About

Degree Masters
Offered By Government
Type External
Amount ₹26,65,000
Deadline NA
Deadline Type NA

Last updated October 3, 2025

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are a significant UK government initiative, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with UK universities. They are designed to support talented and motivated students from developing Commonwealth countries, enabling them to pursue a fully-funded master’s degree in the UK. If you have the academic excellence and a vision to contribute to your home country's development needs, this scholarship provides the opportunity to gain a world-class education.

For the 2025/2026 academic year, the application window is expected to open in September 2025 and close on 12 December 2025. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, including the strict eligibility criteria, the comprehensive financial coverage, the application process, and key deadlines. You can be fully prepared to seize this opportunity to study at a prestigious UK university and become part of a global network of change-makers.

🎓 Not sure which college is right for you?

Use our College Finder Tool to get personalized matches based on your goals, budget, and preferences.

95% matched in under 3 minutes

Which degree do you want to study?

I want to do
Bachelors

I want to do
Masters/MBA

info-icon

Select one of the options to get started

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Coverage

This scholarship is for specific Master's level courses at participating UK universities. The available courses are selected each year based on key development themes. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the focus is on three key areas. You must apply for one of these specific courses to be eligible.

Course Level

Country

University Name

Overview

Master’s

UK

University of Oxford

A world-renowned collegiate research university. It is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Master’s

UK

University of Cambridge

Another prestigious collegiate research university. It is known for its rigorous academic standards.

Master’s

UK

London School of Economics

A public research university specializing in social sciences. It is a world leader in its field.

Master’s

UK

University of Edinburgh

A historic public research university in Scotland. It is one of the UK's top universities.

Master’s

UK

Imperial College London

A public research university specializing in science, engineering, medicine, and business.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Awards

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is a prestigious, fully-funded opportunity for students from developing Commonwealth nations to pursue a master’s degree in the United Kingdom. It is managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to ensure you can focus entirely on your studies. The support includes:

  • Full payment of tuition fees, covered jointly by the scholarship and the host university.
  • Economy class return airfare from your home country to the UK.
  • A generous monthly living allowance of at least GBP 1,347.
  • An arrival allowance, including warm clothing provisions.
  • A thesis grant (if applicable).
  • A study travel grant towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Amount

The scholarship provides a total grant for living costs of at least GBP 1,347 per month (INR 1.42L). It covers your entire period of fee liability for the agreed course. The financial support is complete.

Expenses

Details

Tuition Fees

Fully covered by the scholarship and the university.

Living Allowance

A monthly stipend of at least GBP 1,347 (INR 1.42L).

Travel Costs

An economy return flight to the UK from your home country.

Additional Grants

Warm clothing, thesis, and study travel grants.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Benefits

Beyond financial coverage, this scholarship offers significant academic and developmental advantages. You become part of a network dedicated to positive global change.

Benefit

Details

Financial Support

Full coverage for tuition, living, and travel expenses.

Development Focus

Designed to contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Academic Prestige

Study at a top UK university on a highly competitive award.

Global Network

Join a community of Commonwealth scholars and alumni.

 

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Eligibility Criteria

You must be a citizen of an eligible developing Commonwealth country. This is a mandatory requirement for all applicants. The criteria are strict and must be met fully.

Requirement

Details

Nationality

You must be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country.

Residence

You must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.

Academic qualification

You must hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard.

Financial Need

You must be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.

Other conditions

You must be available to start your academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2026.

Countries Eligible Under Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

This scholarship targets citizens from developing Commonwealth countries. The list is extensive and includes many nations across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

Region

Eligible Countries

Africa

Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, and many more.

Asia

India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and more.

Caribbean

Jamaica, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, and more.

Pacific

Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and more.

 

How to Apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

The application is submitted online through the CSC's website. The process is detailed and requires careful preparation. You must provide comprehensive information.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you begin, carefully review the eligibility criteria on the official Commonwealth Scholarship website. Ensure you meet all requirements for citizenship, residence, academic background, and financial need.

Step 2: Choose Your Course
You must apply for one of the pre-approved courses offered by a participating UK university for the 2025/2026 academic year. Check the official list of courses and institutions.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Fill out the detailed online application form on the CSC portal before the stated deadline. This includes providing your personal statement, development impact plan, and details of your referees.

Step 4: Submit and Await Assessment
After submitting your application, it will be evaluated by the CSC and your chosen university. The selection is based on academic merit and the potential impact of your study.

Step 5: Provide Required Documents
Ensure all required documents, including references, are uploaded in the correct format before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Step 6: Receive the Final Decision
The selection process does not typically involve an interview. Final results are expected by June 2026. All applicants are notified of their outcome.

Step 7: Receive Your Award
If successful, you will receive your official award letter and begin preparations for your studies in the UK, including applying for your student visa.

Please note: The application process is expected to open in September 2025, but you have until 4 PM GMT on 12 December 2025 to complete and submit your forms.

Application Timeline for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

The entire process from application to starting your studies takes nearly a year. Adhering to the timeline is critical for success.

Stage

Timeline

Applications Open

September 2025 (expected)

Applications Close

4 PM GMT on 12 December 2025 (expected)

Selection Process

Early 2026

Final Results Announced

By June 2026 (expected)

Course Start

September 2026

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Interview

This scholarship typically does not involve an interview process. The selection is based solely on the strength of your written application and supporting documents. This makes your application form, personal statements, and references critically important. Ensure every part is complete, compelling, and error-free.

From the Desk of Yocket

Applying for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is a competitive journey toward a fully-funded UK master's. The right strategy is key to standing out. With Yocket Premium, you gain access to expert guidance on crafting a compelling Development Impact statement, choosing the right course, and securing strong references. Our tools and personalized advice help you present a powerful application that highlights your potential to contribute to development goals. Let Yocket Premium support you in turning this academic ambition into a reality.

Who Can Apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country.

Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.

Documents Required for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

You need to prepare several documents for your application. These are crucial for the assessment. Start gathering them early.

  • Proof of citizenship or refugee status (passport copy).
  • Full transcripts of all higher education qualifications, with certified translations if not in English.
  • Details of three referees who can comment on your academic and professional suitability.
  • A Development Impact statement and a detailed Plan of Study.
Degree Masters
Offered By Government
Type External
Amount ₹26,65,000
Deadline NA
Deadline Type NA

Last updated October 3, 2025