The Commonwealth Scholarship is the UK government's flagship funding scheme for postgraduate students from Commonwealth countries, offering a fully funded place at a UK university. It is administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) on behalf of the UK government and has supported generations of future leaders for more than six decades. For eligible applicants it covers tuition, a monthly stipend, return airfare, and a range of allowances, which makes it one of the most generous routes to studying in the UK.

This guide explains what the Commonwealth Scholarship is, who qualifies, what it covers, and how the application process actually works. Understand one detail first: the CSC does not accept direct applications, so the route through your country's nominating agency is essential.

Key takeaways

What is the Commonwealth Scholarship?

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan is one of the world's oldest international scholarship programmes. Each year the CSC funds hundreds of scholars to complete master's or doctoral degrees at UK universities.

The programme's purpose is explicitly developmental: scholars are expected to return to their home countries and apply what they have learned, and this mission shapes the eligibility rules and the way panels assess your plans.

Who can apply: eligibility essentials

Eligibility is strict, and the list of eligible countries is reviewed each year, so always confirm your status on the official CSC website (cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk) before investing time in an application. In general, applicants must:

What does the Commonwealth Scholarship cover?

While specific figures are reviewed each cycle, a Commonwealth Scholarship typically covers full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend (higher in the London area), return economy airfare, and a warm clothing allowance where relevant. Doctoral scholars also receive a thesis grant and most a study travel grant.

The award is designed to be comprehensive, so if you are selected you can live and study in the UK without funding your own tuition or basic living costs. If you are still mapping your options, start with our guide to finding scholarships you are actually eligible for, or browse the full range on our scholarship results page.

The main award types

Commonwealth Master's Scholarships

Commonwealth Master's Scholarships fund a one-year taught master's degree at an eligible UK university. They are open to candidates from low and middle income Commonwealth countries, with selection weighing academic merit and the likely development impact on your home country.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships fund up to 36 months of doctoral research at a UK university. Separate competitions exist for candidates from least developed and fragile states and for candidates from high income countries, so check which one applies to you.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are jointly funded by the CSC and UK universities and are tied to a published list of eligible master's courses. Because you apply directly to the CSC rather than through a nominating agency, they are a useful second route if your course is on the list.

How to apply step by step

Step 1: Confirm eligibility

Start at cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk to confirm your country is eligible and identify your nominating agency, usually a government ministry, commission, or designated body.

Step 2: Apply to your nominating agency

The nominating agency runs its own competition with an internal deadline several weeks before the CSC deadline; only nominated candidates proceed, so follow its instructions exactly.

Step 3: Prepare your supporting documents

You will typically need your passport, transcripts and certificates, two references, and a personal statement explaining your development goals and how UK study helps you achieve them.

Step 4: Complete the CSC application

If your nominating agency selects you, complete the formal application through the CSC's online system before the closing date.

Step 5: Wait for selection

Panels assess academic merit, your study plan, and the likely impact on your country; successful candidates are notified in the months before the year begins.

Key dates and timeline

Applications for the Commonwealth Scholarship typically open in September and close in mid to late October for study starting the following autumn. Shared Scholarship deadlines often fall later, around December. Because nominating agency deadlines come earlier, you should begin preparing in the summer at the latest, and always confirm exact dates on the CSC website for your specific award.

If you are also considering the UK's other flagship award, read our guide to the Chevening Scholarship and compare the two carefully, since the eligibility rules and application routes are very different.

Tips to strengthen your application