Commonwealth Scholarship is currently accepting applications for its master’s program. The fully funded scholarship program is for studying for a master’s in the UK. The scholarship is for International students. Commonwealth scholarship provides tuition fees, stipends of £1,347 per month, return airfare to the UK and other allowances for expenses.
Commonwealth is an initiative of the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It is an incredible opportunity for those who want to study in the UK. However, they are unable to do so due to financial issues. The scholarship is for students from diverse backgrounds, races and economies. The major aim of the scholarship is to build strong relationships between the UK and other countries.
The scholarship selection process follows a merit-based approach. The program looks for highly talented students who are unable to afford their studies. The process is quite competitive. The commonwealth master scholarship selection involves country agencies, UK universities and the Commonwealth. The participants initially submitted applications in both the country agency representative and commonwealth online application system.
They have to submit two applications. Remember, the agency in your country might add more criteria for selection. For example, for Pakistani students, the HAT test is compulsory for the scholarship application. Therefore, check with specific agencies. Now let’s get into the details including eligibility criteria, benefits, and application process.
Benefits of commonwealth master scholarship
Commonwealth Master scholarship is fully funded covering all finances. The program provides following benefits including:
- Your flight from your home country to the UK (and back at the end of your studies) is fully covered.
- The full cost of your university tuition is paid for, so you won’t have to worry about any fees.
- You will receive a living allowance of £1,378 per month, or £1,690 per month if you’re studying in London. This money is to help cover your daily expenses like food, rent, and other living costs.
- If needed, you’ll also get extra money to buy warm clothing for the UK’s cold weather.
- Participants will get additional funds to cover travel costs related to your studies, whether inside the UK or overseas.
- If your studies require you to do fieldwork abroad, the cost of one economy class return flight will be covered.
- You can go home for a visit halfway through your program, and your flight will be paid for unless you’re already receiving a family allowance.
Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth master program
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to start academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2024.
- By September 2024, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honors standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree)*. The CSC would not normally fund a second Master’s degree. If applying for a second Master’s degree, applicants must justify why they wish to undertake this study.
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
- Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.
Document requirement for the scholarship
To apply for Commonwealth master scholarship, you must have the following documents :
- Proof that the applicant is a citizen or holds refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country: this requires a copy of a valid passport (or national ID) showing a photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
- Complete transcripts for all higher education qualifications, including up-to-date transcripts for any courses currently in progress. Certified translations are needed if the transcripts are not in English. Incomplete transcripts or those missing pages will render the application ineligible.
- At least two references must be submitted in PDF format, signed, and either on institutional letterhead or in an email clearly displaying the sender’s details.
You may be asked to submit documents by agencies in your country that are not listed above. Therefore, check with representatives in your country.
Also check other scholarships:
National University of Singapore ADB Scholarships 2025: Fully Funded MBA
British Council Scotland Pakistan Fully Funded Scholarships for Female Students for Masters/MPhil
KAUST Global Fellowship 2025 in Saudi Arabia for Postdoc Researchers
Fully Funded Schwarzman Scholars Tsinghua University in Beijing
How to apply for the Commonwealth Master scholarship Program ?
To apply, candidates must use the CSC’s online application system. Additionally, applicants need to apply through a nominator, which could be a national nominating agency, selected universities, or NGOs.
Steps to Apply:
Submit via CSC’s Online Application System
- Applications to the CSC must be submitted through their online system.
Complete the Application Form:
- List Academic Qualifications
- Publications and Prizes( up to 10 publications or prizes)
- Employment History
- References( the names and positions of three referees)
Development Impact Statement (Four Parts):
- Explain how the scholarship connects to development issues at the global, national, and local levels, and how it relates to the chosen CSC development theme.
- Outline how you plan to apply the skills gained after completing the scholarship.
- Describe the expected development outcomes, the time frame, and the beneficiaries.
- Explain how the impact of your work could be measured and evidenced.
Other Key Requirements
- Confirm your objectives and how the scholarship will help you meet them.
- Share your career plans for the next 5 years and your long-term career goals.
- Provide a detailed study plan.
- Summarize how your background has inspired you to make a positive impact in your home country, including any significant contributions you’ve made.
- Highlight your engagement in voluntary activities and leadership roles.
Important Note:
Nominators forward applicants to the CSC, but nomination does not guarantee selection. Results will be shared by July 2025 via email, so monitor your inbox, including junk/spam folders.
Check the nominating agencies and non-governmental organizations for the process.
- National nominating agencies – this is the main route of application.
- Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies.
Deadline to apply for Commonwealth Master scholarship Program
The last date to apply for the Commonwealth Master scholarship is 15 October 2024.
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, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia
For application and details, click the link below,
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