Strengthening Ties: UP Govt and UK Unveil Chevening Scholarship Programme

The recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United Kingdom and the Government of Uttar Pradesh marks a significant milestone in India-UK educational collaboration. This partnership reflects both nations’ commitment to empowering young talent and advancing knowledge exchange at a global scale, offering a unique chance for meritorious students from Uttar Pradesh to experience world-class higher education in the UK over the next three years.

Structure and Scope of the New Chevening Programme

Under the new initiative, formally titled Chevening Bharat Ratna Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sarkar Scholarships Yojana, five students from Uttar Pradesh will be selected every year for the next three academic years (2026–2029) to pursue fully funded master’s degrees at leading UK universities. The programme may be renewed after its initial term, subject to further agreements. Applications for the inaugural cohort are open until 7 October 2025.

The scholarship scheme covers comprehensive expenses including tuition, examination and research fees, living allowances, airfare, visa charges, and associated costs, ensuring recipients can focus on academic excellence without financial constraints.

Funding Model and Collaborative Selection

The scholarship’s funding is a joint effort: the Government of Uttar Pradesh will contribute 50% of each scholar's cost (approximately £19,800 or Rs23 lakh per student), with the remainder match-funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This marks the first time a direct state-level partnership has been forged under the Chevening programme in India.

Importantly, a representative from the Uttar Pradesh government will join the selection panel, reinforcing transparency and fairness in candidate selection. Eligible students must hold an undergraduate degree, apply to three master’s programmes in the UK, and obtain an unconditional offer from at least one recognised institution.

Transformative Opportunity for Uttar Pradesh’s Youth

This agreement is more than a scholarship: it is a platform for empowerment and leadership. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the scheme as a means to prepare youth for global leadership roles, aiming to transform the state's education system by enabling students to excel in education, research, and leadership internationally. The British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, highlighted that Chevening alumni have become pivotal in tackling global challenges and forging lasting change, reflecting the “growing relationship between the United Kingdom and India”.

The Chevening scholarship programme in India is already the largest globally, having supported over 3,900 scholars and fellows since 1983. Notably, more than 40% of Chevening scholars in India come from outside metropolitan areas, are first-generation learners, or belong to disadvantaged groups, furthering the programme’s inclusivity and outreach. 

Diplomatic Importance

The partnership is set against the backdrop of the recently signed UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Vision 2035 roadmap, both aligning with broader ambitions in education, business, and global cooperation. By supporting talented students from Uttar Pradesh, the UK strengthens its “living bridge” with India, investing in educational links that extend to future cooperation across innovation, policy, and trade.

British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron noted during the signing ceremony in Lucknow, “It is a privilege to sign this MoU… Five students annually from UP will study in the UK on full scholarships. This reflects our deepening partnership, following recent agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s UK visit.”