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

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships is open to African students applying to study in United Kingdom at the Masters level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters · applicants for United Kingdom
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters
Deadline: Not available — check official website

Key eligibility criteria

Candidates must be citizens or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, be permanently resident there, and unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship. Applicants need a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification.

What the fully funded award covers

Monthly stipend
Return airfare
Research/thesis support

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/)

What the Fully Funded Commonwealth Shared Scholarships covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Monthly stipend
Return airfare
Research/thesis support

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships eligibility for United Kingdom applicants

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

Candidates must be citizens or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, be permanently resident there, and unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship. Applicants need a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification.

Documents required for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-shared-scholarships/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Candidates must be citizens or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, be permanently resident there, and unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship. Applicants need a first degree of at…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host UK university first via UCAS (undergraduate) or the postgraduate portal. Most UK scholarship sponsors will not assess your funding application without a conditional offer letter.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Book IELTS Academic for UKVI (target 6.5+ for UG/taught Master's, 7.0+ for research). Request sealed PDF transcripts, brief 2–3 referees in writing, and prepare your passport bio page at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-shared-scholarships/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Not available — check official website (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.
8
Plan your UK Student visa and arrival
Once funded, accept your university place to trigger your CAS, book a UKVI-approved TB test (£80–£200), then apply for the Student visa (£524 + £776/year IHS). Budget 3–6 weeks of processing and collect your BRP within 10 days of arrival.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), and be able to relocate to United Kingdom for the duration of the programme.

Is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Not available — check official website. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

What UK visa do I need for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?+

Most scholarship holders enter the UK on a Student visa (formerly Tier 4). You apply after receiving a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university, and must show proof of funds, your scholarship award letter, and a valid TB test certificate (required for most African nationals). Apply at least 3 months before your course start date.

Sources

UK Student visa

What English-language score do UK universities require?+

UK universities typically require IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for undergraduate and taught Masters, and 7.0 overall (no band below 6.5) for research degrees and competitive programmes. For the Student visa itself, you need a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS for UKVI unless your degree was taught entirely in English in a majority-English-speaking country.

Can I stay and work in the UK after my scholarship ends?+

Yes — the Graduate Route lets you stay for 2 years after completing an undergraduate or Masters degree (3 years for a PhD) to work or look for work at any skill level, with no sponsorship required. You must apply before your Student visa expires and have completed your course at a UK Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.

Sources

Graduate visa

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UK · Master's & PhD · fully funded

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