Commonwealth Scholarships, funded by the UK government and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, fund master's and PhD study in the UK specifically for citizens of Commonwealth countries, with a particular focus on development-relevant fields.
What Commonwealth Scholarships Cover
- Full tuition fees
- A living stipend
- Return airfare
- Additional grants for study-related travel or thesis costs in some cases
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship of a Commonwealth country (the list of eligible countries is published annually)
- A first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honors standard, or equivalent, for master's scholarships
- Inability to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship
- A commitment to development impact, since many categories are tied to specific development themes
Types of Commonwealth Scholarships
Categories include Master's Scholarships, PhD Scholarships, and Split-site Scholarships (a period of study in the UK combined with study at your home institution).
How to Apply
- Confirm your country's eligibility and which scholarship category fits your situation.
- Apply to a UK university and course that participates in the scheme — most applications are nominated through your chosen university.
- Prepare required documents: transcripts, references, and a personal statement addressing both academic goals and development impact.
- Submit before the annual deadline, typically several months before the academic year begins.
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