Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

Overview

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship funds talented students from lower-income Commonwealth countries to complete a full-time master's degree in the United Kingdom. It is funded by the UK government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), with the cost shared between the UK government and the UK universities that host the scholars.

The scheme is aimed at people who have the talent to benefit from UK postgraduate study but could not afford it on their own. To qualify you must come from an eligible low- or middle-income Commonwealth country, hold a strong first degree, and show that the scholarship is what makes UK study possible for you. There are also rules about how much time you have spent studying or working in high-income countries, designed to direct the funding toward those who have not already had that access.

This is a master's-only scheme, covering a single year of full-time study at a participating UK university. It is a full package: tuition, a monthly living allowance, return flights, and a set of additional grants. If you meet the criteria, it is one of the most complete funding options for a taught or research master's in the UK.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality Requirements

You must be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, one of the eligible Commonwealth countries, which are low- and middle-income nations on the CSC's list. You also need to be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country. The list covers a wide range of countries across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.

Academic Requirements

You need at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree, or a lower second-class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification such as a master's. This degree should be relevant to the master's you want to study in the UK.

Study & Work History

You must not have studied or worked for a year or more in a high-income country. Distance learning delivered from an institution in a high-income country is allowed and does not count against you. This rule is meant to focus the scholarship on people who have not already had extended access to high-income-country study or work.

Financial Requirements

You must show that you could not afford to study in the UK without this scholarship. Demonstrating genuine financial need is a core part of being eligible.

Age & Other Requirements

There is no age limit. The scholarship is for full-time master's study only, and you must be available to start in the relevant intake, such as September 2026 for that cycle. You cannot hold another scholarship that covers the same costs at the same time.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full approved tuition fees, paid by the CSC
• A monthly living stipend of £1,452, or £1,781 if your university is in the London metropolitan area
• Approved return airfare to and from the UK
• A warm clothing allowance
• A thesis grant toward the cost of preparing your dissertation
• A study travel grant for research travel within the UK or overseas
• A contribution toward a TB test where one is required for your visa
• A child allowance for eligible single, widowed, or divorced parents
• A full needs assessment and support for scholars with a disability

How to Apply

1. Check your eligibility. Confirm your country is on the eligible list, that you hold the required degree, and that you meet the study, work, and financial-need rules.
2. Apply to a UK master's course. Secure a place, or apply for one, on an approved master's course at a participating UK university.
3. Prepare your answers offline. Draft your responses outside the system first, since applications cannot be edited once submitted.
4. Register on CSC Central. Create an account on the CSC's online application system and complete the Shared Scholarship application.
5. Upload your documents. Attach your passport or ID, transcripts, and references in the required formats.
6. Submit before the deadline. Send your application through CSC Central by the closing date for the cycle.
7. Await nomination. Universities review applications and nominate their chosen candidates to the CSC, which then confirms the final awards.

Required Documents

• A valid passport or national ID showing your photo, date of birth, and citizenship
• Complete transcripts for all your higher education, with certified English translations if needed
• Two signed references in PDF format on institutional letterhead
• Evidence supporting your application to the UK master's course
• Any additional information requested within the CSC Central system

Key Dates & Deadlines

The dates above describe the usual annual cycle. Always confirm the current deadline on the CSC website, since applications close once the window ends and cannot be reopened.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Draft your answers offline first, since you cannot edit after submitting
• Make a clear case for financial need and the development impact of your study
• Choose a course that fits both your background and your home country's needs
• Give referees time and make sure their letters are on official letterhead
• Apply to your UK course early so your place is in order before nomination

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying when you have spent a year or more studying or working in a high-income country
• Submitting references in the wrong format or without signatures
• Leaving the financial-need section thin or generic
• Missing the December deadline, which is firm once the window closes
• Holding another scholarship that covers the same costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. It covers full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, return airfare, and several grants, so it is a complete funding package for a UK master's.

Who is eligible for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

Citizens or refugees permanently resident in an eligible low- or middle-income Commonwealth country, with at least a 2:1 degree, genuine financial need, and limited time studying or working in high-income countries.

What is the deadline for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

It runs on an annual cycle and typically closes around December for September entry. Check the CSC website for the exact date, as the window cannot be reopened.

What degree level does the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship cover?

Master's study only. It funds a single full-time master's course at a participating UK university and does not cover undergraduate or doctoral study.

How much is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship stipend?

The living stipend is £1,452 per month, rising to £1,781 per month if your university is in the London metropolitan area.

Does the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship pay for flights?

Yes. It covers an approved return airfare to and from the UK. Costs for dependants are not included.

Is there an age limit for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

No. There is no age limit, but you must meet the academic, financial, and study-history requirements.

Can I apply if I have worked in a high-income country?

Only if it was for less than one academic year. You must not have studied or worked for a year or more in a high-income country, though distance learning from such a country is allowed.

Where do I apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

Through the CSC's online system, CSC Central. You also need to apply for a place on an approved UK master's course.

Does the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship support families?

It includes a child allowance for eligible single, widowed, or divorced parents, but travel and other costs for dependants are not covered.

Do I need financial need to qualify for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

Yes. You must demonstrate that you could not afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.

Can I hold another scholarship at the same time?

No. You cannot hold another award that covers the same costs as the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.