Commonwealth Scholarship in the UK (Fully Funded)

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The Commonwealth Scholarship is a prestigious award for students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The scholarships are funded by the UK government, specifically the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). These awards help scholars gain the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable development in their home countries.

Commonwealth Scholarships are a major opportunity for international students. They provide comprehensive coverage for tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. Securing a scholarship allows you to study at a top UK university without financial worry. Many scholars return home to make a significant impact on their communities.

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) governs these awards. There are multiple types of scholarships available, including for PhD and Master’s degrees. This guide provides a detailed overview of the PhD and Master’s scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year.

This guide is an essential resource for your application. It details the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and key benefits. It will help you find your way to a UK university. To better understand the overall experience, consider the broader benefits of studying abroad.

Scholarship Overview

The Commonwealth Scholarship is managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC). Its primary purpose is to advance sustainable development by supporting future leaders and innovators from across the Commonwealth. Since its start in 1960, the scheme has funded over 30,000 individuals.

Award Amount: Fully funded, covering all tuition fees and a living stipend.
Provider: The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Target Group: Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries.
Number of Awards: The CSC offers approximately 800 awards for postgraduate study and professional development each year.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) operates within the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. This relationship is central to the program’s success. The CSC’s work combines sustainable development with the UK’s national interest. The FCDO’s official website provides more information on their role in UK international policy and development objectives. The UK government sees these scholarships as a powerful tool for diplomacy.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet three key eligibility criteria to apply:

Be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country or have been granted refugee status.
Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
Hold a first degree with at least a 2:1 honors standard by September 2026.

If you have a lower second-class degree, you may still be eligible if you also hold a relevant postgraduate qualification. For a full list of eligible countries, consult the CSC’s website. You can also review the general requirements for fully funded scholarships to ensure you are well-prepared.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships contribute to the development of Commonwealth countries by supporting research that will have a direct impact. The scholarships are for full-time doctoral study at a UK university, with a focus on applicants from the least developed countries and fragile states in the Commonwealth.

Period: Up to four years.
Stipend: The living allowance is £1,452 per month, or £1,781 per month for those in the London metropolitan area (rates are for 2026-27).
Nomination: Applicants must apply through one of three types of nominators: a national nominating agency, a selected university, or a non-governmental organization.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships enable motivated individuals to gain the skills required for sustainable development. These are for full-time, one-year taught Master’s programs at UK universities.

Period: 12 months.
Stipend: A living allowance of £1,452 per month is provided, with a higher rate for London-based scholars.
Nomination: The main application route is through a national nominating agency. For details on how these agencies operate, visit the list of national nominating agencies.

Application Timeline

September 2025 – The CSC’s online portal for applications opens.
October 14, 2025 – The main application deadline for the CSC portal.
December 2025 to March 2026 – Nominating bodies submit their selected candidates to the CSC.
June to July 2026 – Successful candidates are notified.

You can also explore other fully funded UK scholarships, such as the Clarendon Scholarship and the Chevening Scholarship.

How to Apply (Three Steps)

Step 1: You must apply through a nominating body in your home country.
Step 2: Complete the online application form on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s website.
Step 3: Upload all required documents, including your transcripts, references, and research proposal.

The CSC works closely with UK universities to ensure the awards align with development objectives and support research excellence. The CSC has agreements with many UK universities to host scholars and share best practices. The list of universities that partner with the CSC can be found on their UK universities page.

Benefits of the Scholarship

Financial support: The scholarship is fully funded, covering all tuition fees and a living stipend.
Comprehensive coverage: The award provides an approved airfare to the UK and a warm clothing allowance. It also offers a generous child allowance for scholars with dependents (e.g., £622 for the first child).
Developmental impact: Scholars gain knowledge and skills to positively impact their home country.

Premium Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Highlight achievements that demonstrate your leadership potential and a commitment to service.
Craft a personal statement that clearly connects your research to a CSC development theme. For guidance on this, read our article on how to write a winning scholarship essay.
Strengthen your application by providing a strong research proposal.
Submit your application by the specific deadline for both your nominating body and the CSC.