Commonwealth Scholarships: Universities, Conditions, Deadline

Do you want to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship for the upcoming intake? Each year, Commonwealth serves around 700 students are given the chance to undertake postgraduate degrees at UK universities. Students having at least upper second class (2:1), can apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship in UK. Usually, the Commonwealth Scholarship deadline is in December. 

This blog will discuss the requirements, deadlines and application process for the Commonwealth Scholarship in UK. But before that, let’s explore what the Commonwealth Scholarship is. 

What is the Commonwealth Scholarship? 

Commonwealth Scholarships are for students from Commonwealth countries who might not be able to afford to study in the UK otherwise. These scholarships support postgraduate studies in various formats, helping to nurture future innovators and leaders.

This prestigious award is the UK’s main scholarship program aimed at international development. It seeks to bring talented students to UK universities while promoting sustainable growth in their home countries.

What is a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship program is one of three Master’s programs offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

This UK government scholarship scheme, led by international development goals, is run by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). It works within the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and shows the UK’s strong commitment to the Commonwealth.

What are the Benefits of Commonwealth Scholarships?

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships help talented individuals gain the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable development. These scholarships are for people who can’t afford to study in the UK otherwise. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are for students from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who want to pursue full-time taught Master’s programs at a UK university.

Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Scholarships

Do you know if you are eligible for the Commonwealth Scholarships for a UK student visa? To apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship, you must be a citizen of or have refugee status from an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person. You should also be a permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth country.

Additionally, you need to be ready to start your studies in the UK by September 2025. By that time, you should have a first degree with at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours or a lower second-class degree along with a relevant postgraduate qualification, like a Master’s degree. You must also show that you can’t afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.

Normally, the CSC does not fund a second Master’s degree, so if you are applying for one, you must explain why you want to pursue this study. Lastly, you should demonstrate that you cannot afford to study in the UK without this scholarship and provide all the necessary documents in the required format.

List of  eligible countries for Commonwealth Scholarships

Are you looking for the eligible countries for the Commonwealth Scholarship? Please note that only candidates from the countries listed below can apply for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.

• Bangladesh
• Belize
• Botswana
• Cameroon
• Dominica
• Eswatini
• Fiji
• Gabon
• 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
• The Gambia
• Togo
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Vanuatu
• Zambia

How much is the Commonwealth Scholarship?

Commonwealth Scholarship usually covers the full tuition fees of international students. A monthly living allowance (stipend) of £1,378 is provided, or £1,690 per month for those studying at universities in the London area (current rates). If a Scholar is widowed, divorced, or a single parent, they may receive a child allowance of £590 per month for the first child and £146 per month for the second and third child under 16, if the children live with them at the same address in the UK.

When to apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship?

The Commonwealth Scholarship deadline is usually in December. So, you should apply for the scholarship at least 4-5 months before the deadline as it improves your chances of get the scholarship for studying abroad. 

How to Apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship?

Applications for Commonwealth Master’s scholarships for the 2024/25 academic year are now closed. Applications for the 2025 academic year are expected to open on 10 September. To apply, you must use the CSC’s online application system. The CSC cannot accept any applications or documents that are not submitted through this system. It’s recommended to submit your application early, as the system may get very busy close to the deadline. In addition to applying to the CSC, you must also apply through a nominating agency. 

There are two types of nominating agency:

• National nominating agencies – This is the main application route.
• Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies.

Nominating agencies review applications and put forward candidates to the CSC. The CSC does not accept direct applications. Each nominating agency has its own selection process and may have additional eligibility criteria, so it’s important to check their specific requirements. These agencies may also have their own deadlines for applications. Nominating agencies will send their chosen candidates to the CSC by December. Applicants can expect to hear the results by July.

How to fill out the Commonwealth Scholarship Form?

Do you know what you have fill in the Commonwealth Scholarship form? Let’s have a look what you will get in a Commonwealth Scholarship form. 

• List all your university qualifications, both undergraduate and postgraduate.
• Mention up to 10 publications or prizes you’ve received.
• Describe your work experience and explain how it relates to the program you want to study in the UK.
• List three referees who can comment on your potential to benefit from the scholarship and your ability to make an impact afterward. One referee should be your current employer (if applicable), and at least two references must be included with your application.
• Write a Development Impact statement divided into four parts.

Part 1: Explain how the scholarship will help you address development issues at the global, national, and local levels. Also, discuss how it relates to the chosen Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) development theme and the broader sector.

Part 2: Describe how you plan to use the new skills and knowledge you will gain after the scholarship ends.

Part 3: Outline the changes you expect to bring about in terms of development after completing the scholarship, including:

• The outcomes you aim to achieve.
• The timeframe for implementing these outcomes.
• Who will benefit from your work?

Part 4: Explain how the impact of your work can be measured and proven.

Additional Information:

• Confirm your goals for the scholarship and how each of them will be achieved through the program.
• Share your career plans for the first 5 years after completing the scholarship.
• Discuss your long-term career goals.
• Provide a detailed study plan.
• Write a personal statement summarizing how your background has motivated you to make a positive impact in your home country. You may want to mention any significant contributions you’ve already made, including overcoming personal or community challenges in accessing higher education or within your field.
• Summarize how you have participated in voluntary activities and any opportunities you have had to show leadership.

Application Deadline for Commonwealth Scholarships in 2024

Application deadline for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2025 in the UK is October 15, 2024, at 3:00 PM GMT. Nominating agencies must submit their chosen candidates by December 2024.

Final Words

Commonwealth Scholarships usually helps to cover full tuition fees and living expenses of a student studying in a country abroad. Commonwealth Scholarships are given to talented people who have the potential to make a positive impact globally. If you are from a Commonwealth country and believe you can make a difference in the world but can’t afford to study in the UK, you might be the perfect candidate for a Commonwealth Scholarship. If you want to know more about this scholarship please contact AIMS Education. 

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