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
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.
Exploring Diary Methods to Measure the Outcomes and Impact of International Scholarships
The CSC Evaluation Team is always keen to explore more innovative ways to identify and measure the outcomes and impact of Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships. In 2019-2020 we conducted a trial and a pilot study to test the feasibility and effectiveness of using diary methods as a potential tool to collect information on the experiences, activities, and events of our alumni ‘in the moment’ following the Scholarship.
Knowledge, Networks and Development: 20 years of Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
‘In my career, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened’ said Dr Akinniyi Ayobami Adeleke, reflecting on the transformative impact of his CSC Professional Fellowship. As Head Librarian at Redeemer’s University in Nigeria, Dr Adeleke continually applies the advanced computer programming and management skills gained through his Fellowship at the University of East London towards the upgrading and modernisation of his university’s library services, as well as the upskilling of his colleagues.
Latest news
65 Years of Impact- Celebrating the contributions of Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni in Ghana
On 13 December, the Commonwealth Scholars & Fellows Alumni, Ghana (CoSFAG) delivered an event for alumni in-country to celebrate 65 years of...
Development in Action webinar series: From Indian Navy to international trade: Commonwealth Scholarships enabling career transitions
On Tuesday 10 December 2024, Commonwealth Alumnus Lt Cdr Bidisha Pandey (Retd) delivered a webinar on ‘From Indian Navy to international trade:...
Towards a Knowledge Hub – Marking 65 years of Commonwealth Scholarships in Bangladesh
On 7 December, the Bangladesh Association of Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows (BACSAF) held a summit to mark the 65th anniversary of the...
