The UK announces 75 fully-funded scholarships for Indian students

The UK has announced 75 fully-funded scholarships in partnership with leading Indian businesses to support Indian students. The programme is to mark the 75th anniversary of India's independence.

Alex Ellis, the British High Commissioner to India, said this is a great milestone together in India's 75th year. He was speaking at the India Global Forum's UK-India Week in London.

The scholarships will help Indian students to study in Britain from September. The programme includes Chevening scholarships for a one-year Master's programme with the opportunity to study any subject at a UK university. HSBC, Pearson India, Hindustan Unilever, Tata Sons, and Duolingo are among the companies supporting the programme.

In addition to this, the British Council in India is offering around 18 scholarships for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions. This will cover over 12,000 courses in over 150 universities in Britain. Six English scholarships are also part of the programme.

According to the UK government, this marks the highest number of fully-funded scholarships given for the one-year Master's programme to date.

Thanks to the exceptional support from our partners in the industry, I am delighted to announce 75 scholarships for Indian students to experience the best of the UK. Nearly 30% of Chevening scholars in India come from smaller cities or are first-generation students, making this an increasingly diverse programme, added Ellis.

The Chevening scheme is the UK government's international awards scheme. Since 1983, the programme has been sponsoring students from 150 countries. Indian alumni of the Chevening programme have over 3,500 people which is the largest in the world.

These scholarships will provide students with tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Candidates need at least two years' work experience to be eligible. More details will be available on the Chevening website.

Hitendra Dave, CEO of HSBC, said the company is delighted to partner with Chevening. He added that the goal is to encourage young people with the potential to become leaders and decision-makers in their fields by leveraging the world-class educational facilities offered under this programme.

"As a British bank with a significant lineage and legacy in India, we believe we have a meaningful role to play in developing leadership talent in the country," he added. The company is sponsoring 15 scholarships.

Pearson India is sponsoring two programmes. Hindustan Unilever, Tata Sons, and Duolingo will sponsor one each.