UK partners with Uttar Pradesh Government to provide scholarships

Under the agreement signed today [19 August] in Lucknow in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron, up to 15 scholars from the state will be eligible for full financial support to pursue a one-year master’s in the UK.

The Chevening programme in India is the largest in the world, benefitting over 3,900 scholars and fellows since 1983, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow. Chevening alumni use their world-class education and global networks gained in the UK to create meaningful, lasting change when they return home, whether by tackling global challenges or making a tangible impact in their own communities.

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said:

The UK is a fantastic place to study, and I am delighted that our new partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh will help even more talented young people from the state experience our world-class education.

Chevening alumni in India include some of the brightest minds, working on everything from cyber, science and innovation to policy and development. They are a fundamental part of how the UK and India work together to solve global challenges and the unique living bridge that connects our countries.

The High Commissioner is currently on a one-day visit to Lucknow to explore deeper links with the state as part of UK-India Vision 2035. She held wide ranging discussions with the Chief Minister covering higher education and trade and investment opportunities following the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between the UK and India in July 2025.

Further information:

• The ‘Chevening Bharat Ratna Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sarkar Scholarships Yojana’ will run for three academic years, from 2026-2029. Applications for the inaugural year are currently open from now until 7 October 2025. Five scholars will be selected every year. For details and to apply, visit https://www.chevening.org/apply

• The Government of Uttar Pradesh will contribute 50% of the total cost of the scholar that will be match-funded by the UK Government. A representative from the Government of Uttar Pradesh will be invited to join the interview panel for scholar selection.

• The Chevening programme in India is the largest in the world, benefitting over 3,900 scholars and fellows since 1983. Over 40% of Chevening scholars come from outside metro cities, are first generation learners and belong to lesser privileged groups.

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