1. Scholarship Overview
- Provider: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- Administrator: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)
- Study Mode: Part-time distance learning (fully online)
- Level: Master’s degrees only
- Fields: All subjects aligned with 6 CSC development themes (see below)
- Funding: Fully Funded (tuition + academic support)
- Deadline: May 20, 2025, 16:00 GMT (7 days left)
- Study Start: September/October 2025
2. Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition coverage for the entire Master’s program
- Access to online resources: Digital libraries, research databases
- Academic support: Virtual mentorship from UK faculty
- Networking: Connect with global scholars and UK academic networks
- No relocation needed: Study from your home country
3. Eligible Countries
Open to citizens/permanent residents of 46 Commonwealth countries, including:
- Africa: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia
- Asia: Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
- Pacific: Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu
- Caribbean: Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Guyana
(Full list in original post)
4. Eligibility Criteria
A. Mandatory Requirements
- Nationality: Citizen/refugee/British Protected Person from an eligible country.
- Residency: Permanently residing in an eligible country.
- Academic: First-class or upper second-class (2:1) bachelor’s degree.
- Financial Need: Must demonstrate inability to self-fund UK studies.
B. Program Alignment
Master’s program must address one of CSC’s 6 themes:
- Science/tech for development
- Strengthening health systems
- Global prosperity
- Peace/security/governance
- Crisis resilience
- Access/inclusion
5. Application Process
Step 1: Choose a Course
- Select from approved distance-learning Master’s programs at UK universities.
- List: CSC Course Finder
Step 2: Apply to University
- Secure admission to your chosen program (deadlines vary).
Step 3: Submit Scholarship Application
- Portal: CSC Online System
- Deadline: May 20, 2025, 16:00 GMT
Required Documents:
- Passport/National ID (proof of citizenship)
- Academic Transcripts (all degrees, including ongoing studies)
- Two References (on official letterhead, PDF format)
- Admission Offer (if available at time of application)
6. Selection Criteria
Applications evaluated on:
- Academic Excellence (30%)
- Development Impact (30%): How your study benefits your home country.
- Study Plan Quality (20%)
- References (20%)
Timeline:
- June–July 2025: University shortlisting
- August 2025: Results announced
7. Why Apply?
- Zero Cost: No tuition or hidden fees.
- Flexibility: Balance work/study with part-time learning.
- Prestige: UK degree without leaving home.
- Career Boost: Aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
8. Key Dates
| Activity | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Application | May 20, 2025 |
| University Admissions | Varies (apply early) |
| Results Announced | August 2025 |
| Program Start | September 2025 |
9. Tips for a Strong Application
- Theme Alignment: Explicitly link your program to CSC’s 6 themes.
- References: Choose recommenders who can vouch for your development impact potential.
- Proofread: Avoid errors; use tools like Grammarly.
10. Contact Information
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7380 6700
- Address:
Woburn House, 20-24 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HF, UK
Official Links:
