The University of East Anglia (UEA) has unveiled a significant financial incentive for high-achieving Indian students planning to commence their postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. The newly announced International PG Merit Scholarship is specifically tailored for the 2026–2027 academic year, targeting Indian nationals with outstanding academic records.
Scholarship Value and Eligibility Criteria
The merit-based award offers a substantial reduction in tuition fees, directly applied during the first year of study. The scholarship amount is determined by the applicant's undergraduate performance. Indian students holding an academic equivalent of a UK 2:1 bachelor’s degree will receive a grant of £7,000. Those with qualifications matching a UK 2:2 classification will be awarded a slightly lower sum of £6,000. The scholarship is open for students beginning their courses in either September 2026 or January 2027.
A key advantage for applicants is the streamlined process. No separate scholarship application is required. The award is automatically considered and applied once a student secures an admission offer from UEA. However, the scholarship comes with specific combinability rules. It is only available alongside the International Early Payment Awards and cannot be paired with any other UEA scholarships. If a student qualifies for a higher-value UEA award, that will automatically take precedence.
Eligible and Ineligible Courses for Indian Applicants
The scholarship covers a wide array of postgraduate programs across numerous schools and disciplines, making it accessible for students in diverse fields. Eligible schools and courses include:
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- Computing Sciences
- Economics and Norwich Business School
- Engineering, Mathematics and Physics
- Global Development
- Law
- Literature, Drama and Creative Writing
- Media, Language and Communication Studies
- Psychology and Sociology
However, the scholarship does not apply to certain specific programs. Indian students should note that the following courses are not eligible:
- Any MBBS course
- Any Integrated Masters program
- MSc Occupational Therapy
- MSc Physiotherapy
- MSc in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement
- MSc Global Plant Health
- MA The Arts of Africa, Oceania and The Americas
Furthermore, candidates whose tuition fees are fully sponsored by an external organisation or government body are not eligible. Importantly, government or educational loans that require repayment do not affect eligibility.
Official Statement and Strategic Focus on South Asia
Commenting on the initiative, Prof Steven McGuire, UEA’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor International, emphasised the university's commitment to attracting top talent from the region. He stated that the scholarships are designed to recognise strong academic achievement and alleviate financial pressure. The goal is to ensure that bright international students, particularly from India and the broader South Asian region, can access high-quality postgraduate education and research opportunities with greater confidence and a sense of belonging at UEA.
Interested Indian students can find comprehensive details regarding eligible courses, the application process, and full scholarship criteria on the official UEA website at: uea.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships/international-pg-merit-scholarship-A-2026-. This scholarship represents a strategic effort by a leading UK university to strengthen its ties with India's academic community and support the next generation of scholars.
