Commonwealth Shared Scholarship: A Gateway to Fully Funded Study in the UK

Introduction

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is one of the most sought-after fully funded UK scholarships for international students from developing Commonwealth countries. Funded jointly by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and UK universities, it enables talented students who would not otherwise afford to study in the UK to pursue postgraduate education in areas aligned with global development priorities.

Whether you're from Nigeria, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan, Ghana, or another eligible Commonwealth country, this scholarship provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in the UK at little to no personal cost.

Overview of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

Purpose

The program supports students from low- and middle-income countries to study one-year full-time master’s courses in the UK that contribute to the development needs of their home countries.

Key Benefits

• Full tuition fees covered

• Living allowance (stipend) for accommodation and living expenses

• Return airfare to and from the UK

• Thesis and study travel grants (if applicable)

• Warm clothing allowance (if applicable)

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility Criteria:

To be considered for a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, you must:

1. Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.

2. Be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country.

3. Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard.

4. Have not studied or worked for more than one year in a high-income country.

5. Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.

6. Have applied to an eligible master’s course at a participating UK university.

🔗 See the list of eligible countries on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.

Eligible Fields of Study

Courses must align with the following six CSC development themes:

1. Science and technology for development

2. Strengthening health systems and capacity

3. Promoting global prosperity

4. Strengthening global peace, security and governance

5. Strengthening resilience and response to crises

6. Access, inclusion and opportunity

Examples of eligible courses include:

• Public Health

• Agriculture and Food Security

• Climate Change and Sustainability

• Economics and Development

• Human Rights and International Law

• Education and Social Policy

• Data Science and ICT for Development

💡 Always check each university’s list of eligible programs under the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship scheme.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Choose a participating UK university and course
   Visit the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship page for a list of participating institutions and eligible courses.

2. Apply for admission to the university
   Follow the application process for each university. You may apply to multiple universities/courses under this scheme.

3. Apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
   Submit your scholarship application through the CSC’s online application system during the application window (typically open from November to December).

4. Submit supporting documents:

   • Proof of citizenship or refugee status

   • Academic transcripts

   • Degree certificate

   • References (usually two)

   • Admission offer from UK university (can follow after application)

Application Timeline

Top UK Universities Offering Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Many well-ranked UK institutions participate in this scheme. Examples include:

1. University of Oxford

2. University of Cambridge

3. University of Warwick

4. University of Leeds

5. University of Edinburgh

6. University of Sussex

7. King's College London

8. University of Glasgow

9. University of Birmingham

10. Loughborough University

Tips for a Strong Application

1. Demonstrate impact

Show how your past academic/professional work has made a difference and how your UK education will help you solve pressing development challenges in your country.

2. Highlight development relevance

Clearly link your chosen course and career goals to one of the six CSC development themes.

3. Strong references

Select referees who know your academic or professional work and can vouch for your suitability.

4. Personal motivation

Use the personal statement to explain your passion, challenges overcome, and why this scholarship is crucial to your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply to more than one university?

Yes. You can apply to multiple eligible courses across different participating UK universities.

Is the scholarship renewable?

No. It only covers one-year full-time master’s programs.

Do I need to take the IELTS or TOEFL?

This depends on the university’s entry requirements, not the scholarship itself.

Can I bring dependents?

The scholarship does not cover the cost of dependents, so you are responsible for their travel and living expenses if they accompany you.

Conclusion

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is more than just a financial aid program — it's an investment in the future of global development. If you are academically excellent, driven by purpose, and committed to creating change in your country, this scholarship offers a transformative UK education and a powerful international network.

Apply today and become part of the next generation of changemakers and leaders across the Commonwealth.

Useful Resources

• 🔗 Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Official Site

• 📜 Eligible Courses and Universities List

• 📝 Application Guidance PDF