by Soniya Basu | May 23, 2025 | Student Life, UK Education
Your ultimate funding guide for studying abroad, desi-style | ScottishIndian.com
Looking for scholarships for Indian students in the UK? You’re in the right place. At ScottishIndian.com, we understand that pursuing higher education abroad is a dream for many, but it comes with financial challenges. That’s why we’ve curated this ultimate guide featuring the top 10 scholarships for Indian students in the UK in 2026. From government-funded awards to university-specific programs, this blog will help you get the support you need to fund your study abroad journey.
For more information on preparing for your move, check out our guide on Pre-Departure Checklist for Indian Students.
🌟 1. Chevening Scholarships
- Who’s it for? Outstanding Indian students pursuing a one-year master’s degree.
- Covers: Tuition, living costs, flights, and more.
- Application Timeline:
- Opens: August 2025
- Deadline: 5 November 2025 at 12:00 GMT
- More Info: chevening.org
🌍 2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- Who’s it for? Postgraduates from Commonwealth nations, including India.
- Covers: Full tuition, airfare, and a monthly stipend.
- Application Timeline:
- Opens: September 2025
- Deadline: 15 October 2025 at 16:00 BST
- More Info: study-uk.britishcouncil.org
🎨 3. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT)
- Who’s it for? Indian mid-career professionals in arts, heritage, or humanities.
- Covers: Living costs, tuition, accommodation, and visa.
- Application Timeline:
- Opens: January 2026
- Deadline: 28 February 2026
- More Info: charleswallaceindiatrust.com
🏛️ 4. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)
- Who’s it for? Exceptionally students with leadership potential.
- Covers: Full expenses plus a generous stipend.
- Application Timeline:
- Opens: 2 June 2025
- Deadline: 23 July 2025 at 23:59 IST
- More Info: rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
💼 5. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- Who’s it for? Indian students applying to top UK universities.
- Covers: Tuition and living allowance (up to $100,000 USD).
- Fields: Arts, design, humanities, social sciences.
- Application Timeline:
- Opens: 1 November 2025
- Deadline: 22 March 2026
- More Info: inlaksfoundation.org
🌐 6. GREAT Scholarships – India
- Who’s it for? Indian students applying for postgraduate courses.
- Covers: Up to £10,000 towards tuition fees.
- Participating Universities: Over 40 across the UK.
- Application Timeline: Varies by institution; typically opens in early 2026.
- More Info: britishcouncil.in
🧠 7. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Who’s it for? Full-time postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge.
- Covers: Full cost plus extras like family allowance.
- Application Timeline:
- Opens: 4 September 2025
- Deadline: December 2025 or January 2026 (dependent on course)
- More Info: gatescambridge.org
🏫 8. University-Specific Scholarships
- University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships:
- University of Glasgow International Excellence Award:
- Application Timeline: Opens March 2026
- Deadline: 1 May 2026
- More Info: gla.ac.uk
- University of Aberdeen South Asia Scholarship:
- Application Timeline: No separate application required; applies automatically upon admission.
- More Info: abdn.ac.uk
🏴 9. Saltire Scholarships (Scotland)
- Who’s it for? Students from India enrolling in Scottish universities.
- Covers: £8,000 towards tuition fees.
- Application Timeline: Opens February 2026
- More Info: scotland.org
🌍 10. Education Future International Scholarship (India)
- Who’s it for? Self-funded Indian students heading abroad.
- Covers: Partial funding up to ₹10 lakh.
- Application Timeline:
- Opens: 1 September 2025
- Deadline: Rolling; final results announced around September 2026
- More Info: education-future.org
Securing a scholarship can significantly ease the financial burden of studying abroad. It’s crucial to start your application process early, keep track of deadlines, and ensure all your documents are in order.
For more tips and guidance on studying in the UK, stay tuned to ScottishIndian.com.
by Soniya Basu | May 22, 2025 | Housing, Settling in the UK
A simple guide for desi students, families, and newcomers | ScottishIndian.com
Whether you’re a student just setting up your room, a couple settling into a new flat, or a family watching your favourite Indian serials — there’s one question that often surprises newcomers in the UK:
👉 Do I really need to pay for a TV licence?
