Commonwealth Scholarships – The Commonwealth Scholarship programmes are primarily meant for the talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage. As a part of the United Kingdom’s ongoing commitment towards Commonwealth countries, each year around 700 students are offered a chance to undertake postgraduate degrees in the UK universities. If you are a citizen from a Commonwealth country and believe that you can bring about a meaningful difference but you can’t afford to fund your studies in the UK on your own, then you could potentially be an ideal candidate for a Commonwealth Scholarship programme. By funding postgraduate studies in a range of different study formats, the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme intends to support future innovators and leaders.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK offers a range of scholarships designed to support students from Commonwealth countries in pursuing their higher education. Each scholarship is tailored to meet the needs of students from different regions and educational backgrounds. These scholarships are prestigious and competitive, aimed at fostering academic excellence and cultural exchange. Till date, over 31,000 students have been awarded Commonwealth Scholarships since the first group of 175 Scholars arrived in the UK in 1960.
All Commonwealth Scholarships are offered under six CSC development themes. They are as follows:
Commonwealth Scholarships – An Overview
| Scholarship Names |
|
| Scholarship Provider | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission |
| Targeted Audience | Students from Commonwealth countries willing to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK |
| Awards Offered | Full tuition fees, personal maintenance cost, travel and living expenses, research and study allowances |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk |
(Note: Applications for the academic year 2025 will open in September 2024.)
Commonwealth Scholarships – What Makes it Unique?
Focus on Development
One of the most distinguishing features of Commonwealth Scholarships is its commitment towards development. Each scholarship aims to promote socio-economic progress in the recipient’s home country, especially in areas of healthcare, education, technology, and governance. The scholars are expected to return home after completing their studies and use their enriched knowledge and skills to drive progress and development.
Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
Many Commonwealth Scholarships emphasise collaboration, either between the scholar and a UK university or between the UK and the recipient’s home country. For example, the Split-Site and PhD scholarships focus on building long-term research partnerships that benefit both nations.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
These scholarships are designed to be accessible to students from the least developed and middle-income countries. The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship, in particular, offers opportunities for students to pursue their studies while remaining in their home countries, making higher education accessible even to those who cannot travel abroad.
Comprehensive Support
The financial support provided by Commonwealth Scholarships is extensive. Unlike many scholarships that only cover tuition fees, these awards often include airfare, personal maintenance, research-related costs, and additional allowances. This comprehensive support ensures that students can focus entirely on their studies without facing undue financial burden.
Commitment to Integrity and Fairness
The CSC is committed to transparency and fairness in its administration of these scholarships. A strict code of conduct and an anti-fraud policy ensure that the selection process is fair and based on merit.
Let us take a look at the five major Commonwealth Scholarships offered by the UK, along with their unique features, eligibility criteria, and benefits.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Fragile States
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Fragile States is open to candidates from least developed countries and fragile states, as classified by the UN. A fragile state can be understood as a period of time during nationhood when sustainable socio-economic development requires greater emphasis on complementary peacebuilding and statebuilding activities such as building inclusive political settlements, security, justice, jobs, good management of resources, and accountable and fair service delivery. Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and fragile states face widespread poverty, weak or dysfunctional governance, insecurity and an absence of productive opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The candidates must have secured a Master’s degree relevant to their proposed PhD study.
- The applicants are required to demonstrate that their research has the potential to contribute to the development of their home country.
Awards:
- It covers full tuition fees, approved airfare, and personal maintenance.
- It provides additional allowances for travel, conference attendance, and research activities.
Unique Features:
- This scholarship is designed to build research capacity in the least developed and fragile states.
- The program encourages collaboration and knowledge exchange between scholars and their UK-based counterparts.
- It focuses on creating long-term impacts in home countries while requiring the recipient scholars to return and contribute to national development of their home country.
Scholarship Link: COMMONWEALTH PHD SCHOLARSHIPS
Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarships for Low and Middle-Income Countries
Eligibility Criteria:
- It is open to students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
- The candidates must be registered for a PhD programme in their home country and willing to spend 12 months conducting research in the UK.
