The Commonwealth Scholarship is designed to support students from Commonwealth countries who wish to study in the United Kingdom. These awards serve as a stepping stone, making it possible for talented but financially disadvantaged students to pursue their academic dreams at some of the UK’s most prestigious universities. While these institutions are known for their world-class education, the cost of tuition can often be a major barrier.
Commonwealth Scholarship helps bridge that gap by providing financial assistance to eligible students. However, it’s important to note that only applicants from Commonwealth countries are eligible to apply. Not sure if your country qualifies? Keep reading to find out. To bridge the gap for students from financially underprivileged backgrounds and improve access to education, Commonwealth scholarships are offered at some of the UK’s most prestigious institutions.
These universities are recognized for their academic excellence, modern learning facilities, and vibrant social environments. This means the scholarships are not simply about gaining admission to a UK university, but about enrolling in high-standard institutions that prioritize both academic achievement and student development. If you are from a Commonwealth country and interested in applying, then this guide is tailored for you.
What are Commonwealth Scholarships?
Though you may already have an idea of what Commonwealth Scholarships are, allow us to provide a brief explanation for clarity. Commonwealth Scholarships are financial aid programs awarded to students from Commonwealth countries who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and strong potential to contribute to the development of their home country. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, and other allowances, ensuring that students can pursue their studies at universities in the UK without financial barriers.
Countries Under the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth consists of 56 member countries, mainly former territories of the British Empire. Some of the key countries include:
- Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Cameroon, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Sierra Leone.
- Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Maldives, Brunei.
- Caribbean & Americas: Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, Belize, Guyana, The Bahamas.
- Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands.
- Europe: United Kingdom, Cyprus, Malta.
If you are not from any of the listed nations, you are not eligible to apply for the commonwealth scholarships, however if you are from one of those countries, you are eligible and you might be considered for the scholarship.
Types of Commonwealth Scholarships
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: Applicable for students who come from low or middle income commonwealth countries and are looking to pursue their masters degree in the UK.
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships: For students who come from commonwealth countries and are interested in undertaking doctoral studies in the UK.
- Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships: For PhD candidates to spend part of their research in the UK while enrolled at a university in their home country.
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: Jointly funded by UK universities and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, this scholarship supports master’s students from Commonwealth countries who demonstrate academic excellence and show strong potential to contribute to the development of their home nation.
- Commonwealth Professional Fellowships: For mid-career professionals from Commonwealth countries, these fellowships provide an opportunity to spend a short period in the UK, gaining advanced skills and knowledge to enhance their expertise during their study year.
- Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships: For commonwealth citizens who want to pursue a UK master’s degree from their home country. This scholarship is however only available via online learning.
The scholarship options listed above highlight that there are opportunities available for Commonwealth students at various levels of study. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate, postgraduate, master’s, or PhD degree, there are scholarships designed to support your academic journey at Commonwealth-recognized institutions in the UK.
Universities That Offer Commonwealth Scholarships
Many UK universities participate in the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme. This is done to being in students from commonwealth countries into the institution. While the scholarship often covers full tuition, travelling expenses and accomodations, you might also be eligible for other merit-based scholarship offered by the institution provided you meet up with the eligibility criteria laid down by the institution. Some of the popular universities in the UK that offers commonwealth scholarships include:
1. University of Oxford Commonwealth scholarships
Oxford offers scholarships for students from commonwealth regions, this scholarship is fully funded and covers living allowance (£16k–£20k), return airfare, and extra allowances for clothing and other miscellaneous.
To be eligible, applicants must be from a developing commonwealth countries and must be enrolled at Oxford studying Master of Public Policy (MPP), MSc Global Health Science & Epidemiology, MSt Diplomatic Studies. (List changes yearly).
How to Apply:
- Apply to Oxford by the December/January deadline.
- Apply separately on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) portal (Nov–Dec).
2. University of Cambridge Commonwealth Scholarships
The university of Cambridge offers a range of commonwealth scholarships, they include:
- Commonwealth (Cambridge) Scholarship: There are various Commonwealth scholarships available at Cambridge aimed to support master’s and PhD applicants from developing Commonwealth countries to Study any course of their choice at any Cambridge college. Provided they meet up with the eligibility criteria they will be awarded the scholarship throughout their study year.
