2025 Fully Funded Commonwealth Master’s Degree Scholarship in UK

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity designed to empower talented students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. With the application window open from September 10, 2024, this scholarship offers full financial support for selected students to pursue a Master’s degree at leading universities in the UK.

Purpose of the Scholarship

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship aims to:

• Equip students with skills necessary to promote sustainable development.
• Foster leadership potential among scholars from eligible Commonwealth countries.
• Encourage contributions to economic and social development upon returning to their home countries.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Citizenship or Residency:
   • Be a citizen or refugee from a Commonwealth country.
   • Permanently reside in an eligible Commonwealth nation.
2. Educational Qualifications:
   • Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) honors degree or an equivalent postgraduate qualification.
3. Financial Need:
   • Demonstrate inability to afford education in the UK without the scholarship.
4. Study Start Date:
   • Must be available to begin studies by September 2025.

Benefits of the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship

Successful applicants receive comprehensive financial assistance, including:

• Full Tuition Fees: Coverage of all academic costs.
• Monthly Stipend: Support for living expenses.
• Return Airfare: Tickets to and from the UK.
• Thesis Grant: Financial aid for research-related expenses (if applicable).
• Warm Clothing Allowance: For colder months in the UK.
• Study Travel Grant: For academic travel, where needed.
• Child Allowance: For scholars with children (based on eligibility).

These benefits are designed to alleviate financial stress, enabling scholars to focus on academic excellence and leadership development.

Development Themes

Applicants must align their studies with one of the following six CSC development themes:

1. Science and Technology for Development
2. Strengthening Health Systems
3. Promoting Innovation and Economic Growth
4. Strengthening Global Peace, Security, and Governance
5. Building Resilience to Crises
6. Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their education will have a development impact in their home countries.

Required Documents for Application

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Proof of Citizenship: Passport or national ID.
2. Academic Transcripts: Records of educational achievements.
3. Two Professional References: Written on official letterhead.
4. Development Impact Statement: A personal essay explaining how the scholarship will benefit their home country (templates and guidelines are available on the scholarship portal).

Application Process

1. Online Application:
   • Complete the application on the official CSC online portal:
     Apply here.
2. Apply via a Nominating Agency:
   • Submit applications through national agencies or NGOs in your home country.
   • Ensure the specific criteria and deadlines of these agencies are followed closely【113】.
3. Documentation Submission:
   • Proof of citizenship, academic transcripts, references, and personal statements must be uploaded during the application.
4. Early Submission:
   • It is crucial to apply early to avoid technical issues and ensure all documents are correctly uploaded.

Important Dates

• Application Opening: September 10, 2024
• Application Deadline: December 2024 (Exact deadlines vary by nominating agency)
• Results Announcement: July 2025
• Course Start Date: September 2025

Tips for a Strong Application

• Thoroughly research the university and program you are applying for.
• Align your study plans with one of the six CSC development themes.
• Provide detailed references and ensure they are on official letterhead.
• Submit all documents early to account for potential technical delays.

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity to gain world-class education in the UK, empowering students to drive positive change in their home countries. Applicants must focus on preparation, alignment with development goals, and timely submission to enhance their chances of success.

Visit the scholarship website and Apply