CSC Mentoring Programme
The Mentoring Programme enables Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni to connect and inspire each other to create real-world impact.
By matching new Commonwealth Scholars with experienced Commonwealth Alumni working in fields relevant to their studies, the programme offers a unique opportunity for one-on-one guidance and practical insight, helping scholars turn academic knowledge into meaningful action after their scholarship.
Who can join the programme?
Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholars
Become a Mentee and unlock the opportunity to maximise your Scholarship experience and translate your academic learning into real-world impact. Through personalised guidance from a Commonwealth Alumnus, you will be able to draw on your Mentor’s skills, experience and expertise, gaining valuable insights to help you navigate challenges, seize opportunities and make the most of your time as a Commonwealth Scholar.
As a Mentee, you will receive tailored support to help you excel both academically and professionally. From adapting to life and study in the UK to developing key employability and leadership skills, your Mentor will provide practical advice, encouragement and guidance throughout the programme.
Commonwealth Alumni
By becoming a Mentor, you can provide guidance, encouragement and support to a Commonwealth Scholar, helping them develop the skills, confidence and networks needed to create meaningful change in their home countries, communities and fields.
As a Mentor, you will have the rewarding opportunity to share your knowledge and provide practical guidance to a Scholar as they navigate their studies and future career. Through the mentoring relationship, you will also strengthen your own leadership, communication and mentoring skills, while gaining fresh perspectives and the satisfaction of supporting the next generation of Commonwealth Scholars.
You will receive information via email when applications open. If you have any questions, you can read our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact alumni@cscuk.org.uk.
How does the programme work?
Applications open in September and pairings will be announced in November. The programme runs for one year from December to December.
- Successful applicants are matched in one-to-one mentoring pairing based on their application responses
- A structured five-stage programme guides Mentors and Mentees towards achieving their goals
- Access to programme handbooks and skills development resources
- Virtual information sessions at the start of the programme
- Virtual meet-up sessions to connect with fellow Mentors and Mentees
- Opportunities to share experiences, learning and best practice throughout the programme
‘The CSC Mentoring Programme has been a truly enriching experience, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate. My pairing was thoughtfully considered, and although my mentor and I came from different fields, the connection was both meaningful and impactful. Their guidance helped me think more critically about how to align my academic work with real-world needs, particularly within the Pacific context. What made the experience unique was the balance of professional insight and personal encouragement. The mentorship extended beyond academic advice. It offered a space for reflection, affirmation, and growth. I especially valued the cultural resonance of being paired with someone from my home country, which added depth and relatability to our conversations. This programme has not only supported my development as a scholar but also inspired me to give back. If given the opportunity, I would be honoured to serve as a mentor in the future and support other scholars on their journey.’
2024-2025 Mentee from Fiji
How can I apply?
All eligible Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni will receive full information about the programme and how to apply in September. You can find out more about the by reading Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
If you have any questions about the programme, contact the CSC Alumni Team at alumni@cscuk.org.uk.
Why should I take part?
To find out what inspired previous Mentors and Mentees to join the programme, read the testimonials below.
Previous mentoring participants
You can read about the experiences of previous programme participants in the testimonials below.
Matia Alinaitwe is a 2020 Scholar from Uganda. He was paired with Commonwealth Alumnus Tricia McLean Rowe from Jamaica. Read about how they shared knowledge on GIS systems and learned about each other’s culture.
Meenakshi Shukla is a 2016 Scholar from India. She was paired with a Commonwealth Scholar from Ghana. Read about how she continues to work with her Mentee through research collaboration.
Mwanja Mwale is a 2020 Commonwealth Scholar from Zambia. She was paired with a Commonwealth Alumnus from South Africa. Read about how the opportunity helped her stay engaged throughout her PhD programme.
Aditi Rajpal is a 2021 Commonwealth Scholar from India. She was paired with a Commonwealth Scholar from Kenya. Read about how they developed their cultural understanding and shared interests in chemical engineering during the programme.
Dr Naveed Hussain is a 2019 Commonwealth Split-site Scholar from Pakistan. He was paired with a Commonwealth Scholar from Nigeria. Read about how their mentoring partnership led to a joint review paper and research grant funding.
Ama Birch Freeman is a 2004 Commonwealth Scholar from Ghana. She was paired with a Commonwealth Scholar from Ghana. Read about how she improved her skills as a researcher and lecturer while supporting her Mentee during his schoalrship journey.
