The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) has opened applications for its Commonwealth Shared Scholarships programme. This scholarship offers an opportunity for postgraduate students from developing nations to pursue Master’s degrees in the United Kingdom. This initiative is part of the UK government’s commitment to international development and educational equity across the Commonwealth. The Shared Scholarships programme is one of three Master’s-level schemes administered by the CSC, operating under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). It is designed to support students from least developed and middle-income countries. Eligible Countries for the Scholarship Applicants for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships must be nationals of eligible countries designated by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. These include Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, and Zambia. Applicants eligibility -To be eligible for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, applicants must be citizens of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country and must also be permanently resident in one of these countries. -They should be available to commence academic studies in the UK by the beginning of the academic year in September 2025. -By that time, candidates must hold a first degree with at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, or alternatively, a lower second-class degree accompanied by a relevant postgraduate qualification, typically a Master’s degree. -Applicants must not have studied or worked in a high-income country for more than one academic year, and they must demonstrate financial need, confirming that they would be unable to pursue studies in the UK without this scholarship. -Additionally, all required supporting documentation must be submitted in the specified format to complete the application process. -The scholarships typically cover a one-year Master’s programme and include full tuition fees, airfare, and a living allowance. Applications are submitted through participating UK universities, which conduct the initial selection of candidates. Final approval is granted by the CSC, ensuring that the chosen scholars align with the programme’s development-focused objectives. As the application window opens, aspirants can explore eligible courses and universities, and to prepare applications that highlight both academic merit and a clear vision for development impact. UP govt signs MoU with UK for Chevening scholarship for study at Britain’s top varsities Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are available for any approved course offered by participating UK universities. These scholarships are intended solely for the pursuit of one specific degree, and funding will not be extended to support additional qualifications or studies beyond the level for which the award was granted. Recipients must undertake full-time study, and they are not permitted to enroll in any other academic programme concurrently, mentions the official website. For more information on the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships and how to apply, visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s official page.
