"It develops future leaders and offers a unique opportunity"
Applications have opened for the latest round of Chevening Scholarships, giving Indian citizens the opportunity to study for a fully funded one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
The prestigious programme offers full financial support and is open to Indian citizens with at least two years of work experience gained after completing their undergraduate degree.
India hosts the largest Chevening programme in the world.
Since 1983, more than 4,000 Indian scholars have received the award, reflecting the UK’s long-standing commitment to developing future leaders through education.
Chevening scholars return to India with internationally recognised qualifications, global professional networks and the skills to drive change across sectors including public policy, science, business, education and journalism.
Ben Mellor, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said:
“Education is one of the key pillars of UK-India Vision 2035 and Chevening is our flagship programme.
“It develops future leaders and offers a unique opportunity for some of the best and brightest in India to study in the UK. Chevening awards are highly competitive and extremely rewarding.
“Whether your ambition is shaping public policy, driving scientific discovery, growing businesses or changing the world for the better, Chevening offers the opportunity to gain an enriching experience in the UK while becoming part of a vibrant, talented global network.
“India has millions of exceptionally talented young people and I encourage aspiring leaders from every corner of the country to apply.”
Chevening in India is supported by several government and industry partners.
State government partners include Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Nagaland and Karnataka, while additional scholarships are also supported by TVS Motors.
These partnerships aim to broaden access to the programme by increasing representation from marginalised communities and applicants from tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
They also support equal representation between female and male scholars.
More than 75% of scholars in the 2026 Chevening cohort come from tier 2 and tier 3 cities, with many being first-generation learners. Women account for 68% of the current cohort.
Chevening alumni continue to make an impact across India in areas including climate resilience, artificial intelligence, gender equality, journalism and education.
The scholarships form an important part of the UK-India education and skills partnership under Vision 2035.
By enabling talented professionals to study at leading UK universities and return with enhanced knowledge, skills and international connections, the programme aims to support the next generation of leaders in India.
Chevening was established in 1983 and has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious international scholarship programmes. Today, it has more than 60,000 alumni across over 160 countries and territories.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application guidance before submitting their applications to ensure they are ready to present a competitive application.
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