Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. This program is one of three Master’s scholarship opportunities offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the United Kingdom.

The CSC is responsible for managing the UK government’s scholarship initiative, guided by the country’s international development goals. Operating under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), the CSC exemplifies the UK’s long-standing dedication to the Commonwealth. By selecting exceptional individuals from diverse backgrounds and nurturing them to become future leaders and innovators who will contribute to their home countries, the CSC not only advances sustainable development but also aligns with the UK’s national interests and fosters global partnerships.

Applicant Requirements

To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must fulfill certain criteria. They must hold citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country and must also reside there permanently. Additionally, applicants must be prepared to begin their academic studies in the UK in September 2025. By this date, applicants should hold a first degree with at least an upper second-class (2:1) honors standard, or, alternatively, a lower second-class degree accompanied by a relevant postgraduate qualification, such as a Master’s degree. Candidates should not have previously studied or worked for a year or more in a high-income country and must demonstrate that, without this scholarship, they would not be able to study in the UK. All required documentation must also be provided in the specified format.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on academic achievement, the quality of the research proposal, and the potential impact that the candidate’s studies could have on the development of their home country.

Scholarship Benefits

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are funded through a partnership between the CSC and participating universities in the UK. Each award includes the following benefits:

•An approved airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK at the beginning of the award period and back at the end (note: this benefit does not extend to dependents, nor does it cover any travel undertaken before the award confirmation).

•Full coverage of tuition fees, which is coordinated between the CSC and the university, ensuring that scholars are not required to pay any part of these fees.

•A monthly living allowance of £1,378 or £1,690 if attending a university within the London metropolitan area, with rates set at current levels, provided and funded by the university.

•A warm clothing allowance, if applicable, funded by the university.

•A thesis grant to assist with costs related to preparing a thesis or dissertation, funded by the CSC and paid by the university.

•A study travel grant to help with costs of travel related to study, either within the UK or abroad, funded by the CSC and paid by the university.

•A contribution toward mandatory tuberculosis (TB) test expenses, if required for a visa, provided that receipts are supplied, and paid by the university with CSC funding.

•For scholars who are single parents or guardians of dependent children, an additional monthly child allowance of £590 for the first child and £146 each for the second and third child (under the age of 16) is available if the children are residing at the same address in the UK.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity