Bengaluru, May 16: British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, in partnership with the Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), Government of Karnataka, has announced Scholars for Outstanding Undergraduate Talent (SCOUT) in Karnataka during the Campus to Career Summit held at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru, in the presence of Honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka is Shri Siddaramaiah, Shri D.K Shivakumar, Honourable Deputy Chief Minister and Dr M.C Sudhakar, Honourable Minister of Higher Education. This initiative comes as part of the wider Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state and marks the latest edition of the programme under the GREAT campaign.
Building on previous successful editions, the programme will provide 29 undergraduate students from across Karnataka with a two-week immersive learning experience at the University of Wolverhampton, UK, from 27 June to 11 July 2026.
The cohort will include five students each from Mysuru University, Karnatak University, BASE University, Davangere University, Akkamahadevi Women’s University, and Bidar University, along with three faculty members and two officials from KSHEC. The initiative is designed to offer high potential students from underserved socio-economic backgrounds access to international education, equipping them with academic, professional, and leadership skills.
SCOUT aims to create meaningful global exposure through a certified short-term course delivered by a UK higher education institution, selected through an open call process. The SCOUT programme will focus on key themes including Climate, Innovation, Resilience, Cities, Leadership, and Equity, enabling participants to develop critical thinking, research capabilities, and an outlook to succeed in a globalised world.
An online induction session, SCOUT Circle, was conducted on 26 March 2026, where the University of Wolverhampton introduced the programme structure and project assignments to the selected cohort, marking the formal commencement of the engagement.
The programme continues to align with broader efforts to strengthen India-UK educational ties. By creating a pipeline for future international study, SCOUT also contributes to expanding student mobility and long-term academic partnerships between Karnataka and the UK.
Janaka Pushpanathan, Director South India, British Council, said: “The SCOUT programme continues to create meaningful pathways for talented students who may not otherwise have access to international education. Aligned with the ambitions of the India–UK Vision 2035, which places education and skills at the heart of bilateral collaboration, SCOUT deepens UK’s partnership with the Karnataka Government. Together, we aim to deliver a transformative learning experience that builds global perspectives, strengthens critical skills, and nurtures long-term academic aspirations. It is encouraging to see this initiative evolve into a strong platform for fostering innovation, leadership, and meaningful cross-cultural exchange.”
Dr M.C Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, said: “SCOUT programme reflects our continued commitment to expanding opportunities for students across Karnataka, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. By enabling access to global learning environments and industry relevant themes, the programme equips students with the knowledge and confidence to contribute meaningfully to their communities and future careers. This collaboration also strengthens our engagement with UK institutions, opening new avenues for academic partnerships and student mobility.”
The programme will be delivered in two phases, beginning with preparatory engagement and virtual learning modules which has already taken place, followed by the in-person immersion in the UK. Participants will also benefit from cultural exposure and experiential learning, ensuring a holistic understanding of the UK’s academic and social environment.
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