UCL India Excellence Scholarship: A Prestigious Opportunity for Indian Students

The UCL India Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious initiative by University College London (UCL) aimed at supporting academically outstanding Indian students pursuing higher education at one of the world’s leading institutions. This scholarship provides financial assistance and recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic merit and potential.

About UCL India Excellence Scholarship

UCL is committed to fostering international diversity and encouraging talented students from India to join its globally renowned academic community. The India Excellence Scholarship is designed to support high-achieving Indian students who have secured admission to UCL for postgraduate studies.

Scholarship Benefits

The UCL India Excellence Scholarship offers the following benefits:

• Financial Assistance: The scholarship provides a bursary of £5,000 for one academic year.

• Recognition of Merit: It is awarded based on academic excellence, GPA, and the NIRF ranking of the applicant’s previous institution.

• Global Exposure: Scholars gain the opportunity to study at one of the top-ranking universities in the UK, benefiting from world-class faculty and research facilities.

• Networking Opportunities: Scholarship recipients can engage with a diverse student community and establish strong academic and professional networks.

• Compatibility with Other Funding: The UCL India Excellence Scholarship can be held alongside other scholarships, studentships, or bursaries, with potential adjustments in the scholarship amount based on total funding received.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the UCL India Excellence Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be permanently domiciled in India.

• Be eligible to pay the Overseas fee rate.

• Have a bachelor’s degree (or be in the final year of one) from an institution ranked in the Top 100 of the Government of India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).

• Hold a GPA equivalent to a UK first-class degree.

• Have submitted a complete admission application (including references) for a full-time Master’s degree at UCL in 2024/25 by 5pm BST, Thursday 27 February 2025.

• Note: Distance-learning programmes are not eligible; applicants must be attending UCL in person.

Scholarship Value, Benefits, and Duration

• Up to 33 scholarships will be awarded in 2025/26.

• Each recipient will receive a £5,000 bursary.

• The scholarship is tenable for one year unless the Master’s programme is two years in length, in which case the amount will be distributed 50% per year.

• Scholarship funds will first be applied towards tuition fees, with any remaining amount paid in three equal instalments for maintenance throughout the academic year.

• Recipients must inform the UCL Student Funding Office immediately if they receive additional funding for their Master’s studies.

Selection Criteria

The UCL India Excellence Scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement. The selection process involves:

• Shortlisting applicants based on their GPA from their bachelor’s degree and the NIRF ranking of their institution.

• Only candidates who receive a conditional or unconditional offer for a postgraduate taught programme at UCL will be considered.

• The final selection will be made by a panel of UCL faculty members.

Application Process

Step 1: Apply for Admission to UCL

• Interested candidates must first submit an application for an eligible postgraduate taught programme at UCL.

• A complete application (including references) must be submitted by 5pm BST, Thursday 27 February 2025.

Step 2: Automatic Consideration for the Scholarship

• There is no separate scholarship application form.

• All eligible applicants will be automatically considered based on their admission application.

• Shortlisted candidates will be reviewed based on academic performance and institutional ranking.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline for Admission: 5pm BST, Thursday 27 February 2025.

• Selection and Review Process: March-April 2025.

• Scholarship Results Announcement: Successful candidates for 2025/26 will be notified between April – June 2025.

Additional Considerations

• The number of scholarships awarded each year may vary based on funding availability.

• Scholars may be required to participate in UCL promotional activities as part of the scholarship terms.

• Renewal of the scholarship may depend on academic performance and compliance with university regulations.

The UCL India Excellence Scholarship is a remarkable opportunity for Indian students aiming to study at one of the world’s top universities. It not only provides financial support but also offers a platform for scholars to excel academically and professionally. If you are an ambitious student with a strong academic background, this scholarship could be your gateway to an enriching international education experience at UCL.