The UK government has partnered with leading businesses in India to offer 75 scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK from September.
This initiative aims to celebrate India’s 75th year of independence, by providing fully-funded scholarships.
75 Scholarships for Indian students
This scholarship initiative has been supported by HSBC, Pearson India, Hindustan Unilever, Tata Sons, and Duolingo. Recipients of the Chevening scholarships have the opportunity to study any subject at any recognised UK university for a one-year master’s programme.
Chevening is the UK government’s international awards scheme, offered in 150 countries. It is aimed at developing global leaders and has been around since 1983.
According to gov.uk, India’s Chevening programme is the biggest in the world, with over 3500 alumni.
The scholarships include tuition, living expenses, and travel costs for a one-year postgraduate programme. HSBC India will sponsor 15 scholarships, Pearson India is set to sponsor two, whilst Hindustan Unilever, Tata Sons and Duolingo will each sponsor one.
Scholarships for women in STEM
The British Council in India is also offering at least 18 scholarships for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), which covers over 12,000 courses across more than 150 UK universities.
Hitendra Dave, CEO of HSBC said that they are ‘delighted’ to partner with Chevening. ‘Our objective is to encourage young people with potential to become leaders and decision makers in their fields by leveraging the world class educational facilities offered under this programme.
‘As a British bank with a significant lineage and legacy in India, we believe we have a meaningful role to play in developing leadership talent in the country,’ Dave stated.
Meanwhile, Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India thanked industry partners for their ‘exceptional support.’
They said: ‘Nearly 30% of Chevening scholars in India come from smaller cities or are first-generation students, making this an increasingly diverse programme.’
Independence Day is celebrated in India on August 15 every year. It is a national holiday which marks the end of British rule in 1947. This summer, India will be celebrating their 75th year of independence.