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
Expanding Horizons: The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship Programme
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships were established in 2001 as part of an initiative designed to expand the modes of scholarships offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK. To date, it has funded nearly 4,000 Scholars from 41 Commonwealth countries to study at 45 different higher education institutions in the United Kingdom.
Tackling corruption, addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development: three new case studies
The CSC brings you three new alumni Case Studies that vividly demonstrate how Commonwealth Alumni are applying the skills and knowledge sharpened on Scholarship to lead and influence change and to successfully deliver developmental activities that have improved livelihoods in their communities and beyond.
Exploring the developmental impact of Commonwealth Alumni: three new case studies
The CSC is excited to bring you three new Case Studies as part of our on-going work exploring the individual trajectories of Commonwealth Alumni. They complement the six case studies published earlier in 2022 and provide further evidence as to the wide-ranging impact of Commonwealth Alumni and the contribution their Commonwealth Scholarship has made to their developmental work.
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.
