Overview

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are for candidates from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, for full-time Master’s study in the UK on selected one-year courses, jointly supported by UK universities.

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Shared Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required to support sustainable development and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.

The bidding process is for UK universities to submit courses to the CSC for approval to host Commonwealth Shared Scholars. Applications for candidates will open later in the year once these courses are confirmed.

How to bid

Bidding for 2024/25 awards is now closed. Please note that late bids cannot be accepted without prior agreement.

We expect to notify successful universities of their allocated awards by early November and for candidate applications to open soon after, closing in mid-December.

If you have any questions about Commonwealth Shared Scholarships or the bidding process, please contact the CSC Secretariat at shared.scholarships@cscuk.org.uk.

For more information about the CSC, visit the CSC website.

Bidding requirements

UK universities are invited to bid for up to ten Commonwealth Shared Scholarships to be offered in the 2024/25 academic year. Preference will be given to bids with at least two scholarships, although bids for one award will still be considered.

The CSC is not always able to offer the maximum number of scholarships for which a university bids. It is normal practice for the CSC to offer one scholarship to universities that are new to the programme or that have not taken part in the last three years.

Universities may put forward up to eight courses in the bid. These courses must be individually named, not by department; bids for subject areas will not be accepted.

The CSC currently expects to allocate around 210 new Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for 2024/25. Scholarships are for one-year taught courses at postgraduate level and are not for research degrees or undergraduate study.

You are requested to indicate in the course statement whether the course is newly established for this coming year; we will only consider two scholars are allocated to a course where this is the case. Where a course has multiple pathways, whether through optional courses or a modular structure, please identify which are best suited to CSC Scholars and provide reasons within the bid so that this can considered within the grading.

Institution and course content statements

Universities are asked for a statement on the institution’s overall strategy for working with the CSC. This is expected to demonstrate their overall strategy of working with CSC scholars and the aims of the CSC scholarship programmes.

Evidence could be provided in relation to relevant policies, strategies and relevant innovations such as:

• Targeted advertising of the courses in eligible Commonwealth countries
• Institutional research/training partnerships with eligible countries or institutions/organisations within eligible countries
• Successful university-wide recruitment of Scholars from eligible countries
• Pre-course assessment of student learning/welfare needs
• General learning/IT support for graduates
• Targeted learning/IT support structures for scholars from eligible countries (e.g., on arrival/induction)
• General welfare support for graduates
• Targeted welfare support for CSC scholars
• Tracking destinations of CSC scholars
• Extra funding or financial support for eligible CSC scholars. (e.g., digital resources, benefaction)

The form also asks for information on:

• How the institution will advertise and undertake recruitment for the scholarships
• Any eligibility criteria in addition to the Commission’s own criteria which will be used for recruitment
• Where the funding for the awards will come from (i.e., whether from central university funds or from an external source)

As Commonwealth Shared Scholars are funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), subjects of study must be demonstrably developmental in nature. Institutions are asked to provide a statement outlining each course and explaining its direct and applied relevance to one of the Commission’s six CSC Development themes as well as to eligible countries.

The course statements will be graded under three categories:

1. Course content, where our Commission will look for:

• Focus on the course content (with descriptions) on the conditions, problems, opportunities in eligible countries
• Course development which directly addresses concerns of eligible countries identified, for example, by previous students, partnerships with such countries, and research programmes
• Professional validation and/or accreditation for the course
• Benefaction for the course

2. Recruitment and learning opportunities, where our Commission will look for:

• Recruitment figures from previous years showing country of origin, gender, disability
• Targeting course recruitment strategies for scholars from eligible countries generally or from specific partner countries or institutions within them
• An assessment at admissions of Scholars’ prior interests in promoting development; for example: in professional, political, socio-cultural, economic and technological spheres or in academic research
• Faculty or course-based learning support for scholars from eligible countries
• Opportunities to build upon and develop Scholars’ knowledge of their own country context and how knowledge or skills might be applied to that context during or after the course of study
• Project/research work where Scholars analyse and develop their knowledge and skills on a topic of direct relevance to their home country
• Opportunities for Scholars to participate in international/national research-based projects in eligible countries and/or professional agencies/networks associated with a particular course with the potential to be carried forward when they return home

