Fully-Funded Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2025/26 is open for applications.It is a fully funded scholarship program to study in the UK. The program provides financial assistance to students from developing countries (members of the commonwealth) to pursue postgraduate degrees in the United Kingdom. UK offers a number of scholarships including UK Split scholarship, Great Scholarships and many more. Among them is commonwealth shared scholarships making it affordable to study in the UK. The scholarship aims to support individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK. It enables them to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the development of their home countries.
Commonwealth scholarshipCSC Development Themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
- Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
- Building resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion, and opportunity
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship:
Who can apply?
- Individuals from developing Commonwealth countries
- Pursuing a full-time Postgraduate Master’s degree program at a participating UK university
- Demonstrating strong academic ability and a commitment to development
What does the scholarship cover?
- Full tuition fees
- A monthly maintenance allowance for living expenses
- Economy air travel to and from the UK
- Additional allowances for study-related costs
How long does the scholarship last?
The scholarship is typically tenable for one year, aligning with the duration of a Master’s degree program.
What are the benefits of the scholarship?
- Gain access to world-class education at a UK university
- Develop expertise in your chosen field of study
- Build connections with international peers and professionals
- Contribute to the advancement of your home country
- If you’re a talented student from a developing Commonwealth country seeking financial support for your postgraduate studies, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship could be an excellent opportunity to achieve your academic goals and make a positive impact on your community.
Supporting Documents required for the Scholarship
Here are the supporting documents required for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship in short bullets:
- Copy of a valid passport or national ID card
- Full transcripts of all higher education qualifications
- Certified translations of transcripts if not in English
- Research Publications, Prizes, and Awards
- Details of Past employment
- Three Reference letters
- Development Impact Statement
- Part 1: Development Issues
- Part 2: Applying New Skills
- Part 3: Expected Changes
- Part 4: Personal Impact and Information
Eligibility checklist for Commonwealth Scholarship UK
You must check that you meet all of the following eligibility criteria before submitting your application, otherwise we will be unable to consider your application:
- I am a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or am a British Protected Person.
- I am permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- I am available to start academic studies in the UK at the start of the next UK academic year in September.
- By the start of the next UK academic year, I will hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard, or a second class degree (2:2) and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).
- I have not studied or worked for one (academic) year or more in a high-income country.
- I am unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship:
Check Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth country
- Have a first-class honors degree or equivalent
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship
- Be available to start your studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September/October 2024
- You can check the list of eligible Commonwealth countries on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) website.
How to Apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
- Create an account on the CSC’s Electronic Application System (EAS).
- Complete the online application form. The application form will ask you for personal details, academic qualifications, employment history, and development impact statement.
- Upload supporting documents. The required supporting documents include:
- A copy of your passport or national ID card
- Full transcripts of all higher education qualifications
- Certified translations of transcripts if not in English
- Two references from academic or professional contacts
Submit your application. The deadline for submitting applications is 12 December at 16:00 GMT 2024.
Also check Eramus Mundus scholarships
Selection Process
The CSC will assess applications based on the following criteria:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership potential
- Development impact
- Personal qualities
The CSC will shortlist candidates for interview. Interviews will be held in January/February 2024.
Timeline
The timeline for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is as follows:
Applications open: November 2024
Deadline for applications: 12 December at 16:00 GMT
Shortlisting of candidates: January/February 2025
Interviews: January/February 2025
Notification of results: March/April 2025
Tips for Applicants
Here are some tips for increasing your chances of success when applying for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship:
- Start planning your application early and give yourself enough time to gather all of the required documentation.
- Read the eligibility criteria carefully to make sure that you meet all of the requirements.
- Make sure that your application form is complete and accurate.
- Proofread your application carefully before submitting it.
- Get strong references from people who can speak to your academic ability, leadership potential, and development impact.
- Prepare well for your interview.
Eligible Regions: Pakistan, 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,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.
Check eligible courses for 2025/2025 Here and apply.