Awards:
- The award covers full tuition fees at a UK university, approved airfare, and personal expenses.
- Additional allowances for research expenses, including fieldwork and conference attendance.
Unique Features:
- This scholarship promotes international collaboration by allowing students to benefit from research facilities and expertise in the UK while continuing their PhD at their home institution.
- The scholars are encouraged to create long-term academic partnerships between UK and home institutions.
Scholarship Link: Commonwealth Split-site Phd Scholarships
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Eligibility Criteria:
- This is open to students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
- Applicants must have secured an undergraduate degree and meet the academic requirements for admission to a Master’s program in the UK.
Awards:
- Full tuition fees, approved airfare, and personal maintenance costs are covered.
- It also provides additional allowances for study-related activities and costs incurred on development of thesis.
Unique Features:
- The scholarship emphasises strengthening education systems and capacity building in developing countries.
- It is focused on developmental areas such as health, technology, education, and governance.
- The scholars are expected to return to their home countries and apply their acquired skills to contribute to socio-economic development.
Scholarship Link: COMMONWEALTH MASTER’S SCHOLARSHIPS
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Eligibility Criteria:
- This is available to students from least developed, low, and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries.
- The applicants must have been offered a place on an eligible Master’s course at a participating UK university.
Awards:
- It covers full tuition fees, approved airfare, and personal maintenance.
- It also offers allowances for travelling and attending conferences and research opportunities.
Unique Features:
- This scholarship is jointly funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and UK universities, fostering collaboration in funding.
- The program focuses on promoting development through education in areas such as technology, healthcare, and agriculture.
- Unlike other scholarships, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships is particularly designed to fund joint programs between UK institutions and Commonwealth countries.
Scholarship Link: Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
Eligibility Criteria:
- This is open to candidates from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
- The applicants must meet the requirements of a UK Master’s program offered through distance learning.
Awards:
- Covers full tuition fees.
- Study grants for learning materials may be provided where required.
Unique Features:
- This scholarship is designed to support students who cannot afford to travel to the UK but have a sincere desire to benefit from the UK’s academic resources.
- It offers flexibility by allowing students to complete their studies from their home country while receiving UK-level education.
- It focuses on priority areas such as sustainable development and climate change, and is aimed at professionals who can contribute to local development without leaving their jobs.
Scholarship Link: Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships
(Note: Students are advised to check the official scholarship links for latest updates.)
Commonwealth Scholarships – Student Engagement
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers a range of student engagement activities for Commonwealth scholars and fellows, creating opportunities that enhance the scholarship experience.
- Events and Activities: The CSC organises a series of events every year, both on-ground and virtual, to help candidates connect with other Commonwealth scholars and fellows, leaders in sustainable development programs to gain the knowledge and skills they need to achieve development impact.
- Regional Networks: The CSC’s regional networks connect Commonwealth scholars and fellows who are studying in the same UK region. Through a variety of events and activities planned all year long, they provide great chances to get to know other scholars and fellows. Every regional network, which is open to all scholars and fellows, has a coordinator who is chosen from among its members and a group created of their own on Facebook.
- Leaders in Sustainable Development Program: This program runs throughout the year, via online training and workshops. This program contributes to a deeper comprehension of development and its relevance to the modern world. The course discusses how development has changed over time in response to various global issues and how it can result in decisions that enhance the lives of people everywhere. It facilitates the development of a variety of useful abilities while concentrating on a core competency, such as proposal writing, networking, project management, or leadership. Scholars attending this program are also eligible to earn a completion certificate.
- Social Media: The CSC uses social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to engage with Commonwealth scholars and alumni and amplify their work and impact stories. By following the CSC on social media and taking an active role in social networking groups, scholars can be part of a growing community of Commonwealth scholars across the world.
- Common Knowledge: ‘Common Knowledge’ is the magazine for the Commonwealth Scholarship community, published by the CSC. It includes articles about the work and achievements of current and former Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows, as well as updates on news, events, and the alumni. The magazine is published twice a year and is accessible online.
- CSCmail: CSCmail is the monthly email newsletter meant for the scholars and Fellows which includes important information about the scholarship, and news of activities available to get involved in. All current Commonwealth Scholars receive CSCmail once their scholarship begins.
