The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the main UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives.
Who we are
The CSC is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
The CSC operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and is a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth.
What we do
To date, over 34,000 people have taken up Commonwealth Scholarships since the first group of 175 Scholars arrived in the UK in 1960. Since then the scheme has constantly developed, adapting to the very different world of the present. You can read more about what we do in the CSC’s impact report.
Our development impact
The CSC champions sustainable development and supports Commonwealth Scholars to drive innovation, lead change, and advance knowledge in their home countries and beyond.
By building a community of Scholars, Fellows, and Alumni who can use their expertise to address development challenges, the CSC aims to create a fairer, more prosperous, and sustainable world for all.
Latest publications
Promoting Housing Rights and Improving Access to Bone Marrow Donations for Cancer Patients in India
The CSC is excited to bring you the first new Case Study of 2023, continuing its series of published in 2022, as part of our ongoing work exploring...
Empowering Ugandan Citizens to Access Information, Engaging the Youth in Policy Making and Promoting Entrepreneurship
We are very pleased to share our latest case study, featuring Phionah Kanyorobe, a Commonwealth Alumnus whose developmental work cuts across three CSC Development Themes: Strengthening global peace, security and governance; Access, inclusion and opportunity; and Promoting global prosperity.
Promoting gender equality, improving access to justice, and promoting positive health outcomes for underserved communities: three new case studies
We are pleased to share the latest three alumni case studies, this time focused on the CSC Development Theme: Access, inclusion and opportunity. They join the twelve individual case studies published earlier this year demonstrating the outcomes and impact of Commonwealth Scholarships on international development across the six CSC Development Themes.
Latest news
Re-igniting the dream: an intergenerational dialogue on women’s rights and empowerment in Grenada
On 21 February 2026, Commonwealth Alumnus Elaine Henry-McQueen convened an intergenerational dialogue in St. George’s, Grenada, co-hosted by Senator the Hon. Dr Dessima Williams, diplomat and founder of the Grenada Education and Development Programme (GRENED).
Interchange26: Exploring Equity, Fair Trade, and Innovation Across the Commonwealth
Between 3–5 February 2026, Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni joined the CSC’s annual global conference, Interchange26, to explore how equity, fair...
Boosting climate-smart livestock farming in Nigeria
On 10 January 2026, Commonwealth Alumnus Abolaji Ogunjimi delivered a capacity-strengthening workshop aimed at improving the knowledge, skills, and resilience of livestock farmers in Ibadan, Nigeria.
