COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP COMMISSION IN THE UK (CSC) / UK FCDO
Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
full · masters, phd
- Fully FundedScholarship type
- UK universitiesHost country
- Master’s & PhDStudy levels
- Commonwealth countriesEligibility
- Development-focusedTheme
- Nominating-body routeApplication
At a glance
full
Funding
€40k
Max amount
Oct 15, 2026
Deadline
Eligible (chiefly low- and middle-income) Commonwealth countries — see the CSC list
Country
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) / UK FCDO
Provider
Commonwealth Scholarships (UK) are funded by the UK government's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), which has supported Commonwealth scholars since 1959. They enable talented individuals from eligible Commonwealth countries — chiefly low- and middle-income nations — to pursue master's and PhD study in the United Kingdom. The scheme runs five main streams: Master's Scholarships, PhD Scholarships, Shared Scholarships, Split-site PhD Scholarships, and Distance Learning Scholarships. Awards are fully funded — covering tuition, return airfare, and a monthly living stipend of ~£1,236 (higher in London) — and are explicitly development-focused, so scholars work on themes that contribute to their home countries' development. Applications are made through a nominating body in the applicant's home country (a national agency, university, or selected charity). Selection prioritises candidates who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK and whose study has clear development impact, with thousands applying each year for a limited number of awards.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — Full university tuition fees for the approved UK course.
- Airfare — Return economy airfare to and from the UK.
- Living stipend — A monthly maintenance allowance (~£1,236/month, higher in London).
- Arrival & related allowances — Warm-clothing, thesis, study-travel, and arrival allowances as applicable.
- Family allowances — Spouse and child allowances for eligible scholars meeting the conditions.
How to apply
Apply through an approved nominating body in your country and via the CSC's online Electronic Application System (EAS) by the deadline, selecting the relevant scholarship stream.
- Identify your nominating body — Find your country's national nominating agency, eligible university, or approved charity for the relevant stream.
- Check the stream — Choose the right stream (Master's, PhD, Shared, Split-site, or Distance Learning).
- Prepare your application — Draft your development-focused study/research plan and gather transcripts and references.
- Apply via the EAS — Submit your application on the CSC Electronic Application System and to your nominating body by the deadline.
- Nomination & selection — Your nominating body nominates candidates; the CSC selects based on merit and development impact.
- Placement — Confirm UK university admission; take up the award the following academic year.
Eligibility
CitizenshipCitizen of (or refugee/British protected person in) an eligible Commonwealth country.
DegreeFor master's: an undergraduate degree at upper-second-class (2:1) honours or above (or with a relevant master's). For PhD: a relevant master's.
Financial needBe unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
NominationApply through an approved nominating body in your home country (or eligible university/agency).
Development relevancePropose study aligned with the CSC's development themes.
You must apply both to the CSC (via the Electronic Application System) and to your nominating body, and usually hold or seek admission to a UK university.
Eligible countries
Eligible (chiefly low- and middle-income) Commonwealth countries — see the CSC list
Deadlines
2027 UK study (typical)2026-10-15
Selection
Candidates are nominated by approved bodies and selected by the CSC against published criteria: academic merit, the quality and development relevance of the study/research plan, and the likely impact on the home country. Financial need (inability to study in the UK otherwise) is a core requirement of the scheme.
Verified sources
- Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UKcscuk.fcdo.gov.ukofficial
About the provider
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) is the UK government agency responsible for Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships, funded mainly by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It supports international development and strengthens Commonwealth ties by funding talented individuals from across the Commonwealth to study and conduct research in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What are Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)?
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UK-government-funded scholarships (via the FCDO) administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, enabling people from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue master's and PhD study in the UK with a development focus.
Who is eligible?
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Citizens of eligible (chiefly low- and middle-income) Commonwealth countries who hold the required degree, demonstrate financial need, and propose development-relevant study — applying through a nominating body.
What do they cover?
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Full tuition, return airfare, a monthly living stipend (~£1,236, higher in London), plus arrival, thesis, study-travel, and (where eligible) family allowances.
What streams are available?
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Master's, PhD, Shared Scholarships, Split-site (PhD) Scholarships, and Distance Learning Scholarships — each with its own route and conditions.
How do I apply?
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Through an approved nominating body in your home country and via the CSC Electronic Application System (EAS). You cannot apply directly without a nomination.
When is the deadline?
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Applications generally open in ~September and close around ~mid-October, varying by stream and country. Check your nominating body and the CSC for exact dates.
Is financial need required?
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Yes — you must be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship. The scheme is explicitly aimed at talented people who otherwise could not study in the UK.
What does "development focus" mean?
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Your proposed study should align with the CSC's development themes and have a credible benefit to your home country — a key part of the selection.
Do I need a UK university place first?
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Requirements vary by stream; for many you need to hold or be seeking admission to an eligible UK university. The CSC and nominating body confirm placement during the process.
How competitive is it?
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Competitive — nominating bodies forward limited numbers and the CSC selects on merit and development impact. Strong academics plus a clear development plan are essential.
What is a Shared Scholarship?
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Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are jointly funded by the CSC and UK universities for master's study, targeting candidates from low-income countries who could not otherwise afford a UK master's.
Do I have to return home afterward?
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The scheme expects scholars to return and contribute to their home country's development; supporting that impact is central to its purpose.