British Council announces GREAT Scholarships 2026–27 for Indian students

Vijayawada: British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities,has announced the GREAT Scholarships 2026–27 in partnership with the UK government’s GREAT Britain campaign.

The scholarships support ambitious Indian students with a proven record of academic excellence to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

For the 2026–27 academic year, 12 postgraduate scholarships are being offered by leading UK universities across a wide range of subjects. The participating higher education institutions include Anglia Ruskin University, Norwich University of the Arts, Queen’s University Belfast, Royal College of Art, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Royal Northern College of Music, the University of Bristol, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, the University of Dundee, the University of Reading, the University of Surrey, and UWE Bristol. Each scholarship provides a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year taught postgraduate course, enabling academically outstanding students from India to access world-class education and internationally recognised expertise.

The scholarships span a diverse range of disciplines, including Finance, Marketing, Business, Psychology, STEM, Design and Humanities, as well as Arts, Music and Dance programmes. Notably, four participating universities are offering GREAT Scholarships specifically in creative and performing arts disciplines, underscoring the UK’s strength in arts education alongside academic and professional fields.

The UK's education system is widely recognised for its academic rigour and the breadth of subjects offered across its universities. For students, this translates into exposure to diverse teaching approaches, opportunities to develop practical and analytical skills, and pathways that allow them to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Post-study work routes further support graduates in gaining meaningful professional experience that can strengthen their long-term career trajectories.

Director Education India, British CouncilRittika Chanda Parruck said “The GREAT Scholarships reflect the depth of the UK–India education partnership and our shared commitment to expanding opportunities for talented students across the country. Studying in the UK offers far more than academic excellence – it provides access to industry-aligned learning and a truly global environment where diverse perspectives come together to inspire innovation. With pathways opening across a wide range of disciplines, these scholarships will help Indian students take that transformative step, enabling them to build international networks, strengthen their professional pathways, and contribute meaningfully to a rapidly evolving global economy. We are happy to support the aspirations of students who will go on to shape the future across sectors and societies communities.”