Fully-funded Commonwealth Scholarships 2025 (Online Application Process)
Commonwealth Scholarships are prestigious grants funded by the UK government, aimed at students from Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue advanced study (master’s and PhD) or professional development in the UK.
These scholarships are offered through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and are designed to promote international cooperation, foster development, and encourage the exchange of expertise. The benefits include full or partial funding for tuition, travel, and living expenses. Scholarships are available in various forms, including Master’s Scholarships, PhD Scholarships, Split-site Scholarships, Shared Scholarships, Distance Learning Scholarships, and Professional Fellowships.
These diverse opportunities cater to a wide range of needs and disciplines, supporting individuals committed to making a positive impact in their home countries
Types of Commonwealth Scholarships Available in 2025
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK offers a variety of scholarship programs for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are aimed at fostering international cooperation and promoting development and education across the Commonwealth nations. Here are the primary types of Commonwealth Scholarships available for the year 2024:
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: For individuals from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, these scholarships support one-year taught master’s degrees in any subject at UK universities.
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships: For citizens of developing Commonwealth countries, these scholarships are intended for individuals pursuing doctoral studies at UK universities.
- Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships: These scholarships are designed for PhD students from developing Commonwealth countries to spend up to 12 months at a UK university as part of their doctoral studies in their home country.
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: Jointly funded by the UK government and UK universities, these scholarships are intended for students from least developed and lower middle-income Commonwealth countries who wish to undertake full-time taught master’s study on selected courses.
- Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships: These scholarships enable students from developing Commonwealth countries to undertake postgraduate study via distance learning on courses provided by UK universities.
- Commonwealth Professional Fellowships: Aimed at mid-career professionals from low and middle-income countries, these fellowships provide opportunities for professional development and experience in the UK.
- Commonwealth Medical Fellowships: Available for mid-career medical staff from low and middle-income countries, these fellowships aim to enhance clinical skills that will improve the health services in their home countries.
Commonwealth Scholarship Package
The Common Wealth scholarships provide the following benefits to the selected candidates:
- Fully-funded tuition fee sponsorship
- Travel expenses, to and from the candidate’s home country, are covered
- If relevant, an allowance for clothing is provided as well
- Monthly living stipends are provided as per the property rate of the year and the area. This amount ranges from £1,133 to 1,390
- If relevant, allowances for thesis and dissertations are provided
- Child allowances are provided as well, in the case, the candidate is widowed, divorced, or a single parent. Monthly coverage is separately allotted to such cases.
- In case the candidate communicates a disability, a comprehensive evaluation will be undertaken for the candidate’s needs. Furthermore, once admissible for added financial support, coverage will be provided as required.
- In-country travel costs
- Fieldwork costs
- Family and spouse allowances are also provided for as per the candidate’s specific situation
Common Wealth Scholarships Eligibility Criteria for 2025 intake
The eligibility criteria for Commonwealth Scholarships can vary depending on the specific scholarship program (such as Master’s, PhD, or professional fellowships). Here are some general eligibility requirements that are commonly applied across various Commonwealth Scholarship programs:
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be British protected persons.
- Residency: Applicants must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Academic Qualifications:
- For Master’s scholarships, candidates usually need to hold a first degree at either first or upper second class level.
- For PhD scholarships, candidates must typically have a Master’s degree.
- Financial Need: Applicants should be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
- Quality of the Study Plan: For research-based scholarships, the quality and feasibility of the proposal are assessed.
- Development Impact: Applicants must demonstrate the potential to lead and bring about the necessary benefits to their home country after their studies.
- Work Experience: Some scholarships, particularly professional fellowships, require relevant work experience.
- English Language: Candidates must meet the English language requirements of the host university.
- Return to Home Country: Candidates are usually required to return to their home country following their study period in the UK.
- Restriction on Previous Study in the UK: Typically, applicants who have previously studied in the UK with funding from a UK Government-funded scholarship are not eligible
Which Countries Are Eligible for CommonWealth Scholarships?
Below are the approved countries for the Commonwealth scholarships for Masters and Ph.D. in 2024:
- Rwanda
- Dominica
- South Africa
- Samoa
- Mauritius
- Vanuatu
- Namibia
- Tanzania
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Cameroon
- Bangladesh
- Lesotho
- Grenada
- Zambia
- Sierra Leone
- The Gambia
- Guyana
- St Helena
- Sri Lanka
- Tuvalu
- Nigeria
- Tonga
- Uganda
- Solomon Islands
- Fiji
- Eswatini
- Montserrat
- Mozambique
- Pakistan
- Kenya
- India
- Nauru
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Jamaica
- Malawi
- Papua New Guinea
- Kiribati
- Maldives
- Ghana
- Belize
- St Lucia
- Botswana
How to Apply for CommonWealth Scholarships 2025 batch?
To apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship in 2024, you will need to use the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s (CSC) online application system. The Commonwealth Scholarships are available for postgraduate study in the UK and are aimed at candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries who cannot afford to study in the UK without financial support.
Application Process
- Registration: Start by creating an account on the CSC website.
- Choosing a Theme and Course: Select the appropriate CSC theme and the university and course you wish to apply for.
- Filling Details: Enter your personal and academic information.
- Development Impact Statement: Provide a detailed explanation of how the scholarship will impact your development goals.
- Documentation: Attach required documents such as proof of citizenship or refugee status, educational qualifications, and references.
- Submission: Review and submit your application
List of documents required for commonwealth scholarship 2024:
For the Commonwealth Scholarship 2024, the documents typically required for application are as follows:
- Proof of Citizenship or Refugee Status: This could be a passport or national ID card to confirm your nationality or refugee status.
- Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates: You need to provide transcripts and certificates from your undergraduate (and possibly postgraduate) studies to prove your qualifications.
- References: Typically, you will need to submit references from individuals who can vouch for your academic abilities and potential impact. Some scholarships require these to be on official letterhead or submitted directly by the referees via email.
- Admission Letter: If you already have an admission offer from a UK university, you must include the acceptance letter.
- CV/Resume: A detailed CV outlining your education, work experience, and any other relevant activities.
- Personal Statement: A statement that includes your reasons for applying, how the scholarship will benefit your career, and how you intend to contribute to the development of your home country.
- Development Impact Statements: Detailed statements that explain how your studies will contribute to your home country’s development in specific areas.
- Research Proposal or Study Plan: Particularly for PhD scholarships or research-focused master’s programs, detailing the research you intend to carry out.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency: Depending on the university and program, this could be IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent test scores, unless exempted
