Are you an international student dreaming of pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in the UK? If so, the Commonwealth Scholarship 2025-2026 could be the golden opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
This fully funded scholarship program is designed to support talented individuals from around the world in achieving their academic goals and becoming future leaders in their respective fields.
Let’s start with the incredible benefits this scholarship offers. Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive package that covers tuition fees, a generous monthly living allowance of £1,347 (yes, you read that right!), a return economy-class airfare to the UK, and additional grants to cover any essential expenses that may arise during your studies.
But the Commonwealth Scholarship is about more than just financial support. It’s a platform that nurtures potential and fosters international collaboration.
Administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), this scholarship scheme operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), demonstrating the UK’s unwavering commitment to the Commonwealth nations.
The CSC’s mission is to attract outstanding talent from diverse backgrounds and empower them to become innovators and leaders who can drive sustainable development in their home countries upon their return.
By providing these opportunities, the CSC not only contributes to the UK’s national interests but also facilitates international partnerships and collaborative efforts.
For those interested in pursuing a doctoral degree, the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are specifically designed for applicants from least developed countries and fragile states, as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), within the Commonwealth nations. These scholarships offer a chance to engage in full-time doctoral study at a prestigious UK university.
If you’re feeling inspired and ready to take the leap, stay tuned for more details on eligibility criteria and the application process in the upcoming sections. This could be the start of an incredible academic journey that shapes your future and contributes to the betterment of your community and the world.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Masters / Ph.D.
- Institution(s): UK Universities. see list here
- Study in: UK
- Courses Offered: taught Masters Degree Program in any subject. and for Ph.D. 36 months of full-time study in a specific program of research
- Program Period: Depends on the selected program
Commonwealth Scholarship Deadline:
October 17, 2024 (currently closed)
Commonwealth Scholarship Coverage
Commonwealth Scholarship provides the recipient with the following benefits:
For Masters Applicants:
- You will receive an approved airfare from your home country to the UK at the start of your award, and a return airfare back home at the end. However, the CSC will not cover airfare costs for any dependents, nor any travel costs incurred before your award is officially confirmed
- Your approved tuition fees will be fully covered by an agreement between the CSC and your UK university. You will not be liable to pay any portion of the tuition fees yourself.
- You will receive a monthly living stipend of £1,347, or £1,652 if you’ll be studying at a university in the London metropolitan area (rates current as of now).
- Where applicable, you will get a warm clothing allowance.
- You’ll also receive a study travel grant to assist with costs for any travel within the UK or overseas that is related to your studies.
- If you are widowed, divorced, or a single parent with children, you’ll receive a child allowance of £576.61 per month for your first child, and £143 per month for your second and third child under age 16, provided they are living with you at the same UK address.
For PhD Applicants
- If you’re accompanied by your spouse and children, you’ll receive a monthly allowance of £290 for your spouse, along with £290 for your first child. Any second or third child under 16 years old will receive £143 per month each, provided they all reside with you at the same UK address. This does not apply if your spouse also holds a scholarship – other conditions may apply.
- However, if only your children accompany you without a spouse, the allowance structure is different. You’ll receive £576.61 monthly for your first child, and £143 each for a second or third child under 16, as long as they live with you in the UK.
- The CSC is committed to supporting scholars with disabilities. If you disclose having a disability, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine your specific needs and whether you qualify for additional financial assistance.
- It’s important to note that the family allowances provided are meant to partially subsidize the costs of having your family in the UK during your scholarship. The actual living expenses are likely significantly higher.
Therefore, you should be prepared to supplement these allowances with your own funds to adequately support any accompanying family members.
Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Scholarship
To be eligible for Commonwealth Scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
For Masters Applicants:
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
Be available to start academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2024.
- By September 2024, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honors standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree)*. The CSC would not normally fund a second
- Master’s degree. If applying for a second Master’s degree, applicants must justify why they wish to undertake this study.
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
- Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.
For Ph.D. Applicants:
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to start academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2024.
- By September 2024, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honors standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).
- Not be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at a UK university or in their home country before
- September/October 2024.
Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
- Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship?
Please follow the following instructions to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship: from there official website