Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship scheme is aimed at students from across the Commonwealth who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK. By funding postgraduate studies in a range of different study formats, the scheme helps to support future innovators and leaders. 

This historic award is the UK’s primary scholarship scheme focused on supporting British international development goals. It is designed to attract outstanding talent to UK universities whilst also supporting sustainable development overseas.

To apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country. You will still be eligible if you are a refugee or British protected person. 

You also need to have an undergraduate honours degree of at least upper second class (2:1). If you wish to study a PhD, you will need an appropriate master’s degree too.

Finally, you must be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.

The eligibility criteria for each type of scholarship and fellowship vary. More information is available on the CSC website.

The Commonwealth Scholarships Commission offers:

•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 PhD Scholarships (for high-income countries)

•Commonwealth Professional Fellowships

All Commonwealth Scholarships which are funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) are offered under six CSC development themes. 

1.Science and technology for development

2.Strengthening health systems and capacity

3.Promoting global prosperity

4.Strengthening global peace, security and governance

5.Strengthening resilience and response to crises

6.Access, inclusion and opportunity

There is no restriction on what you can study but the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission gives priority to applicants whose studies are most relevant to their development criteria.

Most 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.

Depending on which scholarship you are applying for, you may need to apply through a National Nominating Agency, a university, or a Non-Governmental Organisation. 

To find out how to apply for each of the scholarships, please visit the CSC apply page.

To begin your online application, you’ll need a scanned copy of your passport, your academic transcript, your existing university degree certificate, two references and, if you have one, your admission letter.

Annual deadlines for applications are usually in December. Check the page of the scholarship you are interested in at the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website to see dates when they are announced for 2021/22.