Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: Fully Funded UK Study Opportunity

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are now open for applications for the 2025/2026 academic year.

These scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

They are designed to help talented individuals gain the skills needed for sustainable development.

The scholarships are aimed at those who would not be able to afford to study in the UK without this support.

The agency-nominated Master’s programme is one of three Master’s programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).

The CSC provides the UK government’s scholarship scheme, which focuses on international development.

It works under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).

The CSC plays a key role in showing the UK’s ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth.

This programme brings together outstanding individuals from various backgrounds and helps them become leaders when they return home.

It also encourages international partnerships and cooperation.

What the Scholarship Offers

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships cover the following:

• Airfare: An approved flight from your home country to the UK and back at the end of the scholarship.
• Tuition Fees: Full fees are covered, and scholars are not required to pay any part of the tuition fee.
• Stipend: A monthly living allowance of £1,378, or £1,690 for those studying in London.
• Warm Clothing Allowance: If needed.
• Study Travel Grant: This covers the cost of travel related to your studies, either within the UK or overseas.
• Family Allowances: If you are a widowed, divorced, or single parent, you will receive £590 per month for the first child, and £146 for the second and third child under the age of 16, if your children live with you in the UK.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, you must:

• Be a citizen or have refugee status from an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
• Be permanently residing in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be available to start your academic studies in the UK by September 2025.
• Have at least an upper second-class degree (2:1), or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree), by September 2025.
• Not normally be applying for a second Master’s degree unless you provide strong reasons for doing so.
• Be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
• Submit all required documents in the correct format.

Selection Criteria

Your application will be judged based on:

• Academic merit.
• The quality of your research proposal.
• The potential impact your research will have on your home country.

How to Apply

The deadline for submitting an application is 15 October 2024 at 16:00 BST (15:00 GMT).

The scholarships are for studies in the UK starting in September/October 2025.

Applicants are advised to apply as soon as possible to avoid last-minute rushes.

Alongside applying to the CSC, you must apply through a nominator.

There are two types of nominators:

• National nominating agencies – find the list here.
• Non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies – view the details here.

Apply now for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.

For further details, visit the official Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships webpage.

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and submit your application before October 15, 2024.