The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) offers prestigious scholarships for high-achieving postgraduate students from least developed and middle-income countries, including those affected by fragility or conflict.
These scholarships are aimed at individuals who have not studied in high-income countries for a year or more, cannot afford to study in the UK without assistance, and have the potential to contribute to the development of their home countries through their knowledge and leadership skills.
The CSC seeks individuals with the drive to create positive change. Scholarships are available for any approved Master's programme offered by a participating UK university.
For more information on Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: CSC Scholarship Page
Degree level
Master's
Application Deadline
12 December 2024 at 16:00 GMT
Who can apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country;
- Be permanently residing in an eligible Commonwealth country;
- Be available to begin studies in the UK in September 2025;
- By September 2025, hold a first degree with at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification;
- Have not studied or worked in a high-income country for more than one academic year;
- Be unable to afford study in the UK without this scholarship;
- Provide all required documentation in the specified format.
There is no age limit for these scholarships; however, applicants are advised to confirm any age restrictions on leave entitlement with their employers.
Note: Please note that all candidates are recruited in line with the CSC's anti-fraud policy and procedure which can be viewed here.
Field of Study
Applicants must select an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university.
Financial assistance
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship covers the following:
- Airfare to and from the Scholar’s home country;
- Tuition Fees fully covered through agreements with UK universities;
- Living Allowance of £1,378 per month (£1,690 in London), provided by the university;
- Warm Clothing Allowance (if applicable), Thesis Grant, Study Travel Grant, and TB Test Contribution where required for a visa;
- Child Allowance for single parents, up to £590 per month for the first child and £146 for each of the second and third children under 16, if residing with the Scholar.
For Scholars with disabilities, additional financial support will be assessed based on individual needs.
Note: Family allowances are a contribution towards maintaining a Scholar’s family in the UK. Scholars should plan for additional support if bringing family members.
Application process
Applications must be submitted via the CSC’s online application system. In addition to the scholarship application, applicants must apply separately to their chosen university and meet its specific requirements.
Required Documents:
- Proof of citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Full transcripts for all higher education qualifications, with certified translations if necessary.
Important: Applications missing required documentation by the closing date will be considered ineligible. The CSC will not accept documents submitted outside the online application system.
Contact
All scholarship nomination inquiries should be directed to the respective UK university.
Documents and links
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Page
CSC disability support statement
Commonwealth Scholarships selection criteria
Shared Scholarships eligibility checklist
Handbook for Commonwealth Scholars
Note
Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.