About us
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government’s scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. It supports the co-creation of research, innovation, and solutions to enact sustainable development priorities across the Commonwealth and beyond.
Who we are
Since 1960, the CSC has funded over 31,000 individuals to study in the UK and gain skills, acquire knowledge, and build networks to tackle global development challenges.
The CSC is an executive non-departmental public body and operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Department for Education and UK University partners, the CSC offers a range of study, research, and professional development options for people throughout the Commonwealth.
Our objectives
Our work drives forward global sustainable development objectives by supporting innovators and leaders of the future from across the Commonwealth, while simultaneously attracting outstanding talent to UK universities.
Our objectives are three-fold:
- To provide a world-class scholarship scheme that contributes to sustainable development across the Commonwealth.
- To ensure that our programmes promote equity and inclusion, reward merit, and deliver widespread access, especially to those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- To support and encourage cutting-edge research, innovation, and knowledge exchange throughout the Commonwealth.
Governance
The Commission was created to manage the contribution of the United Kingdom to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). The Commission consists of between 9 and 14 Commissioners and a Chair. Together, they are responsible for ensuring the Commission fulfils the aims and objectives of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).
To learn more about the Commission and our Commissioners, and to find our policies and key documents including our Annual Report, Business Plan, and Corporate Plan please follow the links below.
CSC development themes
The CSC is driven forward by international development objectives. As part of their application, Commonwealth Scholars select at least 3 UN Sustainable Development Goals that they aim to impact post-award and scholarships are offered across six key development themes:
Science and technology for development
Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
Strengthening resilience and response to crises
Strengthening health systems and capacity
Strengthening global peace, security and governance
Access, inclusion and opportunity
Science and technology for development
Strengthening health systems and capacity
Access, inclusion and opportunity
Strengthening resilience and response to crises
Strengthening global peace, security and governance
Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
Percentage of 2021 Commonwealth Scholarships applicable to each CSC development theme
Our commitment to equity, access and inclusion
We are working continuously to build on and improve our procedures to ensure we offer a scholarship programme that serves everyone, regardless of disadvantage or, accessibility needs, and including those from historically marginalised groups.
We are committed to this work, and endeavour to ensure our commitment to widening access and participation is present in all the work that we do.
To view some of the work we have undertaken in this area please follow the below links:
