Discover how the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships could be your gateway to pursuing a master’s degree at top UK universities. Are you an aspiring student from a developing Commonwealth country looking to pursue a master’s degree in the UK? then read carefully.
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Program is one of the three Master’s programs provided by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK. The CSC administers the UK government’s scholarship scheme, focusing on international development goals. Operating within the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), the program highlights the UK’s ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth. By attracting talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and helping them develop into future leaders and innovators, the CSC aims to blend sustainable development with national interests and foster international collaboration.
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are specifically designed for individuals from the least developed and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue a full-time Master’s degree in selected courses. The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) collaborate to support these scholarships, which are offered through a cooperation between UK universities.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission UK (CSC) and LSHTM are offering one scholarship under the CSC’s ‘Strengthening health systems and capacity’ theme for the MSc Public Health for Development program. LSHTM prioritizes applicants from The Gambia, Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, and India.
Read Also: List of top MBBs Scholarships for International Students 2024-2025.
Purpose of the Scholarships
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships aim to address critical development needs in Commonwealth countries by offering educational opportunities to exceptional individuals who may not otherwise have the chance to study in the UK. A closer look at their goal is as follows:
- Support Development Goals: The scholarships are designed to help developing countries by providing advanced training and education to professionals and academics. This support is intended to enhance their skills and knowledge, enabling them to contribute more effectively to their home countries’ development.
- Promote Global Talent: By attracting high-quality students from a diverse range of backgrounds, the scholarships aim to foster a global exchange of ideas and expertise. This not only benefits the individuals but also enriches the academic and cultural environment in the UK.
- Enable Access to Education: The scholarships focus on candidates from Least Developed and middle-income countries who would not be able to afford higher education in the UK. This financial support opens doors for talented individuals who may otherwise be excluded due to financial constraints.
- Develop Future Leaders: The ultimate goal is to equip scholars with the skills and knowledge needed to become leaders and innovators in their home countries. By investing in their education, the scholarships help build a network of professionals who can drive positive change and contribute to sustainable development.
- Strengthen International Collaboration: The program fosters stronger ties between Commonwealth countries and the UK, promoting collaboration and mutual understanding. This international partnership helps address global challenges through shared expertise and resources.
Read Also: 26 Cheapest Online Schools in Texas
Scholarship Benefits
International students studying in the UK can benefit from a wide range of perks through the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships. Below is a summary of the topics covered by the scholarship:
- Airfare: Approved travel costs from the scholar’s home country to the UK and back at the end of the award (excluding dependants and pre-award travel).
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees as agreed between the CSC and the UK university.
- Living Allowance: £1,347 per month, or £1,652 per month for universities in London (rates as of current levels).
- Warm Clothing Allowance: Where applicable.
- Thesis Grant: Assistance with writing a thesis or dissertation.
- Study Travel Grant: For travel inside the UK or abroad that is related to studies.
- TB Test Contribution: Towards the cost of a mandatory tuberculosis test, if required.
- Child Allowance: £576.61 per month for the first child, and £143 per month for additional children under 16, if they reside with the scholar in the UK.
Read Also: University of Chicago Scholarships 2024-2025 in USA
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet all the following criteria and complete the application process by 16:00 (GMT) on Thursday, 14 December 2024:
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee status granted by, an eligible Commonwealth country or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently and continually residing in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to begin academic studies in the UK in September 2024, marking the start of the 2024-25 academic year.
- Hold a first degree with at least upper second class (2:1) standard, or a lower second class level (2:2) plus a relevant postgraduate qualification (typically a Master’s degree) by September 2024.
- Possess the necessary English language skills to follow the suggested course of study and fulfill the LSHTM English language requirements.
- Not have studied or worked for one academic year or more in a high-income country (classified as a country not on the DAC list of ODA recipients).
- Confirm that neither they nor their family would be able to afford studying in the UK without this scholarship.
- Commit to returning to their home country within one month of the end of their award.
Please note that work experience cannot substitute for the minimum academic qualification. Additionally, the CSC will not fund a second UK Master’s degree unless a compelling justification is provided. Before applying, make sure you meet the minimal requirements set by the CSC.
Read Also: Top 15 Fully Funded Scholarships in USA for International students
Eligible Countries
Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, and Zambia are the countries from which eligible applicants must come.
Who Can Apply: The scholarships are intended for high-quality postgraduate students from Least Developed and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including fragile and conflict-affected states. Eligible applicants are those who:
- Have not studied or worked for more than a year in a high-income country.
- would not be able to pay to study in the UK without this grant.
- Have the potential to contribute to the development of their home countries with the skills and knowledge gained.
Award Duration: Typically, the scholarship covers 12 months of study.
Application Process
Applying for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships is a straightforward but detailed process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate it:
- Check Eligibility: Before starting your application, ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria. This includes being a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country, having a relevant academic background, and demonstrating financial need.
- Select a Course and University: Choose an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university. Each university offers specific courses that are eligible for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, so it’s important to review the list of available programs.
- Apply to the University: Apply directly to your chosen university for admission to the selected course. It’s crucial to follow the university’s application procedures and deadlines, as you’ll need an offer of admission to be considered for the scholarship.
- Complete the CSC Online Application:
- Once you’ve applied to the university, you must submit your scholarship application through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s (CSC) online application system. This is the only way to apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships.
- The application will require you to provide personal information, details about your academic and professional background, and a statement outlining how you meet the scholarship criteria.
- Prepare and Upload Supporting Documents: Gather all required documents, such as academic transcripts, degree certificates, and references. Ensure that these are in the correct format and upload them to the CSC online application system as part of your submission.
- Await University and CSC Decisions: After submitting your application, the university will review your admission application, and the CSC will evaluate your scholarship application based on academic merit, the quality of your research proposal, and your potential impact on your home country. Successful candidates will be notified by the university and the CSC.
- Accept the Scholarship Offer: If you are awarded the scholarship, you will receive an offer that you must accept within a specified period. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully to confirm your place.
Read Also: Eastern Mediterranean University Scholarships 2024-2025 in Turkey
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships provide an exceptional opportunity for talented individuals from developing Commonwealth countries to pursue advanced education in the UK. By covering essential costs such as tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses, these scholarships remove financial barriers, allowing scholars to focus fully on their studies. More than just a financial aid program, the scholarships are a catalyst for change, empowering recipients to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to drive development in their home countries.
With a focus on fostering leadership and innovation, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships not only benefit the individual scholars but also contribute to global progress by promoting sustainable development and international collaboration. If you are eligible and committed to making a difference in your community, these scholarships offer a life-changing opportunity to enhance your education and career. Start your application today and take the first step towards making a meaningful impact. For more details and to start your application, visit the CSC’s official website.