The answer is — probably yes (but not always).
🎯 What Is a TV Licence in the UK?
A TV Licence is a legal requirement in the UK if you:
- Watch or record live TV on any channel, including Sky, Freeview, BBC, ITV, etc.
- Use BBC iPlayer, even if it’s on your phone, laptop, or tablet.
This applies regardless of the device or service — whether you’re watching on a smart TV, mobile phone, Fire Stick, or even a gaming console.
💡 Yes, even if you only watch live Indian channels (like Zee, Sony, or Star Plus) via satellite, you’ll still need one.
🧾 How Much Does a TV Licence Cost?
As of 2025, the standard fee is £169.50 per year for a colour TV licence. You can:
- Pay in full
- Pay monthly or quarterly via Direct Debit
- Get a refund if you cancel it before the year ends (based on how much time is left)
You can register or manage your licence via the official site:
👉 tvlicensing.co.uk
👨🎓 Do Students Need a TV Licence?
Yes, if you watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer. But here’s the catch:
- If you live in a shared house, your room needs a separate licence unless your landlord provides one for the entire home.
- If you only stream on-demand content (like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime) and don’t watch live TV or BBC iPlayer — you don’t need a licence.
📢 ScottishIndian tip: Stick to streaming services and skip iPlayer if you’re on a budget.
🚫 What Happens If You Don’t Have One?
TV Licensing officers do door-to-door checks, especially in student-heavy areas. If they find you’re watching TV without a licence when one is required, you could face:
- A fine up to £1,000
- Legal trouble and court summons
Even if you don’t watch live TV, it’s best to declare yourself licence-free on the website — that way, you’re covered.
👉 Declare here: TV Licence – No Licence Needed
💸 Who Is Exempt or Eligible for a Discount?
- Over 75s: Can apply for a free licence (but only if receiving Pension Credit).
- Visually impaired people: Eligible for a 50% discount.
- Students: No discount, but you can apply for a partial refund if you only need it for part of the year (e.g. term time only).
The UK has many surprising systems, and the TV Licence is one that often confuses newcomers — especially those used to free-to-air or all-inclusive services in India.
But once you know the rules, you can avoid fines, save money, and only pay for what you actually use. Whether you’re binge-watching Bollywood on Netflix or catching IPL highlights on YouTube — if it’s not live or on iPlayer, you’re probably in the clear.
For more everyday survival guides for desi folks in the UK, check out ScottishIndian.com — your ultimate cultural companion abroad.
by Soniya Basu | May 22, 2025 | Culture & Community, Festival & Events
Where art meets flowers, and the city transforms into a blooming wonderland | ScottishIndian.com
If you’re looking for a uniquely magical experience in London that’s completely free, visually stunning, and perfect for content creation — you’ll want to explore Chelsea in Bloom. This spectacular annual floral art show transforms the stylish streets of Chelsea into a dreamscape of flower-covered sculptures, creative displays, and living installations.
For Indian students and families in the UK, especially those seeking offbeat things to do in London beyond the usual sightseeing, this is one of the most aesthetic and enjoyable events of the year.
🌷 What Is Chelsea in Bloom?
Chelsea in Bloom is an award-winning alternative floral art show that takes place every May, running alongside the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show. But unlike the ticketed RHS show, Chelsea in Bloom is completely free and open to everyone.
During the festival, shops, cafés, restaurants, and streets across Chelsea are decorated with extraordinary floral creations based on a central theme. Previous years have seen jungle adventures, enchanted gardens, fairy tales, and fashion-inspired exhibits.
In 2025, one of the standout installations includes a surreal, multi-faced mannequin adorned with pastel blooms and a cascading pink floral gown — perfectly blending art, fantasy, and floral design. The attention to detail is jaw-dropping, and every corner is a selfie-worthy moment.
