Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK Commonwealth Shared Scholarships by Alumni Team , 2021 Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Overview

How to Apply

Supporting documentation Advice for applicants Choosing a university/course Applicant

Eligibility

Eligible countries Completing the

Application

form

Selection Process

Tenure and placement Financial assistance General conditions Enquiries

Overview

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship programme is one of three Master's programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives.

It operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and offers a vivid demonstration of the UK's enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. By attracting individuals with outstanding talent and identifiable potential from all backgrounds and supporting them to become leaders and innovators on returning to their home countries, the CSC's work combines sustainable development with the UK national interest and provides opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration.

Purpose: To contribute to development needs of Commonwealth countries by providing training for skilled and qualified professionals and academics who would not otherwise have been able to study in the UK.​ Intended beneficiaries: High-quality postgraduate students from Least Developed and middle-income countries (including fragile and conflict affected states), who have not studied for a year or more in a high-income country before, who would not otherwise afford to study in the UK, and who have the potential to enhance the development of their home countries with the knowledge and leadership skills they acquire. Award

Duration

normally 12 months

Application Process

UK universities bid for scholarships for specific courses with demonstrable development impact and must agree to fund the living cost component of the scholarships. Applications are made via successful universities, which make the initial selection of candidates, who are subsequently approved by the CSC.

How to Apply

Applications for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for the 2027/28 academic year w ill open on Tuesday 10 November 2026 . The scholarships are for study in the UK beginning in September/October 2027. The

Closing Date

for applications is 16:00 GMT on Tuesday 8 December 2026. Applications to the CSC are made using the

Application

system, CSC Central . The CSC is unable to accept any applications or documentation not submitted via the online

Application

system . Candidates must apply to study an approved Master's course at a participating UK university. Please n ote the links below relate to the 2026 programme and the courses and participating universities for 2027 will be published in advance of the opening date.

View full list of approved courses View details of all participating UK universities Candidates can apply for more than one course and to more than one university, but they may only accept one offer of a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. Please note, these scholarships are for Master's courses only and not for undergraduate or PhD study.

Candidates must also apply and secure admission for the chosen university course in addition to applying for a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. Please check with your chosen university for specific advice on when to apply, admission requirements, and rules for applying.

Applications will be shared with the universities that will…

This is a shortened overview. Open the official site for full eligibility, documents, and how to apply.