Commonwealth Scholarships for international students 2026 | | Application Process

The Commonwealth Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for students from eligible Commonwealth countries to study in the United Kingdom. This scholarship is designed to support talented individuals who may not have the financial means to pursue higher education in the UK. It is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). The Commonwealth Scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, return airfare, and additional grants for essential academic expenses.

The Commonwealth Scholarship aims to develop future leaders and innovators who will contribute to the growth and progress of their home countries. This initiative supports sustainable development by providing students with world-class education in various fields. The program operates under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), which strengthens the UK’s commitment to fostering education and collaboration among Commonwealth nations. With thousands of applications received each year, the Commonwealth Scholarship is highly competitive and awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and the applicant’s impact on their home country.

Details of the Commonwealth Scholarship

• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Host Institution: Various UK universities
• Program Level: Master’s and Ph.D.
• Scholarship Duration: 1 year for Master’s, 3–4 years for Ph.D.

Benefits of the Commonwealth Scholarship

The Commonwealth Scholarship offers a wide range of benefits, including:

For Masters Applicants:

• Approved airfare from the Scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award (the CSC will not reimburse the cost of fares for dependants, nor the cost of journeys made before the award is confirmed).
• Approved tuition fees: full fees are covered by an agreement between the CSC and the UK university, and Scholars are not liable to pay for any part of the tuition fee.
• Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,347 per month, or £1,652 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area (rates quoted at current levels).
• Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
• Study travel grant towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
• If a Scholar has children and is widowed, divorced, or a single parent, a child allowance of £576.61 per month for the first child, and £143 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16 if their children are living with them at the same address in the UK.

For Ph.D. Applicants:

• Approved airfare from the Scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award (the CSC will not reimburse the cost of fares for dependants, nor the cost of journeys made before the award is confirmed).
• Approved tuition fees: full fees are covered by an agreement between the CSC and the UK university, and Scholars are not liable to pay for any part of the tuition fee.
• Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,347 per month, or £1,652 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area (rates quoted at current levels).
• Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
• Study travel grant towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
• Provision towards the cost of fieldwork undertaken overseas (the cost of one economy class return airfare to the fieldwork location), where approved.
• Paid mid-term visit (airfare) to the Scholar’s home country, unless they have claimed or intend to claim spouse and/or child allowances during their scholarship or have received a return airfare to their home country for fieldwork.
• Family allowances, as follows (rates quoted at current levels):
  • If a Scholar is accompanied by their spouse but has no children: a spouse allowance of £290 per month for a maximum period of nine months, if they and their spouse are living together at the same address in the UK (unless the spouse is also in receipt of a scholarship; other conditions also apply).
  • If a Scholar is accompanied by their spouse and children: a spouse allowance of £290 per month and child allowance of £290 per month for the first child, and £143 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if their spouse and children are living with them at the same address in the UK (unless their spouse is also in receipt of a scholarship; other conditions also apply).
  • If a Scholar is accompanied by their children but no spouse: a child allowance of £576.61 per month for the first child, and £143 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if their children are living with them at the same address in the UK.
• If a Scholar shares that they have a disability, a full assessment of their needs and eligibility for additional financial support will be offered by the CSC.
• The CSC’s family allowances are intended to be only a contribution towards the cost of maintaining a Scholar’s family in the UK. The true costs are likely to be considerably higher, and Scholars must be able to supplement these allowances to support any family members who accompany them to the UK.

Eligibility Criteria for the Commonwealth Scholarship

To qualify for the Commonwealth Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be permanently residing in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Have an offer to study in the UK for a Master’s or Ph.D. program.
• Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honors, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Demonstrate strong academic and leadership potential.

How to Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship

The Commonwealth Scholarship application process involves:

1. Research Eligible Universities and Courses: Identify a UK university offering a relevant course.
2. Apply Through a Nominating Agency: Applications must be submitted through national nominating agencies, non-governmental organizations, or other approved bodies.
3. Complete the CSC Online Application Form: Submit a detailed online application, including all required documents.
4. Submit Required Documents: Ensure all supporting materials are provided before the deadline.

Documents Required

To apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship, applicants need to submit:

• Proof of citizenship or refugee status.
• Full transcripts of all higher education qualifications.
• Academic references from at least two individuals.
• A personal statement explaining how the program aligns with their career goals and home country’s development.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the Commonwealth Scholarship varies each year. For the 2025/2026 academic session, applications closed in October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)