UP students have a new chance to study in the UK at no cost, thanks to the Chevening UP Atal Scholarship. Named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, this program covers everything a student needs for a master’s degree in Britain.
Each recipient will receive around ₹45–48 lakh worth of support. That includes tuition, accommodation, a monthly living allowance, visa fees, and even an annual flight ticket between India and the UK. There’s also money set aside for attending Chevening events in the UK.
In the first year, five students from Uttar Pradesh were chosen. They’ll head to top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and the London School of Economics. Over the next three years—2025–26, 2026–27, and 2027–28—the program will pick five more students each year.
The cost is split equally between the UP government and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron signed the agreement in Lucknow, calling it a chance for UP’s youth to grow into global leaders. The UP government has already set aside ₹2 crore for this year.
To apply, you need a bachelor’s degree, good grades, and at least two years of work experience. You must apply to three UK master’s programs and secure at least one unconditional offer. Once you have that, you’re in the running.
This scholarship follows Prime Minister Modi’s recent UK visit and the new India-UK trade and education partnerships he announced. It’s also the first time a state government in India, rather than the central government, has teamed up directly with the UK for such a scheme.
If it goes well, the program could continue beyond 2028–29, giving even more UP students this life-changing opportunity. As Lindy Cameron pointed out, these ties will strengthen the friendship between India and the UK and build a network of future leaders.