Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
Various UK Universities
Key Statistics
Grant Amount
Full tuition fees, living allowance, airfare, and other allowances
Location
Deadline
Varies by year
About this Scholarship
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is a prestigious funding opportunity aimed at students from developing Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue a full-time Master’s degree at a UK university. Established to support talented individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford postgraduate study, this scholarship is administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK. It focuses on candidates who demonstrate academic merit and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries. The scholarship covers a range of expenses including tuition fees, living costs, airfare to and from the UK, and other allowances necessary for the duration of the study. The program encourages applicants to select courses that align with development priorities in their home countries, often emphasizing fields such as science, technology, health, and education. The scholarship is jointly funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and UK universities, reflecting a partnership approach to international education and development. Applicants must be citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries and meet the specific eligibility criteria set by the scholarship commission and the participating universities. The application process typically involves submitting an application through the nominating agency in the applicant’s home country and meeting the academic and English language requirements of the chosen university. The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship aims to foster long-term benefits by equipping scholars with skills and knowledge that contribute to sustainable development and social progress in their countries of origin.
Eligibility & Overview
Financial Grant
Full funding covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and other allowances
Scholarship Type
Need based
What's Covered
Description
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is designed to support students from developing Commonwealth countries who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need. The scholarship is intended to enable these students to pursue a Master’s degree at selected UK universities, with a focus on subjects that contribute to the development priorities of their home countries. The scholarship is jointly funded by the UK government through the Department for International Development (DFID) and participating UK universities, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance global education and development. Eligible candidates must be citizens of a Commonwealth country classified as developing and must not hold UK or EU citizenship or permanent residency. The application process usually involves nomination by an approved agency in the applicant’s home country, followed by submission to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the host university. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a living allowance sufficient to cover accommodation and daily expenses, return airfare, and other necessary allowances such as visa fees and a thesis grant if applicable. The duration of the scholarship corresponds to the length of the Master’s program, typically one year full-time. The scholarship aims to develop future leaders, experts, and professionals who will contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries. Scholars are expected to return home upon completion of their studies to apply their new skills and knowledge. The scholarship is competitive, with selection based on academic merit, potential impact, and financial need. Applicants should carefully review the specific eligibility criteria and application procedures provided by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the participating universities. Due to the collaborative nature of the scholarship, the number of awards and exact benefits may vary each year and between institutions.
Key Benefits
Full coverage of tuition fees, ensuring no financial burden for course fees.
Provision of a living allowance to cover accommodation, food, and other daily expenses.
Return airfare to and from the scholar’s home country, facilitating international travel.
Additional allowances such as visa fees, health surcharge, and thesis grants where applicable.
Opportunity to study at a UK university with access to academic resources and networks.
Support aimed at candidates from developing Commonwealth countries, promoting global development goals.
Financing Information
Comprehensive Funding Structure of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is funded through a partnership between the UK government, primarily via the Department for International Development (DFID), and participating UK universities. This joint funding model allows the scholarship to cover a broad range of costs associated with postgraduate study in the UK. The scholarship pays the full tuition fees directly to the host university, ensuring that scholars are not required to manage these payments themselves. In addition to tuition, the scholarship provides a personal maintenance allowance, which is intended to cover living expenses such as accommodation, food, and local transportation. This allowance is disbursed regularly throughout the academic year. Return airfare is included to facilitate travel between the scholar’s home country and the UK at the beginning and end of the study period. Additional allowances may be provided to cover visa application fees, the UK immigration health surcharge, and a thesis grant for research-related costs if applicable. The funding is designed to support scholars for the full duration of their Master’s program, usually one year, but this may vary depending on the course and university. The scholarship’s financial structure aims to remove economic barriers for talented students from developing Commonwealth countries, enabling them to focus fully on their studies and professional development. Applicants should note that the availability and exact amounts of allowances can vary by year and institution, and they are advised to consult official sources for the most current information.
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* Disclaimer: Information provided here is intended for general guidance and may change. Prospective applicants should verify all details, including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and benefits, with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the participating universities before applying.