If you’re a student from a developing Commonwealth country with the dream of studying in the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025/26 offer a fully funded chance to pursue a one-year Master’s degree at some of the best UK universities.
This scholarship is designed for students who are passionate about making a development impact in their home countries and who otherwise would not be able to afford a UK education.
What Are the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are a component of the UK’s commitment to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). These scholarships are for Master’s degree studies only and are available in partnership with UK universities.
They target candidates who are unable to afford studying in the UK and aim to contribute to the development of their home countries after their studies.
Key Benefits of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
- Full Tuition Fees – Covered by the CSC and the host university
- Monthly Stipend – Living allowance of approximately £1,347/month
- Travel Costs – Return airfare from your home country to the UK
- Study Travel Grant – To cover the cost of study-related travel within the UK
- Warm Clothing and Thesis Grants (if eligible)
- Networking with global scholars and development professionals
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025, you must:
- Be a citizen of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Be permanently residing in a low or middle-income country
- Hold a first degree with at least an upper second-class (2:1) standard
- Not have studied or worked for more than one year in a high-income country
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship
- Have applied to an eligible Master’s program at a participating UK university
Eligible Courses and Development Themes
The scholarships are available for a wide range of one-year taught Master’s programs across selected UK universities. These programs fall under six key development themes:
- Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity
- Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Science and Technology for Development
- Strengthening Health Systems and Capacity
- Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises
- Strengthening Global Peace, Security, and Governance
Courses range from public health, gender and education, to environmental sustainability, engineering, agriculture, and global governance.
Eligible Fields of Study
The programs supported are aligned with the UK’s development goals, including:
- Public Health
- Education
- Climate Change
- Science and Technology
- Economic Development
- Governance and Conflict Resolution
- Water and Sanitation
- Agriculture
- Gender Equality
How to Apply
To apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025, follow these steps:
- Apply for admission to an eligible Master’s course at a participating UK university.
- Apply for the scholarship via the CSC’s online application system.
- Ensure all required documents are uploaded:
- Transcripts
- References
- Proof of citizenship
- Proof of permanent residency
- Statement of purpose and development impact
Required Documents
- Valid passport or national ID
- University transcripts
- Two academic references
- Proof of English proficiency (if required by university)
- Admission application to a UK university
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Academic merit
- Development impact potential
- Quality of study plan
- Relevance to home country’s development needs
Eligible Countries (Partial List)
- Bangladesh
- Ghana
- India
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Rwanda
- Sierra Leone
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
Official Application link:
Conclusion
The Commonwealth Shared Master’s Scholarships 2025 open the doors for ambitious students from developing Commonwealth countries to pursue world-class education in the UK for free.
If you meet the eligibility and have a passion for contributing to your country’s development, this scholarship could be your perfect gateway to academic and professional success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, but you can only accept one Commonwealth scholarship at a time.
2. Do I need to pay application fees?
No, there are no CSC application fees. However, some universities might charge for admission.
3. Can I choose any course?
No. You must apply for courses approved under the Shared Scholarships program.
4. Can I apply without a passport?
You must provide proof of identity and nationality. A valid passport is typically required.
5. Are PhD studies covered?
No. The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are only for Master’s programs.
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