UK and Uttar Pradesh Sign Education Scholarship Agreement

The Uttar Pradesh government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to launch a new international scholarship scheme. The initiative, titled the Chevening–Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Uttar Pradesh State Government Scholarship Scheme, will support meritorious students from India in pursuing postgraduate studies at some of Britain’s leading universities.

The agreement was formalised in Lucknow, where British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron signed the MoU in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The scheme will begin with the 2025–26 academic session and run initially for three years (2025–26 to 2027–28), with the possibility of renewal in 2028–29.

Under the programme, five students from Uttar Pradesh will be selected annually to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the United Kingdom. The scholarships will cover tuition fees, research and examination costs, accommodation, living expenses, and return airfare. Each award is valued at approximately £38,048 to £42,076 (Rs 45–48 lakh). The funding will be shared between the Uttar Pradesh government, contributing around £19,800 (Rs 23 lakh) per student, and the FCDO, which will provide the remainder.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the scholarship as a powerful platform to transform the state’s education system and prepare youth for global leadership roles. He urged selected candidates to make the most of the programme and contribute to the state’s and the nation’s progress through academic excellence and international exposure.

British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that it will further strengthen educational and diplomatic ties between India and the UK. She said that supporting academic exchange would help foster deeper collaboration between the two countries in education and research.

The scheme, named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, will enable successful applicants to study at prestigious UK universities, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh and the London School of Economics and Political Science.

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet had approved the proposal on 7 August before the MoU signing. Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay confirmed that the programme could be extended beyond the initial term if successful.

The initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the UK, where bilateral cooperation in trade, business and education was emphasised, including agreements such as Vision 35 and the Trade Agreement. Officials noted that the scholarship scheme reflects both governments’ commitment to advancing opportunities for young people while reinforcing long-standing ties between India and the United Kingdom.