UK Government Invites Applications for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships to Pursue Master’s Degrees

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK has officially opened applications for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships programme for the academic year starting September 2025. This prestigious scholarship initiative enables talented postgraduate students from developing Commonwealth countries to pursue one-year Master’s degree programmes in the United Kingdom.

As part of the UK government’s broader commitment to international development and educational equity, the programme focuses on supporting students from least developed and middle-income countries, providing a comprehensive financial package including tuition, airfare, and living expenses.

What Are Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships form one of the three Master’s-level scholarship schemes run under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). Designed specifically for candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries, the programme seeks to nurture future leaders who can contribute to sustainable development and social progress in their home nations.

The scholarships cover:

• Full tuition fees
• Return airfare to and from the UK
• A monthly living allowance

Recipients must commit to full-time study of a single approved Master’s course at a participating UK university and cannot undertake concurrent academic programmes or extend funding beyond the awarded degree.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be nationals or recognized refugees permanently resident in one of the eligible Commonwealth countries. The extensive list of countries includes:

• 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, Zambia.

This diverse group reflects the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting education and development across multiple continents.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, candidates must:

• Be citizens or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country and reside permanently in one of these countries.
• Be ready to begin their Master’s programme in the UK by September 2025.
• Hold a first degree with at least upper second-class (2:1) honours; alternatively, a lower second-class degree combined with a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree) is acceptable.
• Have not previously studied or worked in a high-income country for one year or more.
• Demonstrate financial need, confirming that without the scholarship, studying in the UK would be impossible.
• Submit all required documentation in the specified formats to ensure the application is considered complete.

Application Process and Selection

Applications must be submitted through participating UK universities, which conduct the first round of candidate selection based on academic merit and development potential. The final approval and award decisions rest with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

Candidates are encouraged to carefully explore eligible courses and universities, tailoring their applications to reflect not only academic excellence but also a clear vision of how their studies will impact development in their home countries.

Focus on Development Impact

The Shared Scholarships programme is designed to promote education that fosters social and economic development across the Commonwealth. Scholars are expected to utilize the knowledge and skills gained during their studies to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of their communities and nations.

This aligns with the programme’s core objective of building future leaders equipped to address the challenges faced by developing countries.

Important Notes for Applicants

• The scholarship supports only one Master’s degree programme. Funding will not cover additional qualifications or further study beyond the awarded degree.
• Scholars must commit to full-time study and cannot enroll in other academic programmes simultaneously.
• The application requires careful adherence to documentation and eligibility criteria to avoid disqualification.

How to Learn More and Apply

Prospective candidates interested in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships should visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s official website for detailed guidance on:

• Participating universities and courses
• Application timelines and deadlines
• Documentation requirements
• Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

The opening of applications for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships offers an invaluable opportunity for students from eligible developing countries to access world-class education in the UK. By removing financial barriers and emphasizing development impact, this programme fosters educational equity and international collaboration within the Commonwealth.

Aspiring scholars are encouraged to apply promptly and make the most of this chance to advance their academic and professional goals while contributing to global development.