The Commonwealth Scholarship, a transformative master’s study in UK and PhD study in UK initiative, invites international students from Commonwealth countries to pursue full-time Master’s and PhD programs at leading UK universities, including University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and University of Birmingham, ranked among the global top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2025). Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this Commonwealth international scholarships program fosters global development leaders across six thematic areas: Science and Technology for Development, Strengthening Health Systems, Promoting Global Prosperity, Strengthening Global Peace, Strengthening Resilience to Crises, and Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity. Scholars drive sustainable development goals (SDGs) through a transformative academic journey.
The Commonwealth Scholarship empowers scholars to engage in world-class research at state-of-the-art facilities, such as Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, Cambridge’s Welcome Sanger Institute, and Birmingham’s Energy Institute. Scholars collaborate with distinguished faculty on projects addressing climate change, global health equity, peacebuilding, digital innovation, and inclusive education, with 48% of alumni leading policy initiatives, academic research, or development projects in their home countries post-graduation. Aligned with the FCDO’s mission to promote global equity and sustainability, the program nurtures a diverse community of scholars from 54 Commonwealth nations, fostering cross-cultural academic synergy.
The scholarship champions global development networks. Scholars join a prestigious Commonwealth alumni network of over 30,000 professionals, connecting with peers, mentors, and global leaders through research symposiums, policy dialogues, and events like Commonwealth Education Conference, London Climate Action Week, and UK Development Summit. This inclusive framework supports diverse perspectives, with 50% of scholars from low-income Commonwealth countries. Campus activities, such as university sustainability forums, cultural festivals, or SDG-focused hackathons, enrich the research-driven experience, with 55% forming global professional networks. Partnerships with institutions in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean enhance cross-border research opportunities.
Studying across UK universities, scholars explore landmarks like Tower Bridge, Edinburgh Castle, or Stonehenge, immersing in UK cultural vibrancy. Events like London Literature Festival, Glastonbury, or Commonwealth Games cultural programs deepen engagement. UK campuses, with advanced labs, libraries, and innovation hubs, support global academic excellence, with connectivity to Paris, Berlin, and Dublin. The UK’s dynamic, student-friendly environment (QS Best Student Cities 2025) complements academic pursuits, ideal for master’s and PhD studies.
Candidates must apply for a master’s or PhD program at a participating UK university and submit a CSC online application, including a development impact statement and academic records. Scholars engage in SDG-aligned research, shaping global solutions. Join a global cohort to champion development innovation, embrace UK cultural diversity, and redefine academic horizons with the Commonwealth Scholarship!
Commonwealth Scholarship in the UK Details:
Host Country:
•United Kingdom
Degree Levels:
•Master’s Degree Level.
•Doctoral Degree level.
Scholarship Amount of Commonwealth Scholarship, UK:
Eligible Courses:
•Water Management for Development.
•Online Teaching.
•Human Rights.
•Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion.
•Educational Leadership in Practice.
•Gerontology.
•Global Ageing and Policy.
Benefits of Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship:
•Return economy class Airfare.
•Approved tuition fees.
•A monthly Stipend up to £1,116 or £1,369 for those at universities in the London metropolitan area.
•Warm clothing allowance.
•A thesis grant would be provided.
•Study travel grant within the UK or overseas.
•The additional allowance would be considered for widowed, divorced, or a single parent.
•Additional allowance for a disabled person.
Benefits of Commonwealth Ph.D. Scholarship:
•Return economy class Airfare.
•Approved tuition fees.
•A monthly Stipend up to £1,116 or £1,369 for those at universities in the London metropolitan area.
•Warm clothing allowance.
•A thesis grant would be provided.
•Study travel grant within the UK or overseas.
•Additional allowance for a disabled person.
•Cost of fieldwork overseas would be provided.
•Paid mid-term visit (airfare) to the home country.
•Family allowances.
•Additional allowance for a disabled person.
Eligibility Criteria of the Commonwealth Scholarship:
Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship:
1. A candidate must have refugee status or permanent citizenship of the eligible commonwealth country.
2. A candidate must be willing to be a full-time graduate student for academic studies in the UK.
3. A candidate must hold a second class or upper second-class degree of bachelor’s degree program.
4. A candidate must not be enrolled in any master’s degree program in the home country or in the UK.
5. A candidate should not be financially able to support his studies.
6. A candidate must attach all supporting documents in the application.
7. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.
Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth PhD Scholarship:
1. A candidate must have refugee status or permanent citizenship of the eligible commonwealth country.
2. A candidate must be willing to be a full-time graduate student for academic studies in the UK.
3. A candidate must hold a second class or upper second-class degree of master’s degree program.
4. A candidate must not be enrolled in any master’s leading to a Ph.D. or Ph.D. degree program in the home country or in the UK.
5. A candidate should not be financially able to support his studies.
6. A candidate must attach all supporting documents in the application.
7. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.
Required Documents:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of bachelor’s or master’s degree.
3. Academic transcript of bachelor’s or master’s program (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).
7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).
Scholarship Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in January 2026!
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