💡 ScottishIndian Tip: The festival is super photogenic — whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a content creator, or just looking to refresh your IG grid, this event is pure gold.
🌼 Why It’s a Must-Visit for Indian Visitors in the UK
- It’s Free!
Unlike many major London events, Chelsea in Bloom doesn’t require a ticket. Simply walk, explore, and enjoy.
- Perfect for Families and Students
You don’t need a full day or strict itinerary. It’s ideal for a short weekend stroll or a midweek pick-me-up.
- A Cultural Mashup
The floral displays often feature global influences — Indian motifs, peacocks, rangoli-inspired shapes — all woven into European floral art traditions.
- Local Shops Join In
Many participating stores offer floral-themed menus, discounts, and interactive art, making it more than just a visual treat.
- Great Weather = Great Mood
May in London usually brings mild sunshine, ideal for outdoor events without heavy coats or umbrellas (hopefully!).
📍 How to Get There
- 📍 Location: Chelsea, London (around Sloane Square & King’s Road)
- 🚇 Nearest Tube Station: Sloane Square (District & Circle Line)
- 📅 When: Mid-to-late May every year
- 💸 Cost: FREE!
🔗 For maps, walking trails, and official event dates, visit: https://chelseainbloom.co.uk
💬 Final Thoughts from ScottishIndian.com
Whether you’re a desi student exploring London, a parent planning a peaceful day out, or just love art and nature, Chelsea in Bloom is the perfect event to experience something both relaxing and awe-inspiring.
At ScottishIndian.com, we celebrate everything from cultural festivals to secret gardens and desi-friendly days out — and Chelsea in Bloom fits right in. 🌼📸
📩 Want more free festivals, offbeat city walks, and photo spots in the UK?
Check out our Culture section or follow us on Instagram @scottishindiancom.
by Soniya Basu | May 21, 2025 | Cultural Integration, Culture & Community
In a striking blend of cultures, history, and architectural brilliance, St. Pancras CSMT is a tale of two iconic train stations that connect London and Mumbai through shared design heritage. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), formerly Victoria Terminus, owes much of its Victorian Gothic grandeur to London’s legendary St. Pancras Station.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that beautifully fuses Indian craftsmanship with Victorian Gothic Revival design, and its architectural lineage points directly to one of London’s most treasured buildings: St. Pancras International Station.
A Tale of Two Stations: East Meets West
Built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, CSMT was designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens. He took clear inspiration from the grandeur and structural innovation of St. Pancras Station in London, which had opened just two decades earlier in 1868.
Both stations share hallmark features of the Victorian Gothic Revival style, including:
- Ornate stone carvings
- Pointed arches and ribbed vaults
- Dramatic domes and spires
- Stained glass and high, vaulted ceilings
- Clock towers as central visual elements
But CSMT brings its own flair. An Indian soul woven into a British skeleton. The building is richly adorned with local motifs, floral patterns, and sculptures of animals, creating a breathtaking hybrid style known as Indo-Saracenic Gothic.
Why London’s St. Pancras or Mumbai’s CSMT Still Matters Today
More than 135 years later, both St. Pancras and CSMT remain active, iconic landmarks — but their cultural importance goes far beyond train travel.
- CSMT is a symbol of Mumbai’s colonial history and post-independence resilience
- St. Pancras stands as a gateway to Europe and a masterpiece of Victorian engineering
- Together, they tell a story of global design exchange, long before Instagram made aesthetics go viral
For travellers, architecture lovers, and history buffs, these stations are more than transit points — they’re living museums of a shared past.
The visual connection is part of a broader narrative — one where colonial design, local artistry, and urban identity blend across continents. You can see Victorian Gothic style echoed in buildings from Chennai to Cape Town, Kolkata to Kuala Lumpur.
Planning to Visit London’s St. Pancras or Mumbai’s CSMT?
- In London? Don’t miss a walk through St. Pancras — admire its clock tower, red brick façade, and grand interior
- In Mumbai? Head to CSMT in the evening when it’s beautifully lit, and take a moment to absorb the craftsmanship up close
You’ll see how one city’s vision inspired another’s masterpiece — and how both continue to stand tall in a world that’s ever-changing.
