Scholarships and Fellowships
Our work combines sustainable development with the UK national interest, by supporting innovators and leaders of the future from across the Commonwealth and attracting outstanding talent to the UK’s universities.
To date, over 31,000 people have taken up a Commonwealth Scholarship since the first group of 175 Scholars arrived in the UK in 1960. During those six decades, the scheme has constantly developed, adapting to the very different world of a 56-nation Commonwealth of today.
Commonwealth Scholarships act as a catalyst for sustainable development by actively supporting candidates of outstanding ability, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, based in low and middle income countries.
Commonwealth Scholarships granted since 1960
Scholars from 18 countries were welcomed in the first cohort
Unique scholarship programmes offered to nations across the Commonwealth
The majority of Scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), with the aim of contributing to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals across a modern Commonwealth.
The Department for Education has funded our scholarship programme for candidates from high income Commonwealth countries to support post graduate research excellence and awards at doctoral level.
Programmes
For low and middle income countries
Master’s Scholarships
Master’s Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
Shared Master’s Scholarships
Shared Master’s Scholarships are offered at selected UK universities for selected courses. The CSC works with these universities to share the cost of funding for these awards.
Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships
Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships offer a selection of Master’s courses through participating universities for those who may not be able to travel outside of their country.
Split-site PhD Scholarships
Split-site PhD Scholarships are aimed at graduates from Commonwealth countries who have a place at a university in an eligible Commonwealth country with a link to a UK university.
Professional Fellowships
For least developed countries and vulnerable states
as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC)
PhD Scholarships
Open to any participating high income Commonwealth country
High income PhD Scholarships
High income PhD Scholarships are for candidates from high income countries for full-time doctoral study at a UK university.
Disability Support
The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to become catalysts for positive change in their communities and beyond. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination and encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. Since 2018, the CSC has supported 72 disabled Scholars from 15 countries. Click the button below for further information on the support available to scholars and fellows with a disability.
Women in Education
52% of candidates selected for CSC scholarships (those funded by Overseas Development Assistance funding) in 2021 were female. We work closely with our nominating agencies and university partners to ensure we are offering equal opportunities to all candidates regardless of their gender and that all our partners carry out nominations in a way that ensures an equal gender balance. Our gender policy requires all agencies to work towards nominating at least 45% female and 45% male candidates.
Time Limited Programmes
Since 2018, the CSC has been running unique Time Limited Programmes (TLPs) which sit outside of our main programmes and allow us to respond flexibly to current political or environmental challenges affecting the Commonwealth. These projects run for a one-year period and include a series of activities responding to a specific priority area.
LGBT+ Rights
We do not require scholars to share their gender identity or sexual orientation with us, but always give the option to do so. The CSC’s 2023/2024 Time Limited Programme is focussed on LGBT+ Rights, to find out more about what activities are planned throughout the year please visit the TLP page.
