MastersFully Funded

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship programme is one of three Master’s programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. It provides fully funded Master's scholarships to students from eligible Commonwealth countries to study in the UK, aiming to contribute to development needs by training skilled professionals and academics.

Provider: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC)
Host country: United Kingdom
Deadline: Not available — check official website
Region: Europe

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: To be considered for these scholarships, candidates must: Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country. 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 2026. By September 2026, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree). Not have studied or worked for more than one (academic) year or more in a high income country. Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship. Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters
Deadline: Not available — check official website

Key eligibility criteria

To be considered for these scholarships, candidates must: Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country. 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 2026. By September 2026, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree). Not have studied or worked for more than one (academic) year or more in a high income country. Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship. Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (2026)

## Overview The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship programme, administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), is a prestigious initiative designed to foster development by providing advanced education to talented individuals from Commonwealth countries. Operating within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), this programme underscores the UK's commitment to international collaboration and sustainable development. The primary goal is to equip high-calibre postgraduate students from least developed and middle-income countries with the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to drive positive change in their home nations. The scholarships are jointly funded by the CSC and participating UK universities. These scholarships are specifically for Master’s courses, tenable at approved UK universities, and are aimed at individuals who would otherwise be unable to pursue higher education in the UK. The award duration is typically 12 months, aligning with the standard length of most Master's programmes. ## Benefits Commonwealth Shared Scholarships offer comprehensive financial support, making it a fully-funded opportunity for eligible students. Each scholarship package includes: * **Approved Airfare:** Return airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK at the beginning and end of the award period, covered by the CSC. * **Tuition Fees:** Full coverage of approved tuition fees, managed through an agreement between the CSC and the host UK university, ensuring scholars are not liable for any part of the tuition costs. * **Stipend:** A monthly living allowance (stipend) to cover living expenses. The current rates are £1,452 per month, with an increased rate of £1,781 per month for those studying at universities within the London metropolitan area. This stipend is funded by the university. * **Warm Clothing Allowance:** Where applicable, a warm clothing allowance is provided, funded by the university. * **Thesis Grant:** A grant contributing towards the costs associated with preparing a thesis or dissertation. ## Eligibility To be considered for a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, applicants must meet stringent eligibility criteria: * **Citizenship/Residency:** Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, and be permanently resident in that country. * **Commencement of Study:** Be available to commence academic studies in the UK by September 2026. * **Academic Qualification:** By September 2026, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard. Alternatively, candidates with a lower second-class degree may be considered if they possess a relevant postgraduate qualification (typically a Master’s degree). * **International Study Restriction:** Not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country. Distance learning from a high-income country while resident in the home country is permitted. * **Financial Need:** Be unable to financially support study in the UK without this scholarship. * **Documentation:** Have submitted all required supporting documentation in the specified format. ## Required Documents Applicants must upload specific supporting documents with their online application to ensure eligibility. Applications without these documents by the closing date will be deemed ineligible. The required documents include: * **Proof of Citizenship/Refugee Status:** A copy of a valid passport or national ID card displaying a photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship. * **Academic Transcripts:** Full transcripts of all higher education qualifications obtained, including in-progress transcripts for current courses. Transcripts must be accompanied by certified translations if not in English. Incomplete transcripts or missing pages will lead to ineligibility. * **References:** At least two references in PDF format, signed, and either on institutional letterhead or from an email clearly showing sender details. These must be uploaded to the CSC Central application system. ## How to Apply Applications for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are made through the CSC's online application system, CSC Central. It is crucial to note that the CSC does not accept applications or documentation outside of this system. The process involves several key steps: 1. **University and Course Selection:** Candidates must apply to study an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university. A full list of eligible courses and participating universities is available on the CSC website. Applicants may apply for multiple courses and universities but can only accept one scholarship offer. 2. **University Admission:** In addition to applying for the scholarship, candidates must also apply for and secure admission to their chosen university course. It is essential to check with the chosen university for specific application deadlines, admission requirements, and application procedures. 3. **Online Application:** Complete and submit the scholarship application via CSC Central. It is highly recommended to prepare answers offline and then input them into the system, as unsaved data can be lost. The system uses a two-factor authentication (2FA) process, requiring a smartphone or a second email for access. 4. **Submission:** Submit the application early, as the system can experience high traffic closer to deadlines. Applications cannot be edited after submission. Applications are initially processed by the universities, who nominate selected candidates to the CSC for final approval. ## Key Dates Applications for the 2026/27 academic year are currently **CLOSED**. The scholarships are for study commencing in September/October 2026. ## Selection Criteria The selection process is rigorous, with applications being assessed based on the following criteria: * **Academic Merit:** Demonstrated excellence in previous academic pursuits. * **Quality of Research Proposal:** The strength and relevance of the proposed study plan, particularly its developmental impact. * **Potential Impact:** The candidate's potential to contribute significantly to the development of their home country upon the completion of their studies. Applicants are strongly advised to link their responses in the application form directly to these selection criteria. ## Tips * **Thorough Research:** Carefully research approved courses and participating universities to find the best fit for your academic and career goals. * **Early Application:** Begin the application process well in advance of deadlines, especially considering the need to secure university admission concurrently. * **Detailed Documentation:** Ensure all supporting documents are accurate, complete, and in the required format. Missing or incomplete documents will lead to disqualification. * **Development Impact Statement:** Dedicate significant effort to crafting a compelling Development Impact statement. This is a critical component that demonstrates how your studies will benefit your home country. * **Review and Proofread:** Carefully review your entire application for any errors or omissions before submission. Remember, applications cannot be edited once submitted. * **Utilize Resources:** Refer to the template application form and technical guidance provided by the CSC for detailed instructions and to understand all questions within the online form. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website: [https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-shared-scholarships/](https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-shared-scholarships/)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully Funded

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

To be considered for these scholarships, candidates must: Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country. 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 2026. By September 2026, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree). Not have studied or worked for more than one (academic) year or more in a high income country. Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship. Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-shared-scholarships-applications/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: To be considered for these scholarships, candidates must: Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country. 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 2026. By September 2026, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree). Not have studied or worked for more than one (academic) year or more in a high income country. Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship. Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Not available — check official website. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: Not available — check official website. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
Not available — check official website
Provider deadline information: Not available — check official website. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?+

To be considered for these scholarships, candidates must: Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country. 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 2026. By September 2026, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree). Not have studied or worked for more than one (academic) year or more in a high income country. Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship. Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.

What funding does the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Not available — check official website. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-shared-scholarships-applications/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: To be considered for these scholarships, candidates must: Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country. 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 2026. By September 2026, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree). Not have studied or worked for more than one (academic) year or more in a high income country. Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship. Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Not available — check official website. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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