Are you a citizen of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or one of the 53 other countries that form the Commonwealth voluntary association, dreaming of a postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom? If so, the Commonwealth Scholarships might be your golden chance at a world-class education with a zero to minimal cost. These prestigious monetary awards, offered by the UK government, provide financial support to talented individuals to undertake postgraduate studies at top UK universities.
So, the prospect of studying in the UK on a fully-funded scholarship is undoubtedly exciting. Therefore, this article will focus on these life-changing opportunities, exploring their eligibility criteria, the application process, and the remarkable impact they can have on your future!
Commonwealth Scholarships
Now that you have a general idea of what Commonwealth Scholarships are, let’s look more into it. The Commonwealth Scholarships are the UK government’s flagship scheme for supporting talented individuals from Commonwealth countries in pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK. Administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), these scholarships offer comprehensive financial support, including tuition fees, living allowances, and travel costs for students showing the potential to positively impact the global stage.
Since its inception in 1960, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Department for Education, and UK University partners have funded over 31,000 individuals for postgraduate studies at various levels. The program’s core objectives are to contribute to sustainable development, promote equity and inclusivity, and support cutting-edge technology and innovation within Commonwealth nations, with a particular emphasis on assisting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Countries like Australia, Canada, India, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are among the Commonwealth nations eligible for these scholarships, making this opportunity widely accessible to a diverse range of students.
Commonwealth Scholarship Programmes
To help students with diverse needs and studying at different levels, the Commonwealth Scholarships are divided into seven distinct programs. Each program caters to specific academic goals, eligibility criteria, and funding levels. Hence, let’s look at each one of them.
1. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
| COMMONWEALTH MASTER’S SCHOLARSHIPS |
| Scholarship Value |
Covers full tuition fees for master’s programs, a monthly stipend for living expenses, airfare costs to and from the UK, and allowances for clothing and family support. |
| Eligible Degree/s |
Undergraduate Honors or Master’s |
| Eligible Countries |
Low and middle-income Commonwealth countries including Botswana, Fiji, and Ghana. |
| Application Deadline |
September – October |
The Commonwealth Scholarships offer a spectrum of opportunities for postgraduate students, with foundational programs like the Master’s scholarships serving as the entry point. These Master’s Scholarships provide a prestigious platform for talented individuals from low and middle-income Commonwealth nations to pursue postgraduate studies at renowned partnered UK universities, including esteemed institutions like the University of Cambridge and the University of Bristol.
Beyond academic partnerships, these scholarships offer comprehensive financial support, covering full-time tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. This enables recipients to fully immerse themselves in their studies without financial constraints. To qualify, applicants must be citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries and possess an exceptional academic record. A crucial aspect of the application process also involves obtaining referrals from credible individuals who can vouch for the applicant’s potential.
With the application window typically opening in October, prospective applicants should ensure they have completed their undergraduate studies by September to be eligible.
2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
| COMMONWEALTH SHARED SCHOLARSHIPS |
| Scholarship Value |
Full master’s tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, thesis grant, clothing and family allowance |
| Eligible Degree/s |
Undergraduate Honors or Master’s |
| Eligible Countries |
Underdeveloped, middle-income, or conflict-affected Commonwealth countries (e.g., Namibia, Sri Lanka, Kenya) |
| Application Deadline |
September – October |
Building upon the Master’s Scholarships, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships offer another avenue for postgraduate study. These collaborative programs between the UK and partner Commonwealth countries provide opportunities for individuals to pursue Master’s degrees in areas of mutual interest. Similar to the Master’s Scholarships, they offer comprehensive financial support, including tuition fees, living allowances, and research grants.
Targeting specific development challenges, the Shared Scholarships aim to cultivate a new generation of leaders equipped to address complex global issues. By promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange between the UK and partner countries, these scholarships contribute to sustainable development and capacity building.
Interestingly, the application timeline and requirements are similar to those for the Master’s Scholarships. However, the selection process is more competitive, with a particular emphasis on candidates’ potential to contribute to the development of both the UK and the partner country.
3. Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships
| COMMONWEALTH DISTANCE LEARNING MASTER’S SCHOLARSHIPS |
| Scholarship Value |
Part-time master’s tuition fees, study grants (based on requirements of taken program) |
| Eligible Degree/s |
Undergraduate Honors |
| Eligible Countries |
Developing Commonwealth countries (e.g., Pakistan, India, Jamaica) |
| Application Deadline |
March – April |
Now, if you want to get a UK-affiliated degree without leaving the comfort of your home, the Commonwealth organization also caters to that. The Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships are specifically there to support part-time online Master’s programs, providing financial assistance for tuition fees and study-related costs. Designed for professionals and individuals with commitments, these scholarships offer opportunities for talented individuals in developing Commonwealth countries to access world-class education.
