The prestigious Commonwealth Master’s Full-Time Scholarship led by the UK government, aligns closely with international development goals. It operates under the umbrella of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), serving as a tangible manifestation of the United Kingdom’s enduring dedication to the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development while advancing the UK’s national interests. It achieves this by identifying and supporting exceptionally talented individuals with the potential to make a transformative impact in their respective fields and home countries. Through the CSC’s scholarship scheme, these individuals are empowered to become leaders, innovators, and agents of positive change upon their return to their home nations.
What distinguishes the CSC’s work is its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. It actively seeks out talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that opportunities for growth and development are accessible to all. This approach not only fosters international partnerships and collaboration but also aligns perfectly with the broader goals of the Commonwealth.
In essence, the CSC’s agency-nominated Master’s program is a testament to the UK’s unwavering dedication to fostering global cooperation and facilitating the growth of future leaders who will contribute to the sustainable development of their nations and the world at large.
Purpose: Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
Intended Beneficiaries: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are for candidates from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries, to undertake full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university.
Eligibility Criteria Commonwealth Master’s Full-Time Scholarship
To be considered for these scholarships, applicants must:
- 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 start of the UK academic year in September 2024.
- By September 2024, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree)*. The CSC would not normally fund a second Master’s degree. If applying for a second Master’s degree, applicants must provide justification as to why they wish to undertake this study.
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
- Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.
Selection Process and Criteria
Applications will be considered according to the following selection criteria:
- Academic merit
- Quality of research proposal
- Potential impact on the development of the candidate’s come country
Benefits
Financial assistance
Each scholarship provides:
- 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, nor the cost of journeys made before the award is confirmed).
- Approved tuition fees: full fees are covered by agreement between the CSC and the UK university, and Scholars are not liable to pay 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.
- If a Scholar has children and is widowed, divorced, or a single parent, child allowance of 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 their children are living with them at the same address in the UK.
If a Scholar shares that they have a disability, a full assessment of their needs and eligibility for additional financial support will be offered by the CSC.
Method of Application
Applications for Commonwealth Master’s scholarships for the 2023/24 academic year are now open. The deadline for submitting an application is 17:00 hours BST (16:00 GMT) on 17 October 2023. The scholarships are for study in the UK beginning in September/October 2024.
Applications to the CSC must be made using the CSC’s online application system.
The CSC is unable to accept any applications or documentation not submitted via the online application system.
Applicants are advised to complete and submit applications as early as possible, as the online application system will be very busy in the days leading up to the application deadline.
As well as applying to the CSC, applicants must apply to a nominating agency.
There are two types of nominating agency for Master’s scholarships:
- National nominating agencies – this is the main route of application
- Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies
Nominating agencies put forward scholarship candidates to the CSC for consideration. The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships.
Application Deadline: 17 October 2023
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