Commonwealth Scholarships – How to Apply?
Depending on the scholarships you are applying for, the applicants may need to apply through a National Nominating Agency, a university, or a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
National agencies nominate candidates for Commonwealth Masters and PhD Scholarships (for least developed countries and fragile states). The contact details of the agencies who are invited to nominate for these scholarships. Each nominating agency may have their own eligibility criteria and selection processes, the applicants are suggested to refer their queries regarding application directly to the nominating agency.
National Nominating Agency for India including their communication details is as follows:
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
Ministry of Education West Block -1, Wing -6, 2nd Floor
R.K. Puram, New Delhi – 110066
India Tel: +91 011 26172492, 011 26172896
Email: sangeet.kumar@nic.in | es3.edu@nic.in www.education.gov.in/scholarships
To find out how to apply for each of the scholarships, please visit the CSC apply page.
Last but not the least, the Commonwealth Scholarships offered in the UK provide a gateway for talented individuals from low and middle-income countries to pursue higher education and contribute to the development of their home nations. With a focus on inclusivity, development, and academic excellence, these scholarships offer a unique opportunity for international students to gain a world-class education and make a meaningful difference in their societies.
Commonwealth Scholarships – FAQs
Who is the provider of the Commonwealth scholarships?
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK provides the UK government’s Commonwealth scholarships led by international development objectives. It supports the co-creation of research, innovation, and solutions to enact sustainable development priorities across the Commonwealth and beyond.
Are the Commonwealth scholarships scheme open to students currently pursuing undergraduate studies?
The applicants pursuing their undergraduate degree programme can apply for the Commonwealth scholarships. However, the degree programme must be completed by the month of September for the current academic session.
Is it necessary to have an IELTS certificate for the Commonwealth scholarships?
No, it is not necessary to have an IELTS or any other English language certificate to apply for Commonwealth scholarships. The CSC does not require any candidates to take an IELTS (English language) test.
Are refugees eligible for Commonwealth scholarships?
Refugees are eligible to apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship if they have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country and are permanent residents in an eligible Commonwealth country.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Commonwealth scholarships?
In order to become eligible for the Commonwealth scholarships, an applicant should:
- be a permanent citizen of India or a Commonwealth country
- have at least a second-class honours degree (2:1) in a relevant field
- be unable to afford their studies without the scholarship
- be able to provide the necessary documents
What is a second-class honours degree (2:1)?
A second-class honours degree (2:1) is an academic classification awarded to undergraduate students in the UK, and is equivalent to a grade B. It’s also known as an Upper Second-Class Honours degree.
What are the selection criteria for Commonwealth scholarships?
Academic merit and development impact are taken into consideration while grading Commonwealth Scholarships. The caliber of study plans in master’s applications and the caliber of research proposals in doctoral applications are also evaluated. The goal of the CSC’s programs is to promote and assist innovative research, information sharing, and leading-edge studies across the Commonwealth.
What are the documentation requirements for the Commonwealth scholarships?
The general documentation required for the scholarships is as follows:
- Proof of Citizenship
- Up-to-date educational transcripts in English
- A minimum of two references
- A supporting statement
Is work experience required to apply for these scholarships?
No, the Commonwealth scholarships do not require any employment experience.
What are the awards offered by the Commonwealth scholarships?
The Commonwealth scholarships offer a monthly stipend of up to £1,652 with additional allowances and benefits such as travel expenses, study-related expenses, full tuition fees, family support, and disability support. Most of the scholarships are fully funded which means that, as well as covering your tuition fees, you will also receive your airfare to and from the UK and a living allowance to support you while you are here.
How should the eligible students apply for Commonwealth scholarships?
Depending on the scholarship programmes you are applying for, the applicants may need to apply through a National Nominating Agency, a university, or a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). National agencies nominate candidates for Commonwealth Masters and PhD Scholarships (for least developed countries and fragile states). Each nominating agency may have their own eligibility criteria and selection processes. And therefore, the applicants are suggested to refer their queries regarding application directly to the nominating agency.