Commonwealth Scholarships for International Students get award of 100% Funds, or fully funded scholarships who are brilliant individuals and can make a difference on a global scale.
As part of the UK’s continuous commitment to the Commonwealth, the scheme grants around 800 students the opportunity to pursue postgraduate degrees at UK universities each year.
Suppose you are from a Commonwealth country and believe you have what it takes to make a difference in the world but cannot support your UK studies on your own. In that case, you may be a perfect candidate for a Commonwealth Scholarship for international students, which is fully funded.
What are Commonwealth Scholarships for International Students?
The Commonwealth Scholarships for international students scheme is intended for students from around the Commonwealth who would not be able to study in the UK otherwise. The system supports future innovators and leaders by sponsoring postgraduate studies in various study modalities.
This historic prize is the principal scholarship system for the United Kingdom’s overseas development ambitions. It intends to recruit excellent talent to UK universities while promoting long-term growth abroad.
Who can apply for Commonwealth Scholarship for International Students?
You must be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country to apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship. You will still be eligible if you are a refugee or a British-protected person.
You must also hold an undergraduate honours degree with a minimum of upper second class (2:1). If you want to pursue a PhD, you will need an acceptable master’s degree.
Finally, with the scholarship, you can study in the UK.
Each sort of scholarship and fellowship has different eligibility requirements; visit the CSC website for further information.
Read also: Rotary Global Scholarship Funding for University Students in 2023/2024
What Types of Awards are Available in Commonwealth Scholarship for International Students?
The Commonwealth Scholarships Commission offers:
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for least developed countries and fragile states).
- Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships (for low and middle-income countries)
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
- Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship.
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for high income countries)
- Commonwealth Medical Fellowships
- Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
CSC Development Themes
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) funds all Commonwealth Scholarships for international students under six CSC development topics.
1. Developmental science and technology 2. Strengthening health systems and capabilities
3. Increasing global prosperity
4. Increasing global peace, security, and governance
5. Improving resilience and crisis response
6. Opportunity, inclusiveness, and access
Although there are no restrictions on what you can study, the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission prefers applicants whose degrees are most related to their growth objectives.
What financial support is available?
Most scholarships are fully funded, which means that you will also receive your airfare to and from the United Kingdom and a living stipend in addition to covering your tuition fees.
How to apply for Commonwealth Scholarship for International Students
Depending on which scholarship you are applying for, you may need to apply through a National Nominating Agency, a university, or a Non-Governmental Organisation.
Please visit the CSC application page to find out how to apply for each scholarship.
What do I need to apply?
You will need a scanned copy of your passport, your academic transcript, your existing university degree certificate, two references, and, if you have one, your admission letter to commence your online application.
What is the deadline for applications?
Annual application deadlines are typically in December. Check the page of the scholarship you are interested in on the website of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for announcement dates for 2023-24.
Commonwealth Scholarships Alumni Associations
Since the first cohort of 175 Scholars arrived in the United Kingdom in 1960, more than 27,800 individuals have received Commonwealth Scholarships. Our alumni include Prime Ministers, cabinet ministers, Nobel Prize laureates, academics, diplomats, authors, and leaders of significant non-governmental organizations and businesses.
You are a lifelong Commonwealth Scholar, and we anticipate you will remain an active alumnus. Through our alumni network, you can establish connections with a wide variety of scholars in your home country and throughout the Commonwealth, which will support your professional and personal development objectives.
Membership in the CSC Alumni Network is complimentary. It has numerous benefits, including access to online professional networks and opportunities to attend alumni networking events in your home country.
Each alumni association is unique, from the types of events they host to the requirements for membership. View a list of active alumni associations and their contact details.
FAQs
Is the Commonwealth Scholarship open for 2023-2024?
Applications for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for the 2023/24 academic year are now open. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 28 March 2023 at 16:00 (GMT).
Who is eligible for the Commonwealth shared scholarship 2023?
Applicants must be permanently and continually resident in an eligible Commonwealth country. Applicants must be available to start their academic studies in the UK at the start of the 2023-24 academic year (September 2023).
What is Commonwealth split site PhD scholarships 2023-2024?
Commonwealth Scholarships for international students 2023-2024 will be awarded to talented and highly motivated students from low or middle-income countries by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Students who do not get the opportunity to study in UK universities can pursue their PhD in top UK universities.
Can I stay in UK after Commonwealth Scholarship?
Our terms and conditions require all scholars to return to their country/territory of award for a period of two years immediately following the completion of their award.