Applications are open for the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) Mentoring Programme 2026–27, a year-long virtual opportunity that connects Commonwealth Scholars with experienced Commonwealth Alumni for knowledge sharing, professional development and personal growth.

The programme provides Scholars with access to practical guidance and insights from experienced professionals, while giving Commonwealth Alumni an opportunity to share their expertise, strengthen their mentoring and leadership skills, and contribute to the development journey of the next generation of Commonwealth Scholars.

About the CSC Mentoring Programme

The CSC Mentoring Programme is designed to create meaningful one-to-one relationships between Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni.

Through regular online engagement, Mentees can receive personalised advice on academic and professional development, adapting to life and study in the UK, building confidence and preparing for future career opportunities.

Mentors, meanwhile, can support Scholars in developing new skills, applying their learning to development challenges and thinking about how they can create impact after completing their scholarship.

The programme runs for one year, from December 2026 to December 2027, with mentoring sessions taking place primarily online.

How Does the Mentoring Pairing Work?

Participants remain with the same Mentor or Mentee throughout the year-long cycle where the pairing continues successfully.

Matching takes several factors into account, including:

• Country or cross-country pairing preference
• Subject or field of study
• Topic areas and keywords
• Motivation for joining the programme
• Professional experience of the Mentor

The CSC does not primarily aim to match participants who studied the exact same subject or attended the same institution. Instead, the focus is on creating relationships that support meaningful knowledge sharing, professional development and mentoring.

Programme Commitment

Participants are expected to engage for at least two hours each month. Mentor and Mentee pairs can agree to spend additional time together where appropriate.

The first contact is normally initiated by the Mentor, who introduces themselves to the Mentee and begins establishing expectations for the relationship.

Although the programme is primarily virtual, Mentors and Mentees who happen to be in the same location may arrange an in-person meeting by mutual agreement. Neither participant is required to meet physically.

Goal Setting and Development

Participants are encouraged to establish clear goals at the beginning of the mentoring cycle.

Goals may focus on:

• Academic development
• Professional growth
• Leadership skills
• Career development
• Personal development
• Building professional networks
• Learning about different sectors or professional contexts

Mentors are also encouraged to identify their own development goals, making the programme a reciprocal learning experience rather than a one-way mentoring arrangement.

Additional Support

Where a Mentee has a specific need that requires specialist expertise, a Mentor may recommend or facilitate contact with a third party. This must be done with the consent of both Mentor and Mentee, and personal information should not be shared without prior agreement.

Mentors may also provide guidance on written work, although the programme does not involve editing complete essays or chapters on behalf of Mentees.

Participants experiencing difficulties within a mentoring relationship can refer to the CSC's guidance on constructive feedback or contact the CSC Alumni Team for support.

Certificate

Participants who complete the full mentoring cycle and submit the final feedback survey will receive a certificate confirming their participation in the programme.

Mentors and Mentees are also encouraged to discuss whether they would like to remain in contact after the formal programme ends.

The deadline to apply is 11 October 2026 at 23:59 BST.

Eligible Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni will receive full information about the programme and the application process in September 2026.

Programme: CSC Mentoring Programme 2026–27
Duration: December 2026 – December 2027
Format: Primarily online
Eligible Mentees: 2026 Commonwealth Scholars studying in the UK and continuing PhD Scholars
Eligible Mentors: Commonwealth Alumni who studied in the UK and have at least one year post-Scholarship
Minimum commitment: Two hours per month
Application deadline: 11 October 2026, 23:59 BST