The Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships are fully funded scholarships open to students who are citizens of the 53-nation eligible Commonwealth nations and are seeking to study in the UK. The applicants should be talented and motivated individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their academics, and would use the skills learned and developed to contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries. These scholarships and fellowships are awarded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Council (CSC), majority of which are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Scholarship Description
Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships provide talented and motivated individuals with the opportunity to enhance knowledge and skills in various sectors, to be able to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. These awards are offered under six development themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting global prosperity
- Strengthening global peace, security and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
To date, over 30,000 people have taken up Commonwealth Scholarships since the first group of 175 Scholars arrived in the UK in 1960. During those six decades the scheme has constantly developed, adapting to the very different world of a 53-nation Commonwealth.
Funding | Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships
All scholarships are part-funded by UK Host universities but the majority of Scholarships and Fellowships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
See Also: World Bank Young Professionals Program (WBG YPP)
Target Group of the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships
The Scholarships and Fellowships are targeted at:
- Talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development.
- Citizens from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
Aims of the Scholarships
With the scholarships, the UK aims to contribute to its international development focus and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth.
The List of Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships available
- 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 Scholarships
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for high income countries)
- Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
Check Also: L-EARN for Impact Scholarship for Developing Countries
Scholarship Details and Eligibility
We will be describing the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships details, eligibility and funding values, as well as the application windows shortly.
#1 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for Least Developed Countries
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are for candidates from least developed countries and fragile States in the Commonwealth, for full-time Doctoral study at a UK university, supporting research that will have a developmental impact. Candidates must apply to a Nominating Agency which will then put forward candidates to the CSC. Scholarships are expected to open in September while Agencies will nominate candidates to the CSC by December. It is fully funded to cover airfare, Tuition and Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,236 per month, or £1,516 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area. You can also have Spouse allowance of £266 per month and child allowance of £266 per month for the first child, and more.
#2 Commonwealth Split Site Scholarships for Low- and Middle-Income Countries
These Scholarships are offered to students who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK but have the potential to become influential teachers or researchers in their home countries. They are fully funded 12-month PhD Study scholarships. You must be registered for a PhD program in a UK institution before the award period in September. Study periods can be split between home country and the UK. Stipends up to £1,133 per month, or £1,390 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area are available, and more. Applications are made directly to the CSC using the CSC’s online application system.
#3 Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
This one-year taught Master’s programmes is one of three Master’s programmes offered by the Commission. It is awarded to eligible candidates from lower- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, to undertake full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university. Candidates apply in September when applications open to a Nominating Agency which will then forward candidates to the CSC. They are fully funded with stipends up to £1,236 per month, or £1,516 per month for those studying in London.
#4 Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are for candidates from least developed and lower middle income Commonwealth countries, for full-time Taught Master’s study on selected courses, jointly supported by UK universities. Candidates can apply using the CSC’s online application system for more than one course and to more than one university through the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Scheme, but you may only accept one offer of a Shared Scholarship. Note that these awards are only for Master’s courses and not for undergraduate or PhD study. Its fully funded – stipends up to £1,390 per month.
Recommended:
- Joint Japan- World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
- Popular Scholarships in Germany Without IELTS
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students and Artists (Fully Funded)
#5 Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are awarded to talented and motivated individuals unable to study in the UK for financial and other reasons. These scholarships for part-time Master’s study by distance learning on selected courses offered by UK universities are for courses not available in candidate’s home countries. The funding is up to £18,000 per scholarship. Candidates’ application opens in January.
#6 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for High Income Countries
These are full-time doctoral study at a UK university.
#7 Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
Mid-career professionals (with five years’ relevant work experience) working in development-related organizations in low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The Fellowship which is a fully funded – stipends up to £2,197 per month, arrival allowance of £972.59, travel allowance of £1,000 per fellow, and more – is a non-degree programme, and starts in February to run for three months. Applications closes in August.
For further details on the various Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships to Study in UK, eligibility and application deadlines, the link below will be very helpful.
