Commonwealth scholarships are popular funding programs to study in UK universities for international students. These scholarships are offered for master’s degrees, professionals andPhD programs to students worldwide. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK manages Commonwealth Scholarships. 

Every year, around 700 students undertake postgraduate degrees with UK universities on scholarships. To apply for a master’s degree, you need to have an undergraduate honours degree of at least upper second class (2:1). If you wish to study for a PhD, you will need a relevant master’s degree. However, the deadline and eligibility criteria vary from program to program. 

However, it is important to understand that for some scholarships, students can not apply directly. There are representatives and partners in each country who coordinate all the processes. The partners receive applications, approve and forward them to the commonwealth committee for further process. In this process, the applicant is required to submit two different applications: one to partner and the other to directly to the University for admission. 

For the masters and PhD programs, click here to get information about National nominating agencies. 

Applicants may also need to take some tests to apply for these programs in their home country. We will go through the details of each program. This will help you prepare for the scholarship ahead of time. 

Benefits of Commonwealth scholarship Programs 

Commonwealth scholarships are fully funded programs that provides following benefits but not limited to:

• Providing living expenses 
• Tuition fees are fully covered.
• Health insurance is provided.
• Travel costs are included.
• A generous stipend is provided.
• Additional allowances for thesis and dissertation costs.
• Support for warm clothing in cold weather.

Commonwealth scholarships for distance learning provide tuition fees and cover other expenses. Since distance learners do not travel to the UK for studies. They take online classes, but it does not provide any living expenses. 

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for least developed countries and fragile states)

Commonwealth PhD scholarships support potential applicants with leadership capability. The scholarship program prepares the participants to become innovators in their home countries. These scholarships are for high-quality graduates. The application can be submitted through a national nominating agency. Therefore, you must check out additional criteria set by the nominating agency in your country. 

The selection of the candidates for the scholarship is based on Academic merit, quality of research proposal and Potential impact on the development of the candidate’s home country. The scholarship funds for four-year PhDs. However, applicants are strongly advised to also propose at least one three-year PhD choice.

Benefits of the scholarship (As of 2024)

• Approved airfare to/from the UK (excludes dependants’ fares)
• Approved full tuition fees
• Monthly stipend: £1,347 (£1,652 for London)
• Warm clothing allowance (if applicable)
• Study travel grant
• Fieldwork travel provision (one economy airfare)
• Paid mid-term visit airfare (conditions apply)

Family allowances

•   Spouse: £290/month (conditions apply)
•   Child: £290/month (first child), £143/month (second and third child under 16)
•   Single parent: £576.61/month (first child), £143/month (second and third child under 16)
• Disability support assessment and financial aid

Eligibility Criteria to apply for PhD scholarships 

• Be a citizen, refugee, or British Protected Person from an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification 
• Not be registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university or in their home country
• Be unable to afford UK studies without this scholarship.
• Provide all supporting documentation in the required format.

Eligible countries

The countries listed are Bangladesh, Cameroon, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, and Zambia.

Note– The information is current for the year 2024 and may change in the future.

Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships (for low and middle-income countries)

Commonwealth Split-site scholarships accept applications directly from candidates. The scholarships are for 12 months. They can be taken as a single 12-month period or separated into two six-month periods. The Commonwealth Split-site scholarships are for a PhD program. 

Benefits of the scholarship 

Commonwealth Split-site scholarship provides the following benefits:

• Approved airfare to/from the UK (excludes dependants’ fares).
• Full tuition fees.
• Monthly stipend: £1,347 (£1,652 in London).
• Warm clothing allowance (if applicable).
• Study travel grant.
• Child allowance for single parents: £576.61/month (first child), £143/month (second and third child under 16).
• Disability support assessment and financial aid.

Family allowances are a contribution toward family maintenance costs, which may be higher than provided allowances.

