In celebration of India’s 75th anniversary of independence, the UK government announced that it has teamed up with Indian companies to give 75 fully financed scholarships for Indian students to study in Britain starting in September.
The number of fully supported scholarships awarded by the UK for the one-year master’s degree is at its highest level to date. One of the companies sponsoring this unique project is Duolingo, together with HSBC, Pearson India, Hindustan Unilever, Tata Sons, and others.
Programs available include Chevening scholarships for a one-year master’s degree, with the option to study any topic at any accredited British university.
For more than 12,000 courses at more than 150 UK institutions, the British Council in India is providing 18 scholarships for women studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Six English scholarships are also being provided by the British Council.
As part of the 75 scholarships, HSBC India will fund 15 of them, Pearson India will fund two, Hindustan Unilever, Tata Sons, and Duolingo will each fund one.
For a one-year postgraduate program, the fully supported scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. Candidates must have a minimum of two years of work experience to be considered.
The statement was made when government officials and business executives from the UK and India gathered in London for the India Global Forum.
The British high commissioner Alex Ellis highlighted the scholarships as a significant accomplishment when speaking at the meeting. “I am happy to announce 75 scholarships for Indian students to experience the finest of the UK, thanks to the fantastic support from our industry partners. This program is becoming more diversified since over 30% of Chevening scholars in India come from smaller cities or are first-generation college students,” he added.
The “Chevening HSBC Scholarship,” according to HSBC CEO Hitendra Dave, aims to support young people who have the potential to lead and make decisions by utilizing top-notch educational resources.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson commended the “India/UK Together” initiative that fosters cultural relations between the two sides during his recent summit visit to India. One of the main tenets of the “living bridge” that unites individuals from the UK and India is education.