Want more culture-spanning stories like this? Explore our Culture section for deep dives into art, architecture, and travel through an Indian lens.
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by Soniya Basu | May 21, 2025 | Day Trips, Travel
Step into history, horror, and Highland mystery with this unique Scottish experience | ScottishIndian.com
For many Indian migrants in the UK, Scotland offers a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, rich history, and storybook charm. But beyond the castles you’ll find on postcards and city tours, there are places that whisper secrets of the past — and Castle Menzies is one of them.
Located near the town of Aberfeldy in central Scotland, this centuries-old fortress is steeped in Jacobite legacy, clan warfare, and — if the stories are true — paranormal activity. It’s not just another “historic site” — it’s a place that pulls you into its shadows, especially after dark.
If you’re a thrill-seeking student, a history-loving family, or a curious explorer living in Scotland, Castle Menzies is the kind of offbeat adventure that stays with you long after your visit.
A Haunted Castle Menzies with Deep Roots in Scotland’s Past
Castle Menzies was built in the 1500s and served as the ancestral seat of Clan Menzies, a prominent Highland family. Unlike polished tourist castles with gift shops and velvet ropes, this one feels raw and real. You walk through chilly stone corridors and spiral staircases that haven’t changed in centuries.
In 1746, during the turbulent times of the second Jacobite rising, the castle played host to Bonnie Prince Charlie, one of Scotland’s most legendary (and controversial) figures. He stopped here to rest on his way to the Battle of Culloden — a battle that ultimately crushed the Jacobite cause.
It’s not hard to imagine soldiers pacing the halls or secret strategy meetings echoing in the stillness. There’s a silence in this castle that feels full — as though it remembers.
Today, you can visit Castle Menzies during the day to explore its Jacobean and Georgian architecture, learn about clan history, and even see original artefacts from the Menzies family. But if you’re up for something more spine-tingling, stay for the night tours…
Night Tours, Ghost Stories, and That Famous Staircase
What really makes Castle Menzies stand out — especially for the ScottishIndian.com audience who crave more than just sightseeing — is its reputation for being haunted.
Visitors and staff have reported strange sightings, cold spots, and eerie sounds. The most talked-about ghost is that of a young boy seen lingering near the main staircase — one of the castle’s most chilling locations. Some say they’ve seen him dart around corners, others claim they’ve heard footsteps when no one else was around.
Night tours are held on select dates and give you the chance to explore the castle by torchlight. No background music, no jump scares — just you, the stone walls, and whatever (or whoever) may still linger there.
These tours aren’t for the faint of heart — but they’re an unforgettable Scottish experience for anyone living here and wanting to connect with its darker, deeper side.
Why will you love it?
- It’s affordable (entry is cheaper than most mainstream attractions)
- It’s a great weekend road trip from cities like Glasgow, Dundee, and Edinburgh
- It blends history, culture, and horror
- It’s Instagram gold — trust us, the castle looks surreal against a misty backdrop
Getting There
Castle Menzies is located roughly 2 hours from Edinburgh or 90 minutes from Perth by car. You can also take a train to Pitlochry or Aberfeldy and grab a local taxi or bus from there.
📍 Castle Menzies, Weem, Aberfeldy PH15 2JD
Final Thoughts about Castle Menzies from ScottishIndian.com
For Indian students, professionals, and families looking to break away from the typical UK routine, Castle Menzies is the perfect mix of history, folklore, and immersive storytelling. It’s a weekend-worthy destination that gives you something most mainstream attractions don’t — mystery.
And let’s be honest — what’s more thrilling than standing in a dark corridor, surrounded by centuries-old stone, and wondering whether the silence is really just silence?
At ScottishIndian.com, we’re passionate about helping our community explore Scotland in a meaningful and exciting way — beyond just ticking tourist boxes.
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Would you dare to visit Castle Menzies… after dark? 🕯️👣