3. Evaluations of development impact where our Commission will look for:

• Examples of alumni employment destinations and of the impact or intended impact (for new entries) of the particular Master’s course
• Case studies of Scholars who have attended the course and have been successful in promoting development initiatives or new research/teaching
• Scholar feedback on, or evaluation data from the course or particular modules

Only courses which do not require further study, training, or employment in the UK, including courses with industry placements, are eligible. MBA courses will be supported only in exceptional circumstances where a direct development focus and aim can be demonstrated.

Universities must also provide a link to the key modules within each course in their bid.

Only universities in receipt of UK Government grant funding are eligible to bid for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships.

Development statement – dos and dont’s

Do

• Provide strong evidence why the course is particularly relevant to eligible Commonwealth countries
• Be specific about how the course content can be applied to ensure development impact especially for eligible countries
• Identify vocational skill training that is particularly relevant to CSC Scholars
• Demonstrate how the course has had or could have a development impact on the Scholar’s home country when they return
• Explain how the course links to the chosen CSC development theme
• Provide examples of the course or university’s record in development, where applicable
• Consult with the course leaders when writing the statements
• Identify relevant pathways through a modular structure for CSC Scholars
• Provide links to core modules in each course
• Check that the statements are complete and correct before submitting the bid

Don’t

• Use the same statement for each course
• Use generic course descriptions; these will not be considered
• Rely on the name of the course to demonstrate its developmental nature
• Copy and paste course information from the university website

Recruitment and selection

Universities that are successful at the bidding stage will be notified which courses and how many scholarships have been approved by the CSC.

The CSC will issue a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to universities that will confirm the conditions of the scholarship as well as the responsibilities of the CSC and of the university; this is renewed on an annual basis. Placement cannot go ahead until the CSC receives the signed MOU. For universities which participated the previous year, the existing MoU can be used.

All candidates must apply via CSC’s online application form and universities must use the CSC’s application form to nominate candidates. Candidates are to apply for a place on the university course separately through the university’s own admissions application process.

The list of eligible courses for 2024/25 Commonwealth Shared Scholarships will be published on the CSC website, with university contact details, in November 2023.

Applications for 2024/25 Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are scheduled to open in early November 2023 and close in mid-December 2023. Exact opening and closing dates will be given nearer the time along with the full timetable for the nominations process taking place in early 2024.

It is the responsibility of universities to conduct their own recruitment of candidates as they see fit in an open and transparent manner and with reference to the CSC anti-fraud policy and procedure.

The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination and encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. For further information on the support available to candidates with a disability, see the CSC disability support statement. The CSC asks universities to continue positively to encourage women to apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships.

The profile of Commonwealth Shared Scholarships has continued to prove very popular in recent years and the CSC is committed to supporting universities to manage recruitment and selection. As part of this, we would like to highlight the option for universities to state a regional or country preference in the bidding form; this should ensure you receive a more focused set of applications.

Candidate eligibility

Candidates are expected to hold a first degree at either first class or upper-second class level, or at lower-second class level plus a Master’s degree. The CSC cannot assess work experience in lieu of this minimum academic qualification.

Pre-sessional English courses are not supported by this programme. Universities must therefore confirm that candidates are sufficiently fluent in written and oral English to pursue their studies immediately and ensure that they meet the English language requirement set by UK Visas and Immigration.

To apply for these scholarships, candidates must:

• Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
• Be available to start their academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September/October 2024
• By October 2024, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard, or a second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree)
• Not have studied or worked for one (academic) year or more in a high-income country (for CSC purposes this is classified as a country which does not appear on the DAC list of ODA recipients)
• Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship (note the university may be asked to state its procedures for verifying applicants’ financial status)
• Commit to return to their home country within one month of the end date of the scholarship

These eligibility criteria are current as of August 2023 and are subject to minor changes.

