Applications are open for the 2024/2025 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship program. This scholarship programme is one of three Master’s programs  offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) of the United Kingdom (UK) administers the UK government scholarship program and it operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). The programme strongly evidences the UK’s commitment to the commonwealth.

The CSC’s work combines sustainable development with UK national interest and provides opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration by attracting individuals with outstanding potential from all backgrounds; supporting them to become leaders and innovators upon their return to their home countries.

 

Target beneficiaries of the Common Wealth Shared Scholarships

The scholarship programme is on the look-out for high caliber postgraduate students from least developed and middle-Income Countries (including conflict affected states) who have not previously studied for a year or more in a high-income country, and who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK .

The programme is also considering those who have the potential to use the knowledge and leadership skills they gain to further develop their home countries upon returning home, post-study.

 

Programme Themes

Six CSC development themes apply to all Commonwealth Scholarships supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). They include:

  • Science and technology for development
  • Strengthening health systems and capacity
  • Promoting global prosperity
  • Strengthening global peace, security and governance
  • Strengthening resilience and response to crises
  • Access, inclusion and opportunity

 

Application Process

Candidates must submit an application to enroll in a Master’s program at a participating UK university. Only authorized courses from participating UK universities will be considered.

Candidates are allowed to submit more than one application to several universities and for many courses, but they can only accept one Shared Scholarship offer.

Candidates must apply for a Shared Scholarship in addition to securing admission to the chosen university course. The universities that will recommend their selected candidates to the CSC in March of 2024, will receive access to the applications.

 

Documents to be Submitted

The following files should be included in the application:

  • A valid passport (or national ID card) with a photo, birthdate, and citizenship country on it serves as proof of citizenship or refugee status in any qualifying Commonwealth nation.
  • Complete transcripts outlining all degrees earned in higher education, including current transcripts for any courses taken so far, together with certified translations in case the original language is not English. The programme will reject applications if any transcripts are missing or do not contain all of the pages.
  • Applications that lack any of the necessary supporting paperwork by the deadline will be deemed disqualified.

 

Common Wealth Shared Scholarships Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible for these scholarships, candidates :

  • Possess citizenship in or have received refugee status from a Commonwealth nation that qualifies.
    possess a permanent residence in a Commonwealth nation that qualifies.
  • Be prepared to commence academic studies in the UK by September 2024.
  • Possess a first degree with an honors grade of at least upper second class (2:1) by September 2024, or a lower second class degree with an appropriate postgraduate degree (often a Master’s degree).
  • Should not have spent more than a year studying or working in a nation with a high standard of living.
  • Lack the funds to study in the UK in the absence of this scholarship.
  • Possess the necessary supporting documentation in the format requested.

The scholarship programme has no age restrictions.

 

List of Eligible Countries for the Scholarship Programme

Please note that only applicants from the eligible countries listed below can apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships.

African Countries

Non African Countries

2024/2025 scholarship programme

Award Duration

The course of study should ideally last for 12 months.

Application Deadline

Interested persons are encouraged to send in their applications by 4:00 PM GMT on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Successful candidates will commence studying in the UK in September or October 2024. Applicants should be aware that the online application system will be extremely active in the days preceding the application deadline. All interested persons are encouraged to complete and submit their applications as early as possible.

Visit the scholarship programme website for further information and to commence your application.