Studying in the UK is a dream for many Indian students. But let’s face it — the costs can be high, and the IELTS test often feels like an extra hurdle.
What if you could study in the UK after 12th grade, without taking IELTS, and even better — with a scholarship that covers your expenses?
That’s exactly what this guide is for.
We’ve compiled a powerful list of scholarships in the UK for Indian students after 12th, that either don’t require IELTS or offer alternatives like English-medium schooling certificates, and help reduce or eliminate tuition fees.
Let’s dive deep into:
- Scholarships in UK after 12th for Indian students
- Universities that waive IELTS requirements
- Fully funded and partial funding options
- How to apply without IELTS
- Tips to increase your chances in 2025
Why the UK is Still a Top Study Destination
Even after Brexit, the UK remains one of the most preferred study destinations for Indian students because of:
- World-class universities (Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester, etc.)
- Globally recognized degrees
- Fast-track undergraduate degrees (3 years vs. 4 in many other countries)
- Huge Indian student community
- Scholarships for merit, need, and specific nationalities
- Opportunity to work part-time and post-study work visas
🚫 What If You Don’t Have IELTS?
Good news! Many UK universities accept Indian students without IELTS, especially if:
✅ You studied in English medium schools (class 10th–12th)
✅ You scored well in English (often 70%+) in class 12
✅ You’re willing to take a university-administered online test or interview
Now let’s combine that with scholarships and explore your best options.
🎓 Top UK Scholarships After 12th for Indian Students (No IELTS Required) – 2025 List
1. University of West London – International Ambassador Scholarship
✅ No IELTS if you studied in English medium
✅ Up to £5,000 tuition fee reduction
✅ Available to undergraduate applicants
Eligibility:
- Strong academic background
- Willingness to be a student ambassador
- Must apply for a full-time undergraduate course
2. University of Plymouth – International Undergraduate Scholarships
✅ IELTS waiver possible with 70%+ in English in 12th
✅ £2,000 – £2,500 per year discount
✅ Automatic consideration upon application
Fields: Engineering, Business, Health, Environment, etc.
Duration: Valid for all 3 years of your degree
3. University of Portsmouth – Vice-Chancellor’s Global Development Scholarship
✅ IELTS waiver for Indian boards with 75%+ in English
✅ £1,600 tuition discount
✅ No separate application needed
Eligible Courses: All full-time undergraduate programs
Extra Perk: You may be eligible for an on-campus English test instead of IELTS
4. University of Hertfordshire – Merit-Based Scholarships
✅ IELTS waiver for English-medium students (CBSE, ISC, etc.)
✅ £1,000 – £4,000 tuition discount
✅ Given automatically based on your application
Courses: Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Creative Arts
5. University of Essex – Undergraduate India Regional Scholarship
✅ No IELTS if English in class 12 is 70%+
✅ £3,000 tuition discount in first year
✅ Simple online application
Extra Benefit: High probability of acceptance for Indian students
Scholarship Type: Automatic with admission
6. University of Strathclyde – Faculty of Science Scholarships
✅ English waiver for CBSE/ICSE students scoring 75%+ in English
✅ £3,000 per year funding for science-related fields
✅ Merit-based selection
Fields: Computer science, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and more
7. University of Greenwich – International Scholarships Award
✅ No IELTS for 70%+ English scores in 12th standard
✅ Up to £3,000 tuition reduction
✅ Applicable for all bachelor’s degrees
8. University of Sunderland – India Undergraduate Scholarships
✅ IELTS waiver available
✅ £1,000 – £1,500 scholarship for Indian students
✅ Simple application process
Special Mention: Sunderland also has a London campus for business and tech courses
9. Teesside University – Global Excellence Scholarship
✅ IELTS not required for Indian boards (70%+ in English)
✅ Up to £1,500 off tuition fee
✅ No separate scholarship application
Bonus: Affordable tuition + strong student support
10. University of East Anglia – International Undergraduate Scholarship
✅ IELTS waiver available
✅ £4,000 scholarship in the first year
✅ Also eligible for region-specific bursaries
Best For: Arts, Environmental Science, Development Studies, and more
📝 How to Apply Without IELTS – Step-by-Step
- Choose Universities from this List
Shortlist the ones offering your preferred course + scholarship. - Check IELTS Waiver Policy
Most accept CBSE/ICSE English score (70–75%) as proof of proficiency. - Prepare Documents
- Class 10 and 12 marksheets
- English-medium certificate (if needed)
- Statement of Purpose
- Passport
- Recommendation letters
- Apply Directly via University Website
Most UK universities accept direct applications. - Appear for Interviews or Internal English Tests (if required)
Some may ask for a short video or online interview instead of IELTS. - Secure Conditional Offer + Apply for Visa
You’ll receive a Conditional or Unconditional Offer Letter. Use that to apply for the UK Student Visa (Tier 4).
💡 Tips to Increase Your Scholarship Chances
🔹 Apply early (best before January–March 2025)
🔹 Highlight achievements in academics and extracurriculars
🔹 Write a strong personal statement focused on goals + leadership + impact
🔹 Get recommendation letters from teachers who know you well
🔹 Stay consistent with follow-ups and documentation
📚 Bonus: Popular Courses You Can Take in the UK After 12th
Here are some in-demand courses that often have higher scholarship funding:
- Business & Management
- Computer Science & IT
- Law
- Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
- Data Science
- Biological Sciences & Medicine
- Economics & Finance
- Media & Communication
🧾 Summary Table – Scholarships, Funding & IELTS Requirement
| University | Scholarship | IELTS Required? |
|---|---|---|
| West London | £5,000 | No |
| Plymouth | £2,500/year | No (with 70%+ English) |
| Portsmouth | £1,600 | No (with 75%+ English) |
| Hertfordshire | Up to £4,000 | No (CBSE/ICSE) |
| Essex | £3,000 | No (70%+ English) |
| Strathclyde | £3,000/year | No (CBSE/ICSE) |
| Greenwich | £3,000 | No |
| Sunderland | £1,500 | No |
| Teesside | £1,500 | No (English-medium) |
| East Anglia | £4,000 | No |
🌐 Final Words
Studying in the UK after your 12th doesn’t have to come with the pressure of IELTS or huge tuition bills.
With the scholarships above, you can secure your seat in a world-class university and focus on building your future — without worrying about tests or costs.
👉 Start applying early for these UK scholarships and contact university admission offices directly if you have questions.
