The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025 offers a fully funded opportunity for talented students from certain countries to pursue a master’s degree in the UK. This scholarship is provided by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), which helps students who couldn’t afford to study in the UK otherwise.
What makes this scholarship special is that it aims to support students from developing countries who have the potential to make a big difference in their home countries. You can choose from many master’s programs at different UK universities, allowing you to study a subject you love.
The benefits are fantastic! The fully funded scholarship covers your tuition fees, provides a monthly living allowance, pays for your travel to and from the UK, and even helps with other expenses like warm clothing and thesis preparation. This means you can focus on your studies without worrying about money.
Moreover, by studying in the UK, you will gain valuable knowledge and skills. You’ll be able to return home and use what you’ve learned to help your country grow and improve.
Quick Overview of Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host Universities: Various participating UK universities
- Deadline: December 12, 2024, at 4:00 PM GMT
- Programs: Approved master’s courses that have a positive impact on development
- Value:
- Full tuition fees paid
- Monthly living allowance (£1,378 or £1,690 for London universities)
- Return airfare to the UK
- Warm clothing allowance
- Grant for thesis preparation
- Travel grant for study-related trips
- Child allowance (if eligible)
- Age Limit: No age limit
- Eligibility:
- Citizens or refugees of eligible Commonwealth countries
- Permanent residents of eligible countries
- Must hold a first degree with good grades (equivalent to UK upper second class)
- Unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship
Perks of Commonwealth Scholarships in the UK
- You don’t have to pay for your studies.
- Receive money each month for living expenses.
- The scholarship pays for your flights to and from the UK.
- The scholarship helps you buy clothes suitable for the UK weather.
- Provides funds if you need to write a thesis or dissertation.
- The scholarship covers costs if you need to travel for your studies.
- Financial help if you’re a single parent with children.
- Extra financial support if you have a disability.
Benefits of Fully Funded Graduate Scholarships in the UK
- Study at a top UK university and gain valuable knowledge.
- Improve your job prospects with a prestigious degree.
- Experience living in a new country and culture.
- Develop independence and confidence.
- Learn to become a leader who can make a difference.
- Use your new skills to help your home country grow.
Eligibility Criteria of the Fully Funded Masters’ Scholarships for International Students
To apply for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be a permanent resident of that country.
- Hold a first degree with good grades (equivalent to at least upper second class in the UK).
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without a scholarship.
- Be available to start your studies in the UK by September/October 2025.
- Not have studied or worked for one year or more in a high-income country.
- Provide all required documents in the correct format.
Eligible Countries for the Commonwealth Shared Masters’ Scholarships
- Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia
- Asia: Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
- Caribbean and Americas: Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
- Pacific: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Important Dates of Master’s Degree Scholarships in the United Kingdom
- Application Opens: Now
- Application Deadline: December 12, 2024, at 4:00 PM GMT
- University Nomination Deadline: March 2025
- Notification of Results: To be announced
- Scholarship Start Date: September/October 2025
How to Apply to the Development Scholarships for Developing Countries 2025
- Select an approved master’s course at a participating UK university.
- View the list of approved courses here.
- Check the university’s admission requirements and deadlines.
- Apply for admission directly to your chosen university.
- Follow the university’s specific application procedures.
- Complete the online scholarship application form here.
- Create an account and fill in all required information.
- Copy of your passport or national ID showing your photo and citizenship.
- Full transcripts of all your higher education qualifications with certified translations if not in English.
- The system may be busy close to the deadline, so it’s best to apply early.
- Universities will select candidates and nominate them to the CSC in March 2025.
- The CSC will confirm eligibility and make the final selection.
Required Documents for the Scholarships by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)
- Proof of Citizenship or Refugee Status: Valid passport or national ID card.
- Academic Transcripts: Full transcripts for all higher education qualifications with translations if not in English.
- Degree Certificates: Copies of your degree certificates with translations if not in English.
- References: Contact details of three referees.
- Development Impact Statement: Explaining how your studies will help your country.
- Admission Letter (if available): From the university offering you a place.
Country-Specific Criteria for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025
- Some universities may require proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS).
- You must meet UK visa requirements.
- The scholarship does not cover visa fees.
For more information please visit the official Commonwealth Scholarships website.
