapon.

These scholarships, some covering tuition and living expenses, are the GOLDEN TICKET to making your MBA dream a reality without drowning in debt.

Key Highlights:

London Business School, Saïd Business School, and Judge Business School are some of the top UK B-schools offering scholarships for Indian students studying MBA in the UK.
The Chevening, Inlaks, and Felix Scholarships help Indian students in the UK with an average MBA scholarship of INR 67 lac, covering expenses and full tuition fees.
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.

Ready to learn about UK MBA scholarships that could save you up to ₹70 lakhs or even more?

Stick with us as we walk you through the top scholarships, who’s eligible, and how to bag one. Because, let’s face it, everyone loves free money—especially when it’s for a world-class education!

Table of Contents:

Top 10 MBA Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students
Eligibility Requirements to Apply for an MBA Scholarship in the UK
What is the MBA Cost in the UK for an Indian Student?
How to Apply for MBA Scholarships in the UK?
Types of MBA Scholarships in the UK
How to Get Fully Funded MBA Scholarship in the UK?

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.

Here are some of the scholarships offered to Indian students for studying an MBA in the UK

Name of the Scholarship	Offered By	Scholarship Award
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 lac
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 lac
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)

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!

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

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.

The 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.

Application Deadline	August - early November
Amount covered	Fully funded
Duration	1 year
Provided By	Chevening (UK Government)
Eligibility Criteria	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, 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.

Application Deadline	Jan - May
Amount covered	Upto EUR 10,000 (INR 93,000)
Duration	1 year
Provided By	UK Universities
Eligibility Criteria	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 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.

Application Deadline	February - March
Amount covered	Fully funded
Duration	1 year
Provided By	Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
Eligibility Criteria	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, 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.

Application Deadline	Twice a year
Amount covered	9 lac
Duration	1 year
Provided By	British Council, Study Portals, ISIC
Eligibility Criteria	Must be over the age of 18. Must fulfil the English language requirement.

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.

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 Criteria	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, Oxford, covers full tuition fees (around ₹73 lakhs), it’s awarded to those with at least three years of experience in social entrepreneurship.

Application Deadline	January (Round 3 Oxford MBA application deadline)
Amount covered	73 lac
Duration	1 year
Provided By	Oxford University
Eligibility Criteria	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

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.

Application Deadline	January - March
Amount covered	Fully funded
Duration	Duration of the Program
Provided By	University of Oxford, Reading, SOAS
Eligibility Criteria	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

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.

Application Deadline	January - April
Amount covered	Up to USD 100,000 (INR
Duration	1-2 years
Provided By	Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation
Eligibility Criteria	Applicant’s age should not exceed 30 years. Citizen of India. Undergraduate degree from a recognized university.

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.

Application Deadline	Varies
Amount covered	Varies by award and organisation
Duration	Varies
Provided By	Various arts/creative organisations
Eligibility Criteria	Citizen of India. Must not have received the same scholarship in the past 5 years.

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 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 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.

What is the MBA Cost in the UK for an Indian Student?

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.

University	Tuition Fees (GBP)	Tuition Fees (INR) (Approx. in lacs)	Duration
University of Oxford (Saïd)	£71,540	58.7 lacs	1 year
University of Cambridge (Judge)	£70,000	57.5 lacs	1 year
London Business School	£109,700	90.6 lac	15-21 months
Imperial College Business School	£61,500	50.8 lacs	1 year
University of Warwick (Warwick Business School)	£51,200	42.5 lacs	1 year

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.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP)	Estimated Monthly Cost (INR) (Approx. in lacs)
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

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:

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 MBA scholarship online.

Step 6: Await the university's response.

Types of MBA Scholarships in the UK

There are many types of MBA Scholarships 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 so you can figure out which one fits you best.

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 scholarships 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 Inlaks Foundation are another great option. They mostly focus on leadership, niche fields, and cultural exchange.

How to Get Fully Funded MBA Scholarship in the UK?

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:

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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.

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