The UK government announced on Wednesday that it has joined with Indian businesses to award 75 fully-funded scholarships to Indian students beginning in September to commemorate the country's 75th year of independence.
These are the most fully-funded scholarships awarded by the UK for a one-year master's degree to date. This particular project is supported by HSBC, Pearson India, Hindustan Unilever, Tata Sons, and Duolingo, among others.
The British Council in India is giving 18 scholarships to women studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at more than 150 UK universities. Six English scholarships are also available from the British Council.
As part of the 75 scholarships, HSBC India will fund 15 scholarships, Pearson India will sponsor two, while Hindustan Unilever, Tata Sons, and Duolingo will each sponsor one.
Tuition, living expenses, and travel costs are all covered by the fully funded scholarships for a one-year postgraduate study. Candidates must have a minimum of two years of work experience to be considered.
The declaration came as British and Indian business executives and government officials gathered in London for the India Global Forum.
The scholarships, according to British High Commissioner Alex Ellis, are a significant milestone.
He further stated that he is thrilled to announce 75 scholarships for Indian students to experience the finest of the UK, thanks to the outstanding assistance of our industrial partners.
Nearly 30% of Chevening scholars in India are from smaller cities or are first-generation students, making this a more diversified program, he added.
The goal of the "Chevening HSBC Scholarship," according to HSBC CEO Hitendra Dave, is to enable young people with leadership potential to become leaders and decision-makers by using world-class educational facilities.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson commended the "India/UK Together" initiative, which fosters cultural links between the two countries, during his recent visit to India for a summit conference.
He also stated that education is one of the fundamental pillars of the "living bridge" between the United Kingdom and India.
According to the British High Commission, about 108,000 student visas were given to Indians in the fiscal year ending March 2022, nearly double the amount issued the previous year.
Chevening is a British government international awards initiative that has been available in 150 countries since 1983. With over 3,500 graduates, India's Chevening program is the largest in the world.
