Commonwealth Scholarships: Which One Should You Apply For?

What the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission funds

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) is a UK government agency that funds citizens of Commonwealth low- and middle-income countries to study in the UK. It's funded by the FCDO and operates 6 distinct award programs.

The 6 award types — and which one is right for you

1. Master's Scholarship — one-year, fully-funded

For candidates with a Bachelor's who want to do a Master's in the UK. This is the flagship program with the largest number of awards each year. → Best if you have a strong Bachelor's, a clear development-impact story, and can afford neither the tuition nor the living costs.

2. PhD Scholarship — up to 3 years, fully-funded

For candidates already holding a strong Master's who want a UK PhD. Highly competitive; awards align with UK development-priority research themes.

3. Split-Site PhD Scholarship — 12 months in the UK during your home-country PhD

For candidates enrolled in a PhD at home who want to spend up to 12 months at a UK institution. Great option if your home institution is strong but lacks specific expertise.

4. Distance Learning Scholarship — part-time UK Master's, tuition only

For working professionals who want a UK Master's while staying in their job. No stipend, no travel — just full tuition for a part-time distance-learning program.

5. Professional Fellowship — 5-10 weeks in the UK

For mid-career professionals (5+ years experience) who want a short UK placement with a host organization in their field.

6. Shared Scholarship — co-funded with UK universities

For candidates who apply directly to a participating UK university, which then nominates them to CSC. Fully-funded Master's, but only at participating universities.

Which countries are eligible?

Commonwealth LMIC countries only. This includes Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and 30+ others. Check your country's eligibility on our Commonwealth listings.

The 4 things every winning application has

1. Clear development-impact story. CSC funds people who will improve their home country. Show it with specific plans, not platitudes.
2. Strong references from home-country institutions. UK-based referees don't help here.
3. Course alignment with CSC themes. Science & tech for development, health systems, global prosperity, peace & security, climate resilience, or access/inclusion.
4. Realistic 5-year post-scholarship plan. CSC wants to see how you'll apply the degree back home.

Timeline

Applications open September and close mid-December. Results announced by June.

Next step

Run the match quiz to see which of the 6 CSC awards fits your profile — most applicants apply to the wrong one.