The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2025 are a prestigious opportunity for talented and motivated individuals from low—and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in the UK. This scholarship program is designed to promote sustainable development, contribute to the development of individuals’ home countries, and support educational opportunities in Commonwealth nations.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development. They are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
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Key Information
- Country: UK
- Level: Masters
- Eligible Countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, St Helena, St Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia
- Deadline: 15th October 2024
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to start academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2025.
- By September 2025, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
- Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.
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Benefits
- 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 dependents nor the cost of journeys made before the award is confirmed).
- Approved tuition fees: The full fees are covered by an agreement between the CSC and the UK university, and Scholars are not liable to pay any part of the tuition fee.
- Stipend (living allowance) at GBP 1,378 or INR 1.5 Lakhs per month, or GBP 1,690 or INR 1.8 Lakhs 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 £590 per month for the first child and £146 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.
How to apply?
- Applications to the CSC must be made using the CSC’s online application system.
- In addition to applying to the CSC, applicants must apply to a nominator. There are two types of nominators invited to participate in the Master’s scholarship programme:
- National nominating agencies – this is the main route of application.
- Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies.
- Participating nominators put forward an agreed number of candidates to the CSC for consideration. The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships.
- Each nominator oversees its own selection process and may have additional eligibility criteria. Applicants must check with the nominator for their specific advice and rules for applying, and their own eligibility criteria.
- Applicants can expect to hear the outcome of their applications by July 2025.
- Official link – https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/