If you are an Indian student planning to study in the UK for undergraduate, one of the first questions that comes to mind is – “Can I afford it?” The answer, with the right scholarships, is often yes.
The UK is home to some of the world’s best universities, and the September intake in the UK is the most popular time to begin your undergraduate journey. Most top UK universities open their doors for the new academic year in September, making it the ideal entry point for students coming straight from Class 12 or their equivalent board exams.
But before you start applying, let’s talk money – and more importantly, how to get some of it back through scholarships for undergraduate students in the UK.
Why September Intake Is the Best Time to Apply for UK Scholarships
The September UK intake is the primary intake for almost all undergraduate programmes across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This matters for scholarships because:
- Most UK university scholarships are tied to the September academic year
- Scholarship deadlines typically fall between January and May – giving you time to apply after receiving your UCAS offer
- You get the widest range of course choices since all programmes are fully available in September
If you are planning for September entry, start your scholarship research at least 8 to 12 months in advance. Many of the best awards close early.
Top Scholarships for Undergraduate Students in the UK
1. Chevening Scholarship (Postgraduate – Know for Future Planning)
While Chevening is strictly for postgraduate students, it is worth knowing about now. Many Indian students plan their UK education in two stages – undergraduate first, then a Chevening-funded master’s. Understanding this scholarship early helps you shape your undergraduate profile accordingly.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission supports students from Commonwealth nations, including India. Some Commonwealth scholarships support undergraduate distance learning programmes through the Open University UK. If you qualify as a student from a lower-income background, this is worth exploring.
3. University of Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarship
The University of Edinburgh offers partial scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students, typically covering between £5,000 and £10,000 per year off tuition fees. These are competitive and awarded based on academic merit. Students applying for September intake are automatically considered when they submit their application.
4. University of Bristol Think Big Scholarship
The Think Big Scholarship at the University of Bristol is one of the most well-known scholarships for international undergraduate students in the UK. It offers awards of £5,000, £10,000, or even £20,000 per year based on academic excellence and personal achievements. Indian students regularly receive this award, and the September cohort is the primary intake for this scholarship.
5. University of Leeds International Excellence Scholarship
The University of Leeds offers international undergraduate students a £3,000 scholarship in their first year of study. It is awarded automatically to the highest-achieving applicants – no separate application is needed, which makes it accessible for students who are already busy with UCAS applications and visa processes.
6. University College London (UCL) Global Undergraduate Scholarship
UCL is one of the UK’s top-ranked universities and offers the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship to students from specific countries, including India. The award covers up to 50% of tuition fees and is based on academic merit. Given UCL’s strong ranking in science, engineering, law, and business, this is a highly sought-after award for Indian students.
7. University of Manchester International Excellence Award
The University of Manchester offers the International Excellence Award worth £2,000 to £5,000 to undergraduate students from outside the EU. Applications open early in the year, and the award is made to students joining in September intake. Manchester is especially popular among Indian students studying computer science, engineering, and business management.
8. Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship
This is an India-based scholarship specifically designed for Indian students going abroad for higher education, including undergraduate programmes in the UK. The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation offers interest-free loans up to ₹20 lakhs for study at top global universities. While technically a loan-scholarship hybrid, the interest-free nature makes it one of the most student-friendly funding options available for Indian families.
9. Inlaks Scholarships
The Inlaks Foundation supports outstanding young Indians who wish to study at top universities abroad. Though most awards are aimed at postgraduate students, some undergraduate opportunities exist for students with exceptional profiles applying to the very top UK universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
10. Oxford and Cambridge Bursaries and Fee Waivers
Both Oxford University and Cambridge University offer need-based bursaries for international students, including Indians. These are not traditional scholarships – they are financial support packages based on your family’s income. For academically exceptional students who get into Oxbridge, these bursaries can significantly reduce the cost of attendance.
How to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
Getting a scholarship is not just about marks. UK universities and scholarship bodies look at:
- Academic performance – consistent grades in Class 11 and 12 or equivalent
- Extracurricular activities – sports, volunteering, leadership roles in school
- Personal statement – a well-written essay explaining your goals and why you chose this course and university
- Letters of recommendation – from teachers or mentors who know your work closely
- English language proficiency – a strong IELTS or TOEFL score is non-negotiable
Start preparing these documents well before your September UK intake application deadline to give yourself the best shot at funding.
Quick Reference: Top UK Undergraduate Scholarships at a Glance
| Scholarship | University / Body | Award Amount | Based On |
| Global Undergraduate Scholarship | University of Edinburgh | £5,000–£10,000/yr | Merit |
| Think Big Scholarship | University of Bristol | Up to £20,000/yr | Merit + Achievement |
| International Excellence Scholarship | University of Leeds | £3,000 (Year 1) | Merit (auto-considered) |
| UCL Global UG Scholarship | University College London | Up to 50% fees | Merit |
| International Excellence Award | University of Manchester | £2,000–£5,000 | Merit |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation | India-based | Up to ₹20 lakhs | Merit + Need |
| Oxford/Cambridge Bursaries | Oxford & Cambridge | Variable | Need-based |
Final Thoughts
The September intake university in the UK is the perfect time to begin your undergraduate degree at a world-class university – and scholarships can make that dream significantly more affordable. Whether you are aiming for Oxford, UCL, Edinburgh, or Manchester, there is financial support available if you plan early and apply smartly.
Start your research now, build a strong application, and do not let cost be the reason you hold back from one of the best educational experiences of your life.