Eligibility Criteria 

To apply for Commonwealth Split-site scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Registered for a PhD at a university in an eligible Commonwealth country by given date.
• Ensure an institutional or departmental link exists between the home and proposed UK university, with both supervisors providing supporting statements.
• Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification 
• Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
• Provide all supporting documentation in the required format.

Documents requirement 

• Proof of citizenship or refugee status (passport or national ID card)
• Full transcripts of all higher education qualifications (with certified translations if not in English)
• References from at least two individuals (signed, on institutional letterhead or email with sender’s details)
• Supporting statement from proposed UK supervisor (signed, on institutional letterhead or email with sender’s details)
• Supporting statement from current home university supervisor (signed, on institutional letterhead or email with sender’s details)

Eligible countries 

 Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, and Zambia.

Disclaimer: The stipend, eligible country, and other statistical information are as of 2024 and might change in the future.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Commonwealth Master’s scholarships are agency-nominated programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. The scholarships are for candidates from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries. The selected participants undertake full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university.

Benefits of the scholarship

• Approved airfare to/from the UK (excludes fares for dependants or pre-award journeys).
• Full tuition fees.
• Monthly stipend: £1,347 (£1,652 in London).
• Warm clothing allowance (if applicable).
• Study travel grant.
• Child allowance for single parents: £576.61/month (first child), £143/month (second and third child under 16).
• Disability support assessment and financial aid.

Eligibility Criteria 

To be apply for these scholarships, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
• Permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
• Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (Justification required for a second Master’s degree)
• Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
• Provide all supporting documentation in the required format.

Documents requirement

• Proof of citizenship or refugee status (passport or national ID)
• Full transcripts (with certified translations if not in English)
• Two signed references (on institutional letterhead or email with sender’s details)
• English Proficiency Certificate (Partner agency might take test)
• Additional documents may required by partner agency in your country 

Disclaimer: The information is as of 2024, might change in future. 

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship programme offers scholarships for Master’s Program. The scholarship is offered for 12 months. Applications are made via  universities, which make the initial selection of candidates, who are approved by the CSC.

The applicants apply for admission in chosen university courses in addition to applying for a shared scholarship. 

Benefits of Shared scholarships

• Approved airfare to and from the UK (for scholars only).
• Full coverage of tuition fees.

Stipend:

•   £1,347 per month outside London.
•   £1,652 per month in London.
• Warm clothing allowance (where applicable).
• Thesis grant (for dissertation preparation).
• Study travel grant (for study-related travel).
• Contribution towards mandatory TB test (if required for visa).

Child allowance

•   £576.61 per month for the first child.
•   £143 per month for second and third children under 16 (if applicable).

Eligibility Criteria 

• Be a citizen of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).
• Have not studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country.
• Demonstrate inability to afford UK study without the scholarship.
• Provide all required supporting documentation in the specified format.

The list of courses and universities are available on the official page. The scholarship supports the approved courses. 

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships

Commonwealth distance learning scholarship is for a Master’s program. This is different from other Commonwealth scholarships. The program provides tuition fees for taking an online course in UK universities. The scholarship is an excellent opportunity for those who can not travel to the UK for some reason. They can get a fully funded UK university degree sitting in their home. 

The scholarships support applicants from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. These programs enable recipients to pursue part-time taught Master’s programs with UK universities while residing in their home countries.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Hold citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
• Maintain permanent residency in a developing Commonwealth nation.
• Possess a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard. Applicants with lower qualifications but significant relevant experience may be considered in specific instances.
• Demonstrate financial need, unable to pursue the program without scholarship support.

Eligible countries

The list of eligible countries for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships, based on the DAC list published in January 2022:

Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia.

Also check out: Fulbright Scholarships for International Citizens in the USA

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for high-income countries)

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are for candidates from high income Commonwealth countries, for full-time doctoral study at a UK university. These scholarships are highly competitive. 

Benefits of the scholarship

• Approved airfare from the Scholar’s home country to the UK and return (not for dependents or pre-award journeys).
• Full tuition fees covered by the CSC and the UK university.

