Do you hail from one of the below listed Commonwealth countries? If yes, we bring you an exciting study opportunity in the UK; The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2025-26! This is a life-changing opportunity for talented individuals from eligible Commonwealth countries.
These prestigious scholarships provide full tuition coverage and generous living stipends, making it possible for individuals from low- and middle-income nations to pursue advanced education in the UK. So, If you have a passion for international development and sustainability, or you seek to become a leader in your field, this Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship could be your gateway to a brighter future.
Take your time to read through, as this page contains everything you need to know and how to apply.
Overview of the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), form part of the UK government’s wider scholarship scheme aimed at international development.
Each year, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) selects outstanding individuals from all walks of life, in order to foster leadership and innovation in their respective fields. Through this scholarship, the CSC aims to cultivate a generation of leaders who will contribute to sustainable development and strengthen global partnerships upon returning to their home countries.
Benefits
Scholars selected for the 2025-26 cycle will receive financial support that covers their entire academic journey in the UK, including:
- Airfare: The scholarship covers round-trip airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK. However, please note that this does not include costs for dependents or any additional trips taken before the scholarship is confirmed.
- Tuition Fees: Full tuition fees are covered by the scholarship, based on agreements between the CSC and the UK universities. Scholars are not required to pay any part of their tuition fees.
- Living Stipend: Scholars will receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. The amount varies depending on the location of the university: £1,378 per month for scholars studying outside of London, and £1,690 per month for those based in the London metropolitan area.
- Warm Clothing Allowance: Where applicable, a warm clothing allowance is also provided to help scholars adjust to the UK’s climate.
- Study–Related Travel: A study travel grant is available to cover the costs of travel related to academic studies, either within the UK or overseas.
- Family Allowances: Single parents or widowed scholars with children living with them in the UK are eligible for an additional monthly allowance of £590 for the first child and £146 for each additional child under 16.
Note: Please note that while family allowances provide some financial relief, scholars should be aware that the actual cost of maintaining a family in the UK is likely to be much higher.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country. Alternatively, British Protected Persons are also eligible.
- Residency: Applicants must be permanently residing in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Educational Qualifications: Applicants are expected to hold at least a first degree with upper second-class (2:1) honours by September 2025, or a lower second-class degree coupled with a relevant postgraduate qualification, typically a Master’s degree.
- Financial Need: Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they are unable to afford to study in the UK without a scholarship.
- Availability: Candidates must be available to begin their academic studies in the UK by the start of the academic year in September 2025.
- Special Consideration for Disabled Applicants: The CSC recognizes the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and may waive the academic requirement of a 2:1 degree for applicants. However, they’re expected to demonstrate their potential to contribute to international development, to receive this waiver.
Eligible Countries
Candidates from the following eligible countries are eligible to apply for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.
- 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
Documents Required
All applicants must submit the following documentation to support their application. These documents include:
- Proof of Citizenship: A valid passport or national ID showing your photo, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
- Academic Transcripts: Full transcripts for all higher education qualifications, including translations if not originally in English.
- References: At least two references on institutional letterhead, or clearly showing the sender’s details via email, uploaded in PDF format.
How to Apply
- Applications for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships must be submitted through the CSC’s online application system . The deadline for submissions is 16:00 BST on 15 October 2024.
- Nominators: Applicants must also apply through a designated nominator. Nominators fall into two categories:
- National Nominating Agencies: This is the primary application route.
- Non-Governmental Organizations and Charitable Bodies: Selected organizations may nominate candidates.
- Nominatorsheir own selection process, and they may set their own deadlines before nominating candidates to the CSC. It’s important to check each nominator’s specific requirements and deadlines.
Selection Criteria:
The selection process for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships is highly competitive, with all the successfully submitted Applications assessed based on the following criteria:
- Academic Merit
- Quality of the Research Proposal
- Potential Development Impact
Application Deadline
15 October 2024.
Official website: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/
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