Unlike the other Master’s scholarships, the application deadlines are usually in late March or early April, with results announced around mid-July.
4. Commonwealth Split-Site Ph.D. Scholarships
| COMMONWEALTH SPLIT-SITE PHD SCHOLARSHIPS |
| Scholarship Value |
Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, research grant, clothing and family allowance |
| Eligible Degree/s |
Undergraduate Honors or Master’s |
| Eligible Countries |
Low and middle-income Commonwealth countries including Malaysia, South Africa, and Bangladesh. |
| Application Deadline |
January – February |
Beyond the Master’s level, the Commonwealth offers scholarships to support doctoral research. The Commonwealth Split-Site PhD Scholarships provide opportunities for students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to conduct up to 12 months of their PhD studies at a UK university. This unique program allows scholars to gain exposure to world-class research facilities and collaborate with leading experts in their field.
The application process for this scholarship is quite competitive, with deadlines usually in January or February. Therefore, it’s important to meet certain requirements, such as proof of enrollment in a PhD program at a university in your home country, securing placement at a UK institution, demonstrating research potential, academic merit, and ensuring that your proposed research aligns with the scholarship’s objectives.
5. Commonwealth Ph.D. Scholarships
| COMMONWEALTH PHD SCHOLARSHIPS |
| Scholarship Value |
Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, research grant, clothing, work provisions, and family allowance |
| Eligible Degree/s |
Undergraduate Honors or Master’s |
| Eligible Countries |
Least Developed and Fragile Commonwealth countries |
| Application Deadline |
January – February |
Another doctoral-level opportunity is the Commonwealth Ph.D. Scholarships. These scholarships are specifically designed for students from the least developed and fragile Commonwealth countries, enabling them to pursue full-time doctoral studies at UK universities. This program is a vital part of the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting the development of human resources in countries that face significant socio-economic challenges.
Offering comprehensive financial support, including full coverage of tuition fees, living expenses, research grants, and additional allowances for clothing, work-related needs, and family support, these scholarships ensure that scholars can focus entirely on their research without financial concerns.
Like the Split-Site PhD Scholarships, the application deadlines typically fall between January and February, so it’s best to apply as early as possible through the three types of nominating agencies preferred by the Commonwealth organization.
6. Commonwealth Ph.D. Scholarships for High-Income Countries
| COMMONWEALTH PHD SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HIGH-INCOME COUNTRIES |
| Scholarship Value |
Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, research grant, clothing, work provisions, and family allowance |
| Eligible Degree/s |
Undergraduate Honors or Master’s |
| Eligible Countries |
High-Income Commonwealth countries (e.g Australia, Canada, New Zealand) |
| Application Deadline |
February |
As we articulated, the Commonwealth Scholarships provide support across various academic and socio-economic levels. The Commonwealth Ph.D. Scholarships for High-Income Countries extend this support to students from wealthier Commonwealth nations. While these countries may not face the same economic challenges as others, this program recognizes the importance of promoting research and the same intellect across all Commonwealth member states.
These scholarships are designed to enable talented students from high-income countries to pursue advanced research in the UK, contributing to global knowledge and innovation. Despite their home countries’ economic status, these scholars are expected to bring unique perspectives and skills that can enhance international collaboration and address global challenges.
With an application deadline in mid-February, the timeline and the financial support package mirrors that of other Commonwealth PhD programs, covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and additional allowances for research, clothing, work-related needs, and family support.
7. Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
| COMMONWEALTH PROFESSIONAL FELLOWSHIPS |
| Scholarship Value |
Visa Application Fees, monthly stipend, airfare, work provisions, and arrival allowance |
| Eligible Experience |
At least five years of full-time or equivalent part-time relevant work experience in a profession related to the fellowship program’s subject. |
| Eligible Countries |
Low and middle-income Commonwealth countries |
| Application Deadline |
July – August |
Lastly, there are the Commonwealth Professional Fellowships, designed for mid-career professionals from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. These fellowships offer opportunities for individuals to enhance their skills and expertise through professional development programs in the UK.
The fellowships provide financial support, covering visa application fees, a monthly stipend, airfare, and an arrival allowance. To be eligible, applicants must have at least five years of relevant work experience in a profession related to the fellowship’s focus and be currently employed. The application window typically opens in July and closes in early August.
From master’s degrees to doctoral research and professional development, the Commonwealth Scholarships offer a comprehensive suite of opportunities for individuals from across the Commonwealth. Hence, to join the ranks of over 30,000 scholarship recipients, ensure you apply early, meet the deadlines, and complete all necessary documentation—then the UK could be your next study abroad destination!
Hopefully, this article will help you decide which Commonwealth Scholarship is right for you! To learn more about studying in the U.K., visit our UK Study Guide and Available Courses intended for international students!
