Commonwealth Scholarship – Online Application Portal and Guide

The Commonwealth Scholarships open a gateway for talented individuals worldwide, offering them the opportunity to create a positive global impact. Supported by the UK government, this prestigious program grants around 800 students each year the chance to pursue postgraduate degrees at UK universities. If you’re from a Commonwealth country and aspire to make a difference on the global stage but face financial constraints, the Commonwealth Scholarship might be your ideal path.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarships initiative targets students from Commonwealth nations who might otherwise struggle to afford education in the UK. By funding postgraduate studies across various study formats, this program nurtures the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. This historic scholarship is a cornerstone of the UK’s commitment to international development goals, aiming to attract exceptional talent to British universities while supporting sustainable global development.

Qualification Criteria for Commonwealth Scholarship

To apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship, certain eligibility criteria must be met:

• Citizenship or permanent residency in a Commonwealth country, including refugees and British protected persons.
• An undergraduate honours degree with at least upper second-class (2:1) honors. For PhD applicants, a relevant master’s degree is also required.
• Demonstrable financial need for studying in the UK, substantiated by the inability to fund your education without the scholarship.

The eligibility criteria may vary depending on the type of scholarship or fellowship. Further details can be found on the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission (CSC) website.

Types of Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarships Commission offers a diverse range of scholarships and fellowships, including:

• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for least developed countries and fragile states)
• Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships (for low and middle-income countries)
• Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
• Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
• Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for high-income countries)
• Commonwealth Medical Fellowships
• Commonwealth Professional Fellowships

CSC Development Themes

All Commonwealth Scholarships funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) are aligned with six CSC development themes:

• Science and technology for development
• Strengthening health systems and capacity
• Promoting global prosperity
• Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
• Strengthening resilience and response to crises
• Access, inclusion, and opportunity

While there are no restrictions on your field of study, priority is given to applicants whose studies align with these development criteria.

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What financial support is available?

Financial Support: Most Commonwealth Scholarships are fully funded, covering not only tuition fees but also providing airfare to and from the UK, along with a living allowance during your stay.

How to Apply for Commonwealth Scholarship

The application process depends on the specific scholarship you’re interested in. You may need to apply through a National Nominating Agency, a university, or a Non-Governmental Organisation. For comprehensive application instructions, visit the CSC apply page.

Required Documents: To initiate your online application, gather the following documents: a scanned copy of your passport, academic transcript, existing university degree certificate, two references, and, if available, your admission letter.

https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/about-us/scholarships/

Application Deadlines: Annual application deadlines typically fall in December. Keep an eye on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website for the announcement of 2023-24 application dates.