Commonwealth is a non-profit organization comprising 54 equal and independent nations. It’s the home of 2.4 billion people and comprises advanced economies and developing nations.
Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to individuals who have the potential to have a positive impact on the international stage when given a chance to develop their skills..
To fulfil the UK’s continuing engagement with the Commonwealth every year, around 800 students have the chance to study postgraduate studies at UK universities.
If you’re from one of the Commonwealth nations and feel that you have the potential to help change the world, but you are unable to pay for your UK studies by yourself, you could be a great applicant for a Commonwealth Scholarship.
What exactly are Commonwealth Scholarships?
The Commonwealth Scholarships scheme is targeted at students from all over the Commonwealth who might not be able to afford to go to university in the UK. By allowing postgraduate study in various studies, the scheme aids in the development of future leaders and innovators.
This award has been a landmark in the history of the principal scholarship scheme in the UK designed to support British internationally-focused development targets. It’s designed to draw the best talents to UK universities while also helping to promote sustainable development abroad.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Commonwealth Scholarship, You must be either a permanent or citizen of the Commonwealth country. It is still possible to apply for the scholarship if you are an asylum seeker or British protected person.
Additionally, you must have an honours undergraduate degree of at the very least upper second-class (2:1). If you plan to pursue a PhD, you’ll need an appropriate master’s degree.
In addition, you should not be able to go to the UK without a grant.
The criteria for eligibility for each kind of fellowship or scholarship vary. More information is available on the CSC website.
- Are citizens of or have been granted refugee status by a qualifying Commonwealth nation or an eligible British Protection Individual.
- Permanently reside in any suitable Commonwealth country.
- You should be ready to begin your studies in the UK before starting the UK academic year in September 2022.
- In September 2022, you must hold an undergraduate degree that is at least upper second-class (2:1) honours-level or a second-class diploma (2:2) as well as a valid postgraduate qualification (usually the Master’s degree).
What kinds of awards do you have available?
The Commonwealth Scholarships Commission offers:
- Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships (for less developed countries and fragile states)
- Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships (for countries of low and middle income)
- 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 offered under six CSC development themes.
- Science and technology to develop
- Strengthening capacities and systems of health
- Promoting global prosperity
- Stimulating global peace Governance, security and peace
- Building resilience and responding to crisis
- Access, inclusion and opportunities
There’s no limit to what you can study. Still, it is essential to note that the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission prioritizes those whose studies have the most significant relevance to their criteria for development.
What is financial assistance available?
The majority of scholarships are fully funded, which means that along with paying for your tuition in addition, you will receive your flight between and to the UK and a daily allowance to help you live when you arrive.
Commonwealth Scholarship Provides:
- An approved flight ticket from your country of origin towards the UK and back to the UK after the grant (the CSC will not reimburse the cost of flights for dependents nor the cost of travel before your award is confirmed).
- Accepted fees for tuition fees. Stipend (living allowance) at PS1,133 a month or PS1,390 per month for students at universities located in the London metropolitan region (rates are based on 2021-2022 levels). Generous clothing allowance, if appropriate.
- Thesis grants to cover the costs of writing a thesis or dissertation. Study travel grant to help with the expense of travel related to studies to the UK or abroad.
- If you’re widowed or divorced or are a single parent, you are entitled to a child allowance is PS485 per month is available for your first child and PS120 each month for the second and third children younger than 16 if being accompanied by children. They live together at your same residence in the UK (rates for 2022-23).
- If you have an impairment, a thorough evaluation of your needs and your eligibility for financial assistance will be provided through the CSC. The Family allowances offered by the CSC are intended to be used only to help pay the expenses of keeping your family members in your home in the UK. The actual expenses are likely to be much more. You should be able to use these allowances and help any family members that come to the UK together.
How do I apply
Depending on which scholarship you are applying for, you may need to apply through a National Nominating Agency, a university, or a Non-Governmental Organization.
To find out how to apply for each scholarship, please visit the CSC application page.
What are the requirements to do to be eligible?
For you to start your application online, it is necessary to scan a duplicate from your passport, an school transcript, a current university degree certificate along with two references, and should you already have one, an admission letter.
What is the date for submissions and applications?
The deadline for applications is typically in December. Check the page of the scholarship you are interested in at the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s site for dates when they will be released for 2021-22.
They are transferable to any recognized UK college or university for which CSC is affiliated. CSC has a partial-funding agreement (as previously stated) to fund a specific program of research that lasts for up to 36 months of full-time studies only.
Awards are intended to be used for one degree. The funding cannot be extended to allow applicants to obtain a higher degree or in addition to the one for which the award was made. Awards are granted in respect of full-time studies only, and there is no other form of study is allowed simultaneously.
The entire application, including three letters of recommendation, can be submitted online in pdf documents. The application online is accessible via the home page of The Commonwealth’s website. To open the application, click the “APPLY ONLINE“ button.
