The UK and the Government of Uttar Pradesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to offer the Chevening Scholarship Programme in the state, enabling up to 15 scholars over three years to receive full financial support for a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
This partnership opens significant opportunities for talented young professionals from Uttar Pradesh to access world-class UK education, enhancing their skills and networks.
Strengthening Educational Ties
The agreement, signed on 19 August 2025 in Lucknow with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron present, marks the first direct partnership under Chevening with Uttar Pradesh.
This initiative aligns with the UK-India Vision 2035 and the recently signed UK-India Free Trade Agreement, strengthening bilateral relations.
For aspiring students in Uttar Pradesh, this means access to fully funded UK master’s degrees, removing financial barriers and enabling career advancement.
The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel, visa fees, and other allowances. Costs are equally shared by the UK and Uttar Pradesh governments.
Opportunities for Aspiring Scholars
- Five students from Uttar Pradesh will be selected annually for fully funded UK master’s scholarships from 2026 to 2029.
- A representative from Uttar Pradesh will participate in the scholar selection interview panel.
- Over 40% of Chevening scholars in India come from outside metro cities and underprivileged backgrounds.
- The initiative supports UK’s global influence post-Brexit by fostering deeper educational links with India.
Effect on People
This partnership opens doors for young professionals from Uttar Pradesh to gain world-class education in the UK. For UK universities, it means increased diversity and talent from India.
Additionally, this collaboration may benefit UK companies through graduates who bridge UK-India markets. The general public may experience indirect benefits through enhanced bilateral trade facilitated by these future leaders.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Scholars Supported | 15 over three years (2026-2029) |
| Financial Support Coverage | Tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, visa fees |
| Funding Model | Equally shared by UK & UP governments (~£23k per student) |
A Model for Future Collaborations?
The involvement of Uttar Pradesh’s government suggests a model of shared ownership that could inspire other Indian states or countries to co-invest in international scholarships.
This approach could reshape global educational funding partnerships and increase local accountability in international education programs.
Additional Reading
To Sum Up
This new scholarship program not only enhances educational opportunities but also strengthens diplomatic ties between the UK and India.
By investing in future leaders from diverse backgrounds across India’s most populous state, both nations can look forward to enriched cultural exchanges and collaborative growth across various sectors.
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Sources: UK Government, Economic Times, and British High Commission New Delhi.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
