Eligibility

Who can apply to take part in the programme?

Mentees

  • All 2026 Commonwealth Scholars studying in the UK
  • Continuing PhD Scholars

Mentors

  • All Commonwealth Alumni who have studied in the UK and have at least one year post-Scholarship
  • Current Mentors may apply to take part for another year

What does it mean if I apply and am not paired?

There are a greater number of eligible Commonwealth Alumni than incoming Scholars. This typically means the programme receives more applications for Mentors than Mentees and as such, not all Mentor applications can be paired.

Pairings are made based on application responses across a number of areas, including: pairing country preference; Mentor and Mentee subject and/or field of study; topic area; key words; motivations for becoming a Mentor/Mentee; and the professional experience of a Mentor.

Will I receive feedback on my application?

We are unable to provide feedback on individual applications. We encourage all unsuccessful applicants to apply to the programme in future, or submit a request to volunteer for any similar opportunities by contacting the CSC Alumni Team at alumni@cscuk.org.uk

About the pairing

Will I have the same Mentor/Mentee throughout the programme?

Yes, you will have the same Mentor/Mentee for the duration of the year-long cycle.

Will I be paired with a Mentor/Mentee from the same subject area?

Pairings are based on a range of factors, including home-country or cross-country pairing preference, subject and/or field of study, topic area, key words, motivations for joining the programme, and the Mentor’s professional experience.

While subject area and field of study are considered, they are not the primary criteria for pairing. The CSC aims to create pairings that support meaningful knowledge-sharing, professional development, and mentoring relationships.

 

 

Where possible, applicants will be matched using the information provided in their applications. However, direct matches, where a Mentor and Mentee studied the same subject or attended the same institution, are uncommon and are not the primary aim of the programme.

 

Are all pairings successful?

During the programme, there is the possibility that not all pairings will continue for the full duration of the programme. In these situations, the Alumni Team will terminate the pairing. Reasons for unsuccessful pairings vary and some are outlined below:

  • Mentor/Mentee has not submitted their agreement form confirming participation
  • Mentor/Mentee is unable to continue due to personal, professional, or other unforeseen commitments
  • Mentor/Mentee mutually agree that the pairing is not suitable

 

The CSC cannot guarantee an alternative pairing if a mentoring pairing ends early. However, participants are encouraged to seek out alternative means of support through CSC activities.

 

What should a Mentor/Mentee do if there is a disagreement?

You should refer to the section on constructive feedback in Mentoring Programme Handbooks available on the CSC website. The information on constructive feedback will support pairs in having healthy and positive mentoring conversations.

If you still have any concerns about how to go about this or are unable to reconcile differences, please contact alumni@cscuk.org.uk

Can a Mentor engage a third person or expert to help their Mentee regarding a specific need?

 

The CSC Mentoring Programme is based on a one-to-one relationship between a Mentor and Mentee. However, where appropriate, a Mentor may recommend or facilitate contact with a third party who can provide specialist advice or expertise relevant to the Mentee’s needs.

Before introducing a third party, the Mentor must obtain the consent of both individuals and must not share any personal information, including names or contact details, without their prior agreement.

 

Can Mentors proof-read essays?

Mentors can provide guidance, look at sections of work, but should not edit whole chapters or essays, as this is not the purpose of a Mentor.

If a Mentee goes to the same university as their Mentor, and is doing a similar course, can they share notes or past exams papers?

This practice can be frowned upon in some UK institutions. Mentees should contact their course coordinator if they wish to view or access these materials.

Meeting your Mentor/Mentee

Who should initiate the first introduction?

 

The Mentor should make the first contact by email and introduce themselves to their Mentee. This initial introduction helps establish the mentoring relationship, set expectations, and begin planning future communication.

You can read guidance on the type of information to share in initial communications in the Mentoring Programme Handbooks.

 

Is a physical meeting between Mentors and Mentees allowed?

 

The CSC Mentoring Programme is designed primarily as a virtual programme, as Mentors and Mentees are often based in different countries during the Scholarship period.

If a Mentor and Mentee happen to be in the same location and both wish to meet in person, they may do so at their own discretion. Any in-person meeting should be arranged by mutual agreement, take place in a safe and appropriate setting, and comply with any relevant local guidance or regulations (for instance, COVID regulations).

Neither Mentor nor Mentee should feel obligated to meet in person, and either party may decline such a meeting if they are uncomfortable doing so.

 

What is the minimum commitment to meet every month?

The minimum commitment of engagement is two hours every month. You can organise this time in whatever way works best for your goals and time commitments.

Can I meet with my Mentor/Mentee more than 2 hours in a month?

Yes, you can. You will both need to agree meetings and time commitments.

What if I do not hear from my Mentor/Mentee, despite repeatedly trying to get in touch with them?

When contacting your Mentor/Mentee, keep in mind that they may have reasons to not respond immediately. The reasons could include important work/study deadlines, travel, illness, or other personal reasons. Always provide a sufficient deadline for them to respond by and if you still fail to hear back, notify the CSC Alumni Team at alumni@cscuk.org.uk

Goal setting

What type of goals can I set?

It is important to set clear goals at the start of the cycle so you know what support your Mentor/Mentee needs to provide, and you understand what you can ask them about. Goals may relate to academic, professional, and personal growth. Please refer to the SMART goals framework in the Mentoring Programme Handbooks.

Should Mentors set goals?

 

Yes. The CSC Mentoring Programme is a two-way learning experience, and Mentors are encouraged to set goals for their own development, as well as support their Mentee in achieving theirs.

As a Mentor, consider what you hope to gain from the experience, the skills you would like to develop, and what you would like to learn from your Mentee. 

Examples of Mentor goals include: developing mentorking, leadership and professional skills, building meaningful connections, expanding knowledge of a different sector, country, or professional context, building meaningful connections within the Commonwealth community.

Please refer to the SMART goals framework in the Mentoring Programme Handbooks.

 

Post-mentoring programme

Will I get a certificate for participating in the programme?

Participants who complete the full mentoring cycle and complete the final feedback survey will receive a certificate confirming their participation.

Can Mentors and Mentees continue to stay in touch after completing the formal Mentoring Programme?

We encourage Mentors and Mentees to discuss whether they would like to keep in contact following the end of the formal programme and you should discuss this during the final stage. It is important to remember that the dynamics of this relationship may be different post-programme.