Applications will soon open for the 2026 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, a fully funded study opportunity for qualified candidates from eligible Commonwealth nations who are committed to contributing to development in their home countries.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, visa costs, flights, accommodation, and living allowance to study a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom (UK).
Scholarship Summary
- Host: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), United Kingdom
- Eligible Universities: Participating Universities in the UK
- Eligible Countries: Developing Commonwealth Countries
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Reward:
- Full Tuition
- Monthly Living Stipend
- Airfare Ticket & Visa Support
- Accommodation and Study Support
- Application Duration: Short window (Usually 15 – 30 days only)
Scholarship Details
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is among the UK’s most competitive and prestigious scholarships, awarded to individuals with strong academic potential and leadership qualities, who are dedicated to returning home to create developmental impact.
Every year, only a small portion of applicants are selected from tens of thousands of submissions globally, making early preparation essential. The application window is short, so applicants are strongly encouraged to complete documentation, confirm course eligibility, and begin writing their essays ahead of time to avoid errors and improve chances of success.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship:
- Secure Admission into a Participating UK University
Applicants must apply directly to one of the approved UK universities offering eligible courses under the scholarship. The scholarship is jointly sponsored by the CSC and these universities. Once the university approves your admission, it nominates you to the CSC for scholarship consideration.
- Verify Course Eligibility
Your course must align with one of the CSC Development Themes, which include:
- Science and Innovation
- Public Health
- Peace, Justice & Governance
- Climate and Environmental Sustainability
- Education and Social Development
- Economic Growth and Enterprise
Your chosen degree must appear on the approved Commonwealth Shared Scholarship course list of your selected university.
Required Documents
Applicants must have the following ready before the portal opens:
- Undergraduate Academic Transcript
- Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
- International Passport (data page)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal Statement or Purpose Statement (University Requirement)
- Proof of English Proficiency (if required by the university)
NOTE: Pre-Inform Your Recommenders
The CSC requires three (3) strong reference letters, signed and dated on official letterheads.
Recommended referees include:
- Academic Supervisor
- A Course Lecturer or Professor
- Employer (If professionally relevant)
Essays
Applicants will answer development-impact questions such as:
- How your study relates to development needs
- How you will apply the skills gained after study
- The long-term change your work will make in your home country
- How you will measure your development impact
- Your personal motivation and leadership contributions
Start writing your essays early to allow time for editing, rewriting, proofing, and strengthening your development argument.
NOTE: Applicants who prepare early and strategically have the highest success rates. Begin now, gather your documents, select eligible courses, notify your referees, and start drafting your essays.
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