Overview
Studying nursing or midwifery in the UK is a dream for many Indian students, but the cost can be extremely high. Scholarships are designed to ensure that students from all backgrounds pursue their goals without being held back by finances. This guide describes scholarship opportunities that are designed specifically for Indian nursing and midwifery students in the UK.
Types of Scholarships Available for Nursing and Midwifery
There are several scholarships available to Indian students who want to study nursing or midwifery in the UK. These scholarships reduce tuition fees, living costs and even offer a monthly stipend. They include:
- The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship: this is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It covers tuition fees, return airfare, and a monthly stipend for living costs. It is also open to Indian students who have not studied or worked for up to a year in other countries and who are in the nursing, public health, and midwifery fields. The application process usually closes in December.
- International Ambassador Scholarship: Some London universities provide up to £5,000 in tuition fees for Indian students applying to undergraduate or postgraduate nursing programmes. The application windows typically close in May and October.
- The Florence Nightingale Foundation: This offers scholarships for registered nurses and midwives who wish to advance their careers or education. Though not exclusively for students, this scholarship is ideal for Indian applicants already working in the field or enrolled in continuing education programmes. It covers travel, research, and occasionally tuition-related expenses, depending on the chosen course or professional development activity.
- The Chevening Scholarship: This is a prestigious UK government award that covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. It is open to Indian students with at least two years of work experience who are pursuing a one-year master’s degree in nursing or related disciplines, and the applications usually open in August and close by November.
- Kingston University London: This institution offers international scholarships worth £5,000 in the first year of study for Indian students entering undergraduate or postgraduate nursing or healthcare courses. The scholarship accepts applications in April and November each year.

Tips for Writing Strong Scholarship Applications
The following steps will help Indian students write strong scholarship applications:
- Starting Early: Applications should be submitted a year before the student's intended course begins. This allows enough time to prepare the necessary documents and submit applications before deadlines.
- A well-written personal statement: This is a chance for students to explain why they chose nursing or midwifery, what impact they hope to make in the field, and how the scholarship will help them reach their goals. Students are advised to be honest and make their application personal.
- Strong References: Students should choose referees who know their academic or professional work well and provide them with enough time and background to write detailed letters. Good references can strengthen your case, especially when scholarship committees are comparing equally qualified candidates.
What to Avoid When Applying for Scholarships
Common mistakes Indian students should avoid while applying for scholarships:
- Missing deadlines: Always note the deadlines for each scholarship and submit materials early.
- Submitting incomplete applications: Students should ensure that all required documents are attached and that forms are filled correctly.
- Using the same personal statement for every scholarship: While students can reuse content, each application should match the specific values and goals of the scholarship provider; failing to do this may make the application seem lazy or irrelevant.
Where to Find More Scholarships
Students can explore other means of finding scholarships, including :
- Looking through websites like WeMakeScholars.com, which is specifically for nursing students in the UK, Hotcourses Abroad or IDP.
- Checking individual university websites
- Networking with alumni and current students who know about scholarships that may not be listed publicly.
Scholarships for Indian Nursing / Midwifery Students (UK, 2026)
| Scholarship | Administering Body | Eligibility (Indian Students) | Value / Coverage | Timeline (2026 Entry) | Target Profile |
| Chevening Scholarship | UK Government (FCDO) | Indian citizens, 2:1 UG min., 2+ yrs work experience, PG only | Full tuition, flights, stipend, visa, IHS | Open: Aug 2025 Close: Nov 2025 | Leadership potential, public service focus |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarship | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission | Indian + Commonwealth, 60% UG min., PG only | Full tuition, flights, stipend, visa, IHS | Open: Jan 2025 Close: Mar 2025 | Committed to health development in India |
| Hertfordshire Nursing Scholarshi | University of Hertfordshire | All int’l incl. India, 60%+ UG, UG & PG Nursing | £1,500–£4,000 tuition discount | Open: Mar 2025 Close: Nov 2025 | Academic merit, financial need |
| Florence Nightingale Foundation | Florence Nightingale Foundation (UK) | Indian NHS nurses in the UK, PG/CPD only, 7.0 IELTS if needed | £5,000–£10,000 partial tuition/professional costs | Open: Apr 2025 Close: Jun 2025 | NHS nurses aiming for leadership |
| Bucks New University Scholarship | Buckinghamshire New University | All int’l incl. India, 55%+ UG, UG & PG Nursing | £1,000–£2,500 tuition discount | Open: Apr 2025 Close: Oct 2025 | Academic merit, financial support |
Note:There are many more scholarship opportunities for indian students planning to study in the UK.
How AHZ Can Help
At AHZ, we make your UK education dreams a reality by offering a comprehensive list of free-of-charge services for Indian students, including:
- University & Course Selection: This is to help students find the perfect match.
- Personalised Counselling: One-on-one support for your unique aspirations.
- Application Support: Expert assistance for smooth university applications.
- Personal Statement Editing: Feedback and guidance to help you craft a compelling statement.
- Document Verification: We ensure that all your documents meet the university standards.
- University Interview Preparation: We train you to excel in admissions interviews.
- Scholarship & Financial Guidance: We provide advice on funding and scholarship opportunities.
- UK Student Visa Application Support: We offer Step-by-step assistance for your visa application.
- Pre-departure Briefings: We give tips to help you adjust to life in the UK.
- Accommodation Support: We help you find safe and suitable housing.
- Post-arrival Support in the UK: We provide consistent assistance until you settle into UK life.
You can apply directly through the university’s online portal or via an authorised educational agent. For personalised and expert assistance, reach out to any of our experienced counsellors at AHZ. We are here to guide you every step of the way!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there specific scholarships for international students in midwifery courses?
Yes, several scholarships, such as the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship and university-based awards, are open to students pursuing midwifery as well as nursing.
- Can I apply for more than one scholarship at a time?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships, but ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for each and tailor your application accordingly.
- How do I increase my chances of winning a scholarship?
Start early, write a personal statement, gather strong references, and carefully follow application instructions. Avoid submitting the same application to multiple scholarships without customisation.
- What are the eligibility criteria for nursing scholarships in the UK?
Most scholarships require strong academic performance, proof of English proficiency, a confirmed offer from a UK university, and a personal statement. Some may also ask for work experience or references.
- What if I don't get a scholarship—are there other funding options?
Yes, students can explore student loans, university payment plans, part-time jobs, or external sponsorships. Some universities also offer bursaries or emergency funding.
- What scholarships are available for Indian students in UK nursing programmes?
Indian students can apply for several scholarships, including the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, Chevening Scholarship, University of West London International Ambassador Scholarship, Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholarships, and Kingston University International Scholarships.
