Brief description: Application is now open for the CSC Commonwealth Scholarships for Masters and PhD students from developing Commonwealth countries to study in UK, funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID).
Subject Areas: All subject areas are eligible, although the CSC’s selection criteria give priority to applications that demonstrate strong relevance to development.
Levels of study: Masters and PhD
About Scholarship
Each year, Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s and PhD study in the UK are offered for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. These scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), with the aim of contributing to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth.
Scholarship Offered Since: 1959
Scholarship Type: Masters and PhD Scholarship
Who is qualified to apply?
To apply for these scholarships, you must:
- Be a Commonwealth citizen, refugee, or British protected person
- Be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country
- Be available to start your academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September/October 2016
- By October 2016, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard, or a second class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree)
The CSC promotes equal opportunity, gender equity, and cultural exchange. Applications are encouraged from a diverse range of candidates.
Selection Criteria
Applications are considered according to the following selection criteria:
- Academic merit of the candidate
- Quality of the proposal
- Likely impact of the work on the development of the candidate’s home country
Selection process
Each year, the CSC invites selected nominating bodies to submit a specific number of nominations. The deadline for nominating bodies to submit nominations to the CSC is 17 December 2015.
The CSC invites around three times more nominations than scholarships available – therefore, nominated candidates are not guaranteed to be awarded a scholarship. There are no quotas for scholarships for any individual country. Candidates nominated by national nominating agencies are in competition with those nominated by other nominating bodies, and the same standards will be applied to applications made through either channel.
Number of Scholarships: Approximately 300 scholarships are awarded each year. The CSC invites around three times more nominations than scholarships available – therefore, nominated candidates are not guaranteed to get a scholarship. There are no quotas for scholarships for any individual country. Candidates nominated by national nominating agencies are in competition with those nominated by universities/university bodies, and the same standards will be applied to applications made through either channel.
Duration of Scholarships: 12 months for Masters and up to 36 months for PhD
Eligible Countries: Developing commonwealth countries including African countries
To be taken at: UK Universities
Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 19 November 2015 at the latest. Please note that this is an earlier deadline than in previous years.
Offered annually? Yes
How to Apply
You must apply to one of the following nominating bodies in the first instance – the CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships:
- National nominating agencies – this is the main route of application. See link below
- Selected universities/university bodies, which can nominate their own academic staff. See link below
- Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies
All applications must be made through your nominating body in your home country. Each nominating body is responsible for its own selection process.
Visit Scholarship webpage for details. Read carefully for guideline.
Sponsors: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and UK Department for International Development (DFID).
Important Notes: All enquiries about these scholarships should be directed to your nominating body in your home country.
AGYAPONG JOHNSON JOSEPH
November 7, 2015 — 6:53 am
I’m a university graduates from Ghana with a bachelor of science(accounting education). Please, i need your assistance to do my MBA at your respectful university. Thank you.
biruktawit
February 27, 2017 — 9:46 pm
Hello! Ser i want to learn there in master’s program im already graduate in marketing management.
Priscilla Nana Yeboah
March 14, 2017 — 5:54 pm
Am a nurse in Ghana I wish to continue my studies in your country
biruktawit
March 15, 2017 — 9:32 pm
Im graduate high school from Ethiopia pls help me to get study my degree there
Blessing Chukwu
March 19, 2017 — 7:17 pm
I’m really grateful for this opportunity. I am Blessing Chukwu by name, a Nigerian, from a humble family. I am a High School graduate and would be more grateful, if i am given the opportunity to study Accounting abroad.This is my contact number:+2349032286587. Thank you.
Elton Otwori Mongare
March 31, 2017 — 12:28 am
Dear Sir/Madam
I am a kenyan of 19 years old, I had been having an ambition to study abroad,but when i got your advertisement on the website I could no hesitate but to try if I can get that golden opportunity to study abroad. please consider me and make my dream valid.I did my high school examination 2016 and I got a very good grade.
I therefore look forward your positive response.
yours faithfully
Elton Otwori Mongare
Email:[email protected]
Tel:+25790339810
Tessema Taye
April 23, 2017 — 11:57 am
Dear offers : Im Tessema Taye from Ethiopia I have first applied biology degree andI need to learn MSc with related fields please contact me on +251916369360 or [email protected]
Barra jallow
April 24, 2017 — 8:51 pm
Hello I am a member of the commonwealth country and a college graduate student ,i want to study in uk .
Matilda Sika Boison
April 25, 2017 — 6:51 pm
Hi I’m Matilda Sika Boison from Ghana,I want to further my studies abroad.I’m a diploma certificate holder.I would very grateful when given the opportunity. +2332462222721
Austin nyakiwe
April 26, 2017 — 11:29 am
am interested to study at your university but no money
Mulugeta Brhane Ayelign
May 2, 2017 — 6:47 am
Helo Iam from Ethiopia I have Master with Natural and Environmental management. I want to learn doctor. Please do well to me.
David N. KOONLON
May 17, 2017 — 11:14 pm
How do I get to Canada for this all important Commonwealth scholarship?
Toluma vanessa nguti
May 19, 2017 — 7:40 pm
Hello .I am realy intrested in the scholarship in other for me to study because i stop my studies because my parent had no money.IF am given an opportunty i will the happiest woman on earth.THANKS.
Ronnie M
February 24, 2018 — 6:28 am
How do I apply for these scholarships. Are they still available and how fast is the response rate? Thanks
Hagos
April 16, 2018 — 3:10 pm
My name is Hagos from Ethiopia,
I awarded Masters degree in Business Administration from Rift Valley University, 2016 GPA 3.61 and I am looking for full funded PhD scholarship.
Therefore would you consider my application please.
Thanks for your consideration.
Yours faithfully
Hagos Teklay