The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a new international scholarship initiative named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, aimed at supporting meritorious students from the state in pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom.

Under the Chevening–Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Uttar Pradesh Government Scholarship Scheme, five students will be selected every year to study in the UK. The program will cover half of the total expenses, with the UP government bearing 50% of the costs and the remaining 50% being funded by the British government through its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made the announcement on the occasion of Vajpayee’s death anniversary, describing the scheme as a tribute to the former Prime Minister’s vision and contribution to India. “This scholarship is a way to honor the legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose leadership gave India a new direction,” the CM said.

He further explained that the cabinet had recently approved the decision to select five students annually for the program. These students will be sent to the UK to pursue postgraduate education, with equal contributions from both governments.

According to the state’s Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay, the scholarship will initially be offered for three academic years — from 2025–26 to 2027–28. However, there are strong possibilities of the scheme being extended in the future.

The scholarship will specifically support students enrolling in a one-year Master’s degree program in the UK. The initiative is designed to provide world-class exposure to talented students of Uttar Pradesh and enhance their academic and professional opportunities.

Interested candidates will be required to submit applications through the official Chevening website at www.chevening.org/scholarship. Once the application link is activated, students will need to select the “Chevening Bharat Ratna Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sarkar Scholarship Scheme” option under the India section.

Applicants must fill out the online form with all required personal, educational, and professional details, along with supporting documents. The official application dates and deadlines are expected to be announced soon.

The cost of studying abroad can often be a major barrier for students. To address this, the scholarship will cover a wide range of expenses, shared equally by both governments. The total cost per student is expected to range between ₹45–48 lakh (approximately £38,000–£42,000).

This amount will include:

• Full tuition fees

• Examination and research charges

• Accommodation and living expenses

• Economy-class airfare between India and the UK

Of the total, the Uttar Pradesh government will contribute around ₹23 lakh per student, while the UK’s FCDO will fund the remaining amount.

The launch of this scheme marks a significant step by the state government to provide international learning opportunities for deserving students. By studying at prestigious UK universities under the Chevening program, selected candidates will not only gain advanced academic knowledge but also international exposure, networking opportunities, and enhanced career prospects.

With the program named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the initiative also serves as a reminder of his commitment to education, diplomacy, and India’s global presence. For many students from Uttar Pradesh, this scheme could prove to be a life-changing opportunity, bridging the gap between ambition and affordability.