Monthly stipend:

•   £1,347 outside London.
•   £1,652 in London.
• Warm clothing allowance (if applicable).
• Study travel grant for study-related travel.
• Provision for fieldwork airfare (if approved).
• Paid mid-term visit airfare to the Scholar’s home country (conditions apply).

Family allowances:

• £290 per month for spouse (max 9 months) if living together in the UK.
• £290 per month for the first child, £143 for the second and third child under 16.
• £576.61 per month for the first child, £143 for the second and third child if the Scholar is a single parent.
• Full assessment and additional financial support for Scholars with disabilities.

Applicant Eligibility

To apply for these scholarships, candidates must:

• Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Provide proof of permanent residency in an eligible Commonwealth country, having lived there for at least two years before applying.
•  Not be registered for or have started a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university before the scholarship 
• Hold a first degree with at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (typically a Master’s degree).
• Not be registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD in their home country or elsewhere.
• Have an unconditional or conditional funded offer from all listed UK universities.
• Submit references from at least two individuals, in PDF format, signed and on institutional letterhead or clearly showing the sender’s details in an email.
• Provide a supporting statement from a proposed supervisor from at least one of the listed UK universities, in PDF format, signed and on institutional letterhead or clearly showing the sender’s details in an email.
• Provisional selection is subject to the agreement of the university providing partial funding
• Applicants should confirm their ability to secure admission with their chosen university/universities, as some may not offer admission for certain courses during this period.

Eligible Countries 

The eligible countries for the program include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Malta, New Zealand, Seychelles, Singapore, St Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

Commonwealth Professional Fellowships

Commonwealth Professional Fellowship is for mid-career professionals. The applicant must have five years relevant work experience. The time period for the fellowship is six weeks and three months. 

The mid-career professionals from low and middle income countries spend a period of time at a UK host organization working in their sector for a programme of professional development.

Benefits of the scholarship

Following are the benefits of the scholarship

• Approved return airfare from the Fellow’s home country to the UK.
• Reimbursement of the standard visa application fee.
• Monthly stipend (living allowance) of £2,057, or £2,553 for those in the London metropolitan area (2023/24 rates).
• Disability support assessment and potential additional financial aid.
• Arrival allowance up to £1,156.60, including warm clothing (2023/24 rates).
• Up to £3,000 for short courses/conferences and travel to other UK organizations, as integral parts of the programme, subject to claimable cost guidelines.

Eligibility for fellowship

To be eligible, prospective Fellows must:

• Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country or a British Protected Person
• Permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
• Have 5 years’ relevant work experience (voluntary work not counted)
• Be employed and return to the organization after the fellowship
• Provide two references (one from the current employer)
• Not have had a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last five years
• Not be seeking academic research or study (academic management programs allowed)
• Be available from the prescribed start date
• Meet any additional criteria set by the host organization

Eligible countries 

Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, St Helena, St Lucia, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, and Zambia.

Important things to remember for Commonwealth scholarship

• Awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to the development of one’s home country
• Few scholarships are offered through Agency (partner) in your home country
• IELTS is important to show english proficiency requirement 
• Your personal statement is your opportunity to give the selection panel a sense of who you are and why you want to be a Commonwealth Scholar
• Commonwealth also offers scholarships through British Council

Conclusion

Commonwealth scholarships are announced every year. The deadline varies from program to program. It is important to keep visiting official pages for the announcement. Also, visit agency partners in your country to check further details. All relevant information can be found on the agency website for those scholarships for whom you can not directly apply. The Commonwealth scholarships are highly competitive. It is essential to prepare yourself a year ahead to apply for these programs. You must have good academic, and extracurricular activities and financial needs to apply for the programs.

Besides, university financial and funding pages can be helpful to search for scholarships in the UK. The Commonwealth is a well-known scholarship. Even after you return to your country, you become part of the commonwealth community. You get a chance to participate in lifetime activities, professional networking, funding and much more.