Imperial has launched its largest scholarship program to support Indian scholars.
The Future Leaders Scholarship Program will support 30 of India’s most talented graduate students over the next three years. To nurture the full capacity of the next generation of scientific leaders, the fund will support an equal number of male and female scientists. The program is Imperial’s most significant funding commitment to Indian students.
“The Future Leaders Scholarship will build a pathway for India’s most talented students to deepen their studies and broaden their experience at one of the world’s top universities.” Professor Peter Haynes Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience)
The new program will be officially launched at an event at the British Council in New Delhi, attended by leaders from Imperial, alumni and prospective students.
Professor Peter Haines, Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) at Imperial, said: “We are delighted to launch our largest scholarship program for Indian scholars, reaffirming our commitment to attracting and supporting the best students from all backgrounds to flourish.
“The Future Leaders Scholarship will build a pathway for India’s most talented students to deepen their studies and broaden their experience at one of the world’s top universities.”
The establishment of the Future Leaders Scholarship Program was announced 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 Scholarship programme, which will provide funding for an additional three Masters Scholars from India over the next three years. The scholarship – which will cover full tuition and living expenses – will be for students studying master’s programs in engineering, natural sciences, business and medical research.
Professor Haynes added: “Our long-standing partnership with the prestigious Chevening Scholarship Program is a vital collaboration that helps us open doors of opportunity for outstanding students from India.”
“It’s great to see Imperial College London investing in young Indian talent, especially women in science.” Alex Ellis British High Commissioner in 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 technology to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges.
“Education is one of the pillars of the living bridge connecting our countries. The UK’s largest Chevening program is in India, with over 3,700 scholars and fellows since 1983, and the largest number of UK student visas going to Indian nationals.’
Alison Barrett MBE, India Director, British Council said: “As one of the highest ranking institutions in the world, Imperial’s new scholarships have created an opportunity for ambitious and talented young Indians to study in the UK and gain access to a world-class education.
“We are excited to share information about these scholarships with students at our cultural center here in New Delhi. We support students who want to build a successful career by connecting them with educational experts from Great Britain, and giving them essential information about studying in the UK.’
All students who have applied to study at Imperial and receive an offer of 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 on the London campus and there are more than 3,000 Indian alumni who remain close friends of Imperial and provide mentoring and support to students. Past 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 I leave with connections, skills and experiences that have opened up a world of possibilities for me.”
One of Imperial’s Chevening Scholars, Cyril George Totukal, said: “I am excited about my upcoming journey to pursue an MSc in Advanced Materials for Sustainable Infrastructure at Imperial. The cutting-edge Advanced Infrastructure Materials Laboratory and world-class research facilities at Imperial offer an excellent chance to advance my career as a pioneering researcher in sustainable building materials.”
Long-standing partners
Imperial College London is a global top 10 university, ranked 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, Indian Institute of Medical Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, IIT Kharagpur and Institute for Tata Basic 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 are also partnering with various IITs to research wastewater treatment, urban planning and manufacturing.