Eligible Commonwealth countries

(Please see list of eligible countries below as stated in the DAC list published in January 2022)

Bangladesh
Belize
Botswana
Cameroon
Dominica
Eswatini
Fiji
Gabon
The Gambia
Ghana
Grenada
Guyana
India
Jamaica
Kenya
Kiribati
Lesotho
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mauritius
Montserrat
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru
Nigeria
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Rwanda
Saint Helena
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
Togo
Tonga
Tuvalu
Uganda
Vanuatu
Zambia

The CSC is keen to ensure a good geographical spread of these awards and encourages recruitment from countries under-represented in UK higher education.

Financial commitment and branding

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are jointly financed by the CSC and host universities. Any contribution towards the university’s share of the scholarship costs must come from the university’s own funds or from an organisation whose mission and aims are in line with those of the CSC. All documentation and promotional material must recognise that Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are jointly funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) and the university.

Commonwealth Shared Scholars must not be asked to contribute to the university element of the scholarship. Any university expecting a Shared Scholar to do this will render themselves liable to repayment of the tuition fee to the CSC and exclusion from the programme in future years.

The CSC will pay the following (on receipt of an invoice and relevant supporting documentation from the university):

• Course tuition fees up to a cap of £22,500
• Airfares to and from the UK, booked in line with CSC’s travel policy
• Grant to contribute to study-related costs
• Tuberculosis test fees at a pre-determined amount set by the CSC where required by UK Visas and Immigration
• Excess baggage allowance on return home up to the specific rate as set by the CSC
• Disability Support Allowance for personal living costs (if eligible)
• For Scholars with children who are widowed, divorced, or a single parent, child allowance of £576.61 ​ per month for the first child, and £142.79 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16 (at current rate)

The costs of any compulsory field trips or bench fees should be included in the tuition fee; the CSC will not cover any additional costs beyond the listed course tuition fee.

The university is expected to provide at least the following level of support (current figures; updated figures will be available in advance of the academic year):

• Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1347 per month, or £1652 per month for Scholars at universities in the London metropolitan area; this must be paid for the full duration of the scholarship
• Warm clothing allowance of £522

These amounts are set by the UK government for all students on government-funded scholarships. If universities provide free accommodation in lieu of part of the stipend payment, they must ensure that family accommodation is available if required by a Commonwealth Shared Scholar. All Commonwealth Shared Scholars must have commenced their award in the UK for stipend to be paid.

Scholarship tenure and return home

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are tenable for one year and cannot be extended or renewed.

All Commonwealth Shared Scholars are required to return to their home country within one month of the end of their courses. No permission will be given to defer the homeward airfare, except where a Scholar has secured an offer of PhD study in the UK with full funding for three years of study from a university or recognised scholarship body. In such cases, if the Shared Scholarship host university agrees, the CSC will allow the Scholar to remain in the UK and will issue a ‘no objection’ letter to support their visa application. Scholars are not eligible for a Graduate visa.

Welfare

The university is responsible for managing the welfare of Commonwealth Shared Scholars while they are on award. While the CSC pays for tuition fees, the university must pay for living allowances and provide any additional funding necessary to support the welfare of Scholars. This includes supporting Scholars with disabilities and funding any academic related reasonable adjustments that are required. If a Commonwealth Shared Scholar requires additional support in their personal life and they declare a disability to the CSC, a full assessment of their needs and eligibility for additional financial support will be offered by the CSC.

Enquiries

If you have any questions about Commonwealth Shared Scholarships or the bidding process, please contact the CSC Secretariat at shared.scholarships@cscuk.org.uk

General enquiries about applying for Commonwealth Scholarships or Fellowships sent to this email address will not be answered; please use the Contact us form instead.