Imperial launches its biggest ever scholarship programme for Indian scientists

Imperial has launched its biggest ever scholarship programme to support Indian scientists.

The Future Leaders Scholarship programme will support 30 of India’s most talented Master’s students over the next three years. To nurture the full capacity of the next generation of science leaders, the fund will support equal numbers of men and women scholars. The programme is Imperial’s most significant ever funding commitment for Indian students.

"The Future Leaders Scholarship will build a pathway for the most talented students in India to deepen their studies and expand their experiences at one of the world’s top universities.” Professor Peter Haynes Vice-Provost (Education and Student Experience)

The new programme will be formally opened at an event at the British Council in New Delhi attended by leaders from Imperial, alumni and prospective students.

Professor Peter Haynes, Vice-Provost (Education and Student Experience) at Imperial, said: “We are delighted to launch our biggest ever scholarship programme for Indian scientists, reaffirming our commitment to attract the very best students from all backgrounds and support them to flourish.

"The Future Leaders Scholarship will build a pathway for the most talented students in India to deepen their studies and expand their experiences at one of the world’s top universities.”

The creation of Future Leaders scholarship programme was heralded by India’s Minister of Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh during a visit to Imperial’s campus in April.

Alongside the new Future Leaders scholarship programme, Imperial has also signed a new partnership with the UK Government’s Chevening Scholarships programme which will provide funding for an additional three Master’s scholars from India over the next three years. The scholarship – which will cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses – will be for students studying Master’s programmes in engineering, natural sciences, business and medical research.

Professor Haynes added: “Our longstanding partnership with the prestigious Chevening Scholarships programme is a vital collaboration that helps us to open the doors of opportunity to exceptional students from India.”

“It is great to see Imperial College London investing in young Indian talent, particularly women in science." Alex Ellis British High Commissioner to India

Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, said: “It is great to see Imperial College London investing in young Indian talent, particularly women in science. The UK and India are uniquely placed to work together, to harness the power of science and tech in tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. 

“Education is one of the mainstays of the living bridge connecting our countries. The UK’s largest Chevening programme is in India – with over 3,700 scholars and fellows since 1983, and the largest number of UK student visas go to Indian nationals.” 

Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council said: “As one of the top ranking institutions in the world, Imperial’s new scholarships have created an opportunity for aspiring and talented young Indians to study in the UK and get access to world-class education.

"We are delighted to share information about these scholarships with students at our cultural centre here in New Delhi. We support students who want to build a successful career by connecting them with education experts from the UK, and enabling them with essential information around studying in the UK.”  

All students who have submitted an application to study at Imperial and receive an offer to study by 11 May 2024 will be considered for the Future Leaders Scholarship. For the Imperial College London-Chevening Scholarship the deadline for this year’s applications is 7 November 2023.

Star students

Imperial has a growing and thriving community of Indian students, alumni and researchers. There are now more than 800 Indian students based at the campus in London and there are more than 3,000 Indian alumni that remain close friends of Imperial and provide mentoring and support for students. Former alumni include the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Imperial student, Devina Gupta (MRes Nanomaterials), said: "As an Indian student at Imperial, my time here has been profoundly transformative. I urge women to consider STEM courses, where their contributions can drive innovation and progress in today's dynamic world. I came to Imperial to become a better researcher and am leaving with connections, skills and experiences that have opened a world full of opportunities for me."

One of Imperial’s Chevening Scholars, Cyril George Thottumkal, said: “I'm thrilled about my upcoming journey to pursue a Master's degree in Advanced Materials for Sustainable Infrastructure at Imperial. The cutting-edge Advanced Infrastructure Materials Laboratory and world-class research facilities at Imperial offer a distinct chance to propel my career as an innovative researcher in sustainable construction materials.”

Long standing partners

Imperial College London is a global top 10 university, ranking sixth in the 2024 QS World University Rankings and eighth in the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

India has been one of Imperial’s closest international partners for decades, with current research partners including the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, IIT Kharagpur and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.

Imperial scientists are working with academic and government partners in Chennai and Puducherry to understand the link between antibiotics and manufacturing waste. Imperial academics have also partnered with various IITs to research wastewater treatment, urban planning and manufacturing.

Find out more about the India Future Leaders Scholarship