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 31,000 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.
65 Years of Development Impact
Throughout 2024, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission is celebrating 65 years of delivering Commonwealth Scholarships to candidates of outstanding academic achievement and leadership ability.
Click here to discover the impact of Commonwealth Scholars since the first cohort began their studies in the UK in 1960, through to present day.
Latest Publications
Forging connections and collaboration across the Commonwealth: A Review of the Commonwealth Academic Fellowship Programme
As well as offering Scholarships for postgraduate and doctoral study, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission has funded almost 2,500 Academic Fellowships since 1969, providing early and mid-career academics from across the Commonwealth with the opportunity to work and undertake research at UK universities. The CSC Evaluation Team recently undertook a review of the programme using data gathered from the 2015-2017 cohorts. The aim was to identify the outcomes, impact, and the scope of the potential short and long-term benefits of the Academic Fellowships on the Fellows’ Host institutions in the UK and their employing institutions in their home countries, as well as on the Fellows themselves.
Learning more about the Commonwealth Split-site programme
The CSC has proudly offered Scholarships for Split-site doctoral study for over twenty years and is delighted to announce the launch of the 2021...
Twenty Years of Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
The CSC is proud to have supported over 3,000 exceptional scholars from 41 countries across the Commonwealth to undertake Commonwealth Scholarships by Distance Learning over the last two decades. In the run-up to the twentieth anniversary of the programme, the CSC is preparing to undertake an in-depth programme evaluation, beginning with the publication of a short rapid analysis summary and infographic highlighting the unique attributes and impact of the programme.
Latest news
Engaging young people in environmental conservation in Ghana
On 2 November, Commonwealth Alumnus Dr Albert Banunle organised an activity to raise awareness on the effects of climate change in Ghana and foster youth-led ideas and approaches to support environmental and sustainable development.
Improving library resources for Persons with Disabilities in Kenya
On 2 November, Commonwealth Alumnus Dr Gilbert Mugeni organised a Library Open Day to promote awareness of the new and improved accessible services available to PWDs at the Communications Authority of Kenya’s Library.
Marking 65 years of Commonwealth Scholarships in Malaysia
On 3 December, Commonwealth Alumni in Malaysia gathered for a special event to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Commonwealth Scholarship...
