The Felix Scholarship: A Gateway to World-Class Education for Indian Students

The Felix Scholarship is an esteemed opportunity for students from low-income backgrounds in developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. Established to support individuals who may not otherwise afford international education, this scholarship aims to foster global learning and development. Targeted primarily at students from India and other Commonwealth nations, the Felix Scholarship provides not only financial assistance but also access to top-notch education that can transform lives and careers.

This scholarship is crucial for individuals who are eager to enhance their academic qualifications and professional skills while also contributing to their home countries upon completion of their studies. In a rapidly globalising world, such initiatives play a vital role in building human capital and fostering international cooperation.

Felix scholarship applicants can apply for any masters/research-level program at the participating universities, except for medicine. Presently, the Felix Scholarship scheme offers 20 scholarships at three universities in the United Kingdom:

• University of Oxford,

• University of Reading, and

• The School of Oriental and African Studies (part of the University of London).

Why India?

India was initially chosen as the primary country for scholarship recipients due to several factors. It has a wide range of high-quality educational institutions, an efficient infrastructure to help with the selection process for Felix Scholars, and a strong cultural emphasis on higher education and the English language, which is widely spoken and written across its institutions.

Expansion into Other Countries

Since 2001, the Felix Scholarship has expanded to offer a limited number of awards to exceptionally talented students from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Belarus, Peru, Czech Republic, Kenya, Ghana, Turkey, South Africa, Egypt, Nepal, Hungary, and Lebanon.

What it Means to be a Felix Scholar

The Founder hoped that Felix Scholars would embrace the pursuit of knowledge, excel in extracurricular activities, demonstrate leadership potential, and embody strong moral character. The scholarship was designed to expose students to new cultures, experiences, and friendships, helping them gain skills and perspectives that would benefit their home countries upon their return. The program encourages students to study subjects that would contribute to their country's development and to return home after completing their studies.

Key Features of the Felix Scholarship

The Felix Scholarship is not just a financial aid program; it is a transformative opportunity for students to build careers, enhance their knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to society. Some of the key features of the scholarship include:

Full Financial Support

The Felix Scholarship covers all essential expenses, including:

• Tuition fees: Full coverage for the course duration.

• Living expenses: A monthly stipend to cover living costs, travel, and other personal expenses.Living Allowances.

  It is around - Oxford: 17,800, Reading University: 17,894, SOAS: living costs applicable.

• Airfare: The scholarship also covers the cost of a return flight from India to the UK at the beginning and end of the course.

Eligibility Criteria

The Felix Scholarship is designed for Indian students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a strong desire to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. To be eligible, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be an Indian national.

• Have completed an undergraduate degree from a recognized institution in India.

• Demonstrate financial need.

• Have an offer of admission to a postgraduate programme at a participating UK university.

• Be under the age of 30 at the time of application.

Courses and Universities

The scholarship is available for a wide range of postgraduate courses, including Master's and PhD programs. While the scholarship can be used for studies at various top UK universities, it is particularly associated with prestigious institutions like the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge.

Benefits of the Felix Scholarship

The Felix Scholarship offers more than just financial support; it opens doors to a life-changing educational experience. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Exposure to International Education

Studying at a top UK university provides exposure to high-quality teaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and a multicultural learning environment. The scholarship allows Indian students to gain an international perspective, enhancing their personal and professional growth.

2. Global Networking Opportunities

As part of the scholarship, students become part of a global network of Felix scholars. This network offers opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career growth. Graduates of the Felix Scholarship often find themselves in influential positions across the world.

3. Career Advancement

The Felix Scholarship significantly enhances employability prospects. Graduates of top universities in the UK are highly regarded by employers worldwide, and the scholarship helps in paving the way for career advancement in both the public and private sectors.

4. Contribution to India's Development

Many Felix Scholars return to India after completing their studies to contribute their knowledge and expertise to the country's development. The scholarship program encourages students to use their education to create positive social change in India, whether in academia, government, or the private sector.

How to Apply for the Felix Scholarship

The application process for the Felix Scholarship is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Here's a general guide:

1. Choose a Course: First, identify the course and university where you would like to study. The Felix Scholarship is available only for postgraduate studies, so you must apply to a relevant program at a participating university.

2. Apply for Admission: Before applying for the Felix Scholarship, you need to secure an offer of admission to your chosen course. Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements for the course.

3. Prepare Documents: The scholarship application requires various documents, including academic transcripts, proof of financial need, personal statement, and recommendation letters.

4. Prospective applicants should be aware that Felix Scholarship applications can only be submitted to one of the participating universities: the University of Oxford, the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), or the University of Reading. The application procedure for the Felix Scholarship differs at each partner university.

5. Application Process at the University of Oxford:

   Applicants are not required to submit a separate application form for the Felix Scholarship. Instead, they simply need to tick the appropriate box on their Oxford postgraduate application form. The university will use the information provided by the applicant in the relevant sections of the admission application to process the scholarship consideration.

   To be considered, applicants must submit their postgraduate application by January 30, 2025.

6. Application Process at the University of Reading:

   To apply for the Felix Scholarship at the University of Reading, applicants must first receive an offer of admission to a postgraduate program by January 31, 2025. After receiving the offer, they must complete the scholarship application form via the me@reading applicant portal.

7. Application Process at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS):

   Applicants must first apply for a Master's or Research degree program at SOAS and receive their offer of admission by January 30, 2025. Once they have received the offer, they can complete the Felix Scholarship online application form.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Felix Scholarship is highly competitive and based on academic merit, financial need, and personal achievements. Shortlisted candidates are typically invited for interviews, and the final selection is made based on a combination of academic records, personal statement, and recommendations.

Note: Non-Indian applicants are not required to attend an interview.