The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) administers the UK government scholarship scheme, which is guided by significant international development objectives. Operating within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), the CSC stands as a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. The CSC seeks to attract individuals with exceptional talent and identifiable potential from all backgrounds. By providing support to these individuals, it helps them become leaders and innovators upon returning to their home countries. The work of the CSC effectively combines the goals of sustainable development with the UK national interest, while also fostering opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration.

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable development. These scholarships are particularly aimed at individuals who could not otherwise afford the opportunity to study in the UK.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are specifically designed for candidates from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. These candidates are given the opportunity to undertake full-time taught Master’s studies at renowned UK universities, which enhances their academic and professional growth.

These scholarships are offered under the six CSC development themes, which include promoting global prosperity, strengthening global peace, security, and governance, strengthening resilience and response to crises, access, inclusion, and opportunity, promoting global health systems, and strengthening global education systems.

About the Fully Funded Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 

• Country of study: UK
• This scholarship is available only for full-time Master’s Degree programs in the UK
• The CSC funds only one-year taught Master’s programs and does not fund MBA degrees.
• The CSC does not require candidates to take an IELTS (English language) test.
• The application for the Fully Funded Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 
• Contact the scholarship body for the application deadline 

What the Fully Funded Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship Covers

• Approved airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award (the CSC will not reimburse the cost of fares for dependants or journeys made before the award is confirmed).
• Approved tuition fees: full fees are covered by an agreement between the CSC and the UK university, so scholars are not liable for any part of the tuition fee.
• Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,347 per month, or £1,652 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area (rates quoted at current levels).
• Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
• Study travel grant towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
• Child allowance of £576.61 per month for the first child and £143 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if the scholar is widowed, divorced, or a single parent, and if their children are living with them at the same address in the UK.
• If a scholar discloses a disability, a full assessment of their needs and eligibility for additional financial support will be offered by the CSC.

Eligibility Criteria for the Fully Funded Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 

• To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• 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 beginning of the UK academic year in September 2025.
• Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (typically a Master’s degree). The CSC typically does not fund a second Master’s degree unless applicants provide a compelling justification for undertaking this additional study.
• Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
• Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.
• The CSC acknowledges that disabled individuals may have faced significant challenges or barriers in their educational journey that prevented them from achieving the academic requirement for a Commonwealth Scholarship. Disabled applicants who can demonstrate their potential to contribute to international development but do not hold a 2:1 undergraduate degree may be considered for a contextualized nomination through the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum nominator.
• There is no age limit for CSC applications. However, applicants should confirm with their employers any age restrictions on leave entitlement that may apply.

Eligible Countries for the Fully Funded Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 

Please note that only candidates from the eligible countries listed below can apply for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.

Bangladesh
Belize
Botswana
Cameroon
Dominica
Eswatini
Fiji
Gabon
Ghana
Grenada
Guyana
India
Jamaica
Kenya
Kiribati
Lesotho
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mauritius
Montserrat
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru
Nigeria
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Rwanda
Saint Helena
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
Samoa
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
The Gambia
Togo
Tonga
Tuvalu
Uganda
Vanuatu
Zambia

Selection Criteria for the Fully Funded Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 

• Applications will be evaluated based on the following selection criteria:

• Academic merit
• Quality of the research proposal
• Potential impact on the development of the candidate’s home country

Application Documents for the Fully Funded Malaysia Technical Cooperation Program 

To be eligible, applications must include supporting documentation.

Applicants must upload the following documents with their application:

• 1. Proof of citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country: a copy of a valid passport (or national ID card) showing a photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
• 2. Full transcripts detailing all higher education qualifications, including current transcripts for any ongoing courses, with certified translations if not in English. Incomplete transcripts or those missing pages will render the application ineligible.
• 3. References from at least two individuals, in PDF format, signed and on institutional letterhead or from an email clearly showing the sender’s details.
• Applications will be considered ineligible if any of the required documentation is not included by the closing date. The CSC will not accept supporting documentation submitted outside the online application system.
• When completing references, referees should provide detailed comments on the applicant, addressing the following points as appropriate:
  • How long and in what capacity the referee has known the applicant.
  • The referee’s views on the applicant’s suitability for the proposed scholarship and the need for the particular subject of study in the UK.
  • Information on the applicant’s ability to grasp concepts, reason analytically, demonstrate original thought and show motivation and perseverance in achieving objectives.
  • An assessment of the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses.
  • The applicant’s potential to impact development in their home country.
  • Any other qualities that would make the applicant a strong candidate for the scholarship.

Application Procedure for the Fully Funded Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship

Applications to the CSC must be submitted through the CSC’s online application system. Any applications or documentation not submitted via this system will not be accepted.

Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit their applications as early as possible to avoid congestion in the online application system close to the deadline.

In addition to applying to the CSC, applicants must also apply through a nominating agency. There are two types of nominating agencies for Master’s scholarships:

1. National nominating agencies which is the primary application route.

2. Selected non-governmental organizations and charitable bodies.

Nominating agencies are responsible for putting forward candidates to the CSC for consideration. The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships.

Each nominating agency conducts its own selection process and may have additional eligibility criteria. Applicants should check with the nominating agency for specific application advice, rules, and eligibility criteria.

Nominating agencies may have their own application deadlines.

Completing the Application Form for the Fully Funded Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship

In the application form, applicants are required to:

• List all undergraduate and postgraduate university qualifications obtained.
• List up to 10 publications and prizes.
• Provide details of employment history and explain how their experience supports and is relevant to the program they plan to undertake in the UK.
• List the names and positions of three referees who can comment on their capacity to benefit from the proposed scholarship in the UK and their ability to deliver development impact afterward. One referee must be a current employer (if applicable), and at least two references must be included with the application.
• Provide a Development Impact statement in four parts given below:

1. Explain how the proposed scholarship relates to:

   – Development issues at the global, national, and local levels.

   – Development issues connected to the chosen CSC development theme and the wider sector.

2. Describe how they intend to apply their new skills after the scholarship ends.

3. Outline the expected changes in development terms following the scholarship, including:

   – The outcomes they aim to achieve.

   – The timeframe for their implementation.

   – The beneficiaries of these outcomes.

4. Discuss how the impact of their work could be best measured and evidenced.

Additionally, applicants must:

• Confirm their award objectives and how each will be met by the scholarship program.
• Confirm their career plans for the five years following the scholarship.
• Confirm their long-term career plans.
• Provide a detailed plan of study.
• Provide a personal statement summarizing how their personal background has motivated them to make an impact in their home country. This may include significant contributions they have already made, such as overcoming personal or community barriers in accessing higher education or within their field.
• Summarize their engagement in voluntary activities and the opportunities they have had to demonstrate leadership.

Official scholarship page