Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme - Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

You will be offered a fully funded Master’s programme in the United Kingdom lasting 12 months. The scholarship covers your full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance of approximately 1,670 EUR (higher if you are studying in London), and your return economy-class flight from your home country to the UK. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for a grant towards your dissertation, an allowance for winter clothing, support for study-related travel, and a child allowance if you are widowed, divorced or a single parent and your children are living with you in the UK. The scholarship is administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and funded by the UK Government (FCDO) in conjunction with the participating UK universities.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are applying exclusively for a one-year Master’s programme comprising lectures, not for a Bachelor’s or PhD programme.
• Where you study: You are studying on a recognised degree programme at a participating UK university. Many UK universities take part in this scheme.
• Field of study: Your field of study relates to development issues, for example in the fields of public health, development studies, law, environmental and social sciences, or the analytical sciences.
• Nationality: You are a national of an eligible Commonwealth developing country (e.g. India, Nigeria, Kenya, Bangladesh, Ghana, Pakistan or South Africa) or have been recognised as a refugee there and live there permanently.
• Grades: You must hold at least a second-class upper bachelor’s degree (2:1) or a degree at level 2:2, as well as a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Time abroad: You have studied or worked in a high-income country for less than a year.
• Financial need: Without this scholarship, you wouldn’t have been able to afford to study in the UK.
• Age: There is no age restriction.

How to apply

You must apply via the CSC’s online portal by 9 December. At the same time, you must apply for admission to your chosen UK university. The universities draw up a shortlist of their preferred candidates and submit these to the CSC, which makes the final decision. In doing so, your academic achievements, your potential for development, your financial need and your willingness to return to your home country are assessed.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a well-known, fully-funded scholarship, so competition is fierce. However, the eligibility criteria are quite strict. You must be from one of the developing Commonwealth countries listed in a specific list, demonstrate a clear financial need, and have spent less than one year in a high-income country. If you meet these requirements, have good academic results and can convincingly explain the contribution you will make in your home country, your chances are good. A compelling personal statement outlining your commitment to development and applying early are both advantageous.