Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
More details :
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships offer an incredible opportunity for students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue advanced studies in the UK. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these scholarships aim to support talented individuals who lack the financial resources to study abroad. The program focuses on fostering global development by empowering future leaders to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to their home countries' growth.
The scholarships cover a wide range of benefits, including full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, airfare, and additional allowances for thesis preparation, study-related travel, and more. Students are selected based on academic merit, potential development impact, and the relevance of their studies to the global development goals. Priority areas include science and technology, health systems, global prosperity, and peace and security.
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Eligibility :
Nationality: Applicants must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country. Alternatively, they may be a British-protected person.
Residency: Applicants must be permanently resident in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country.
Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honors, or in some cases, a lower second-class (2:2) degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (typically a Master’s degree).
Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate that they cannot afford to study in the UK without the scholarship. The program is intended for those who need financial assistance.
Start Date: Candidates must be able to begin their studies in the UK at the start of the academic year (typically September/October).
Development Impact: Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed studies will contribute to the development of their home country. The program prioritizes those with a clear plan to make a development impact aligned with the Commonwealth’s development themes.
English Proficiency: While proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL) may not be explicitly required for all programs, applicants must be proficient in English as it will be the medium of instruction.
Required documents :
Proof of Citizenship or Refugee Status: A copy of your valid passport or national ID card as proof of your Commonwealth country citizenship or refugee status.
Degree Certificates: Copies of your bachelor’s degree certificate (or equivalent) and any postgraduate qualification certificates if applicable.
Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts detailing your academic performance from all institutions attended. These transcripts should reflect all completed coursework and final grades.
References: Two references from academic or professional individuals who can speak to your qualifications, character, and suitability for the scholarship. These references are submitted directly by the referees via the CSC online system.
Development Impact Statement: A written statement of purpose or personal statement, outlining how your chosen course and study in the UK will contribute to the development of your home country. This should reflect your commitment to making a positive impact aligned with the Commonwealth's development goals.
English Language Proficiency (if required): Proof of English language proficiency may be required if it is a condition of the university program you are applying for. Accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent. However, if your previous education was in English, you may be exempt from this requirement.
Admission Letter (if applicable): Some programs may require a conditional or unconditional offer of admission from a UK university before the application is complete. Check the specific requirements of your target program.
Make sure all documents are in the required format, as incomplete or incorrect submissions may lead to disqualification from the scholarship selection process.
How to apply :
Check Eligibility:Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the scholarship, including citizenship, residency, academic qualifications, and development impact goals.
Online Application:Visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) website and use the online application system to submit your application. The application typically opens several months before the start of the academic year, so it’s important to apply early.
The application link can be found on the official website: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Nomination by Nominating Agency:Applicants must be nominated by an approved nominating agency in their home country. This could be a government ministry, university, or another relevant organization. Each country has its own nominating bodies, and it’s essential to check the specific requirements in your country of residence.
Submit Required Documents: Along with the online application, you will need to submit supporting documents such as:
Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
Proof of citizenship or refugee status.
Two references (academic or professional).
A development impact statement, outlining how your proposed study will contribute to the development of your home country.
Deadline: Make sure to submit your application before the deadline specified on the CSC website. Deadlines vary by year, but it is generally around December for the next academic year.
Shortlisting and Selection: After the submission, the nominating agency will shortlist candidates. Those selected will then be evaluated by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, which makes the final decision based on merit and development impact potential.
The Scholarship Benefits:
Airfare: Approved return airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK at the start of the program and back home at the end of the award. The scholarship does not cover travel costs for dependents or any journeys made before the scholarship is confirmed.
Tuition Fees: Full tuition fees are covered by an agreement between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and the UK university, meaning scholars do not need to pay any part of their tuition fees.
Living Allowance (Stipend): Scholars receive a monthly stipend of:£1,347 per month for scholars studying outside London. £1,652 per month for scholars at universities in the London metropolitan area.
Warm Clothing Allowance: A one-time warm clothing allowance is provided where applicable to help students adjust to the UK climate.
Study Travel Grant: A study travel grant is provided to cover the costs of approved study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
Child Allowance (for Single Parents): Scholars who are single parents, widowed, or divorced may receive a child allowance:£576.61 per month for the first child.
£143 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, provided the children live with the scholar in the UK.
Disability Support: For scholars who declare a disability, the CSC offers a full assessment of needs and eligibility for additional financial support based on individual circumstances.
Family Allowances: While family allowances are available, they are intended as a contribution towards the cost of maintaining a scholar’s family in the UK. The true costs are likely to be higher, and scholars must ensure they can supplement these allowances if they bring family members with them.