- Commonwealth Shared Cambridge Scholarship: Applicable only for students from developing commonwealth country pursuing their Master’s degrees. The scholarship covers full funding—including tuition that is up to £22,500, airfare, a monthly living stipend of £1,378 or £1,690 in London, warm clothing, a thesis grant, and travel allowance.
- King’s Cambridge Commonwealth Scholarships for Small Island Nations: This Commonwealth PhD Scholarship is designed for candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), supporting research focused on challenges such as environmental resilience, and is fully funded for study at any Cambridge college.
3. London School of Economics (LSE) Commonwealth Scholarships
Another common institution sponsoring commonwealth scholarship is the London School of Economics (LSE) Commonwealth Scholarships. For interested applicants, please be aware that to be eligible you must be enrolled studying either MSc Development Management, Gender & Globalisation, Global Health Policy, International Development & Humanitarian Emergencies, Local Economic Development, Health & International Development, and Environment & Development.
Successfully receiving the award guarantees you a fully covered tuition, living allowance of approximately £20,000, airfare, thesis and travel grants, and a baggage allowance. Other institutions sponsoring a commonwealth scholarship includes :
- King’s College London
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Warwick
- University of Manchester
- University of Leeds
- University of Nottingham
- University of Birmingham
How to Apply for Commonwealth Scholarships
The application process of a commonwealth scholarships are not necessarily the same, they are often decided based on your choice of intuition, course of study and your nationality. However for most commonwealth scholarships, applicants are required to follow theses steps:
- Check Eligibility: Commonwealth Scholarships are only applicable for students from commonwealth countries, so to avoid disqualification make sure you are a citizen of a Commonwealth country before applying.
- Choose a Scholarship Type: Decide whether you are applying for a Master’s, PhD, Split-site program, or Professional Fellowship, as this choice will be a key factor in the scholarship selection process.
- Apply Online: You can apply for a scholarship through the awarding institution or through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) online portal. You can also apply through national nominating agencies, universities, or NGOs.
- Prepare Documents: Prepare all the necessary documents which usually includes Academic transcripts, references, statement of purpose, proof of citizenship, and admission offer (if required). Make sure they are up to date and genuine.
- Submit Before Deadline – Applications usually open in September/October and close in December for the following academic year.
Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Scholarships
While the eligibility criteria varies with the type of scholarship, university and commonwealth regions, below are the general requirements:
- Must be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country. Which includes regions like Africa, Asia, Pacific, Caribbeans and Europe.
- Must hold at least an upper second-class undergraduate degree (2:1) or equivalent (for Master’s applicants).
- For PhD scholarships, a master’s degree is usually required.
- Applicants must be from financially less privileged background, not been able to study in the UK without financial assistance.
- To be qualified, applicants must demonstrate academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to development in their home country.
- Must meet English language requirements, been able to communicate in English language.
If you do not qualify for a Commonwealth Scholarship, don’t be discouraged—there are still other options available to fund your studies. You can explore various international scholarships, apply for fellowships, or consider student loans as alternative means of financial support.
Who is eligible for the Commonwealth Scholarship?
Citizens of the 56 member countries, mainly former territories of the British Empire. Some of the qualified territories include Africa, Asia, Caribbean & Americas, Pacific, and some part of Europe. Aside been a citizen of the qualified countries, you must also be a an academic genius with leadership traits and also the potential of bringing development into your home country.
Do you have to return after a Commonwealth Scholarship?
Depends on the type of commonwealth scholarship you received however most scholarships requires you to return to your country after completing your study year.
Can I stay in the UK after my Commonwealth Scholarship?
No you are required to return to your home country immediately after completing your study year. However you can come back after completing the 2 year return requirement.
How do you get nominated for a Commonwealth Scholarship?
You can be nominated by National Nominating Agencies, UK Universities, or by Approved NGOs / Charitable Bodies
Conclusion
Commonwealth Scholarships are funding opportunities offered to students from Commonwealth countries who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and the potential to drive positive development in their home nations.
These awards usually cover tuition fees, airfare, living costs, and additional allowances, enabling students to study at leading universities in the UK without the burden of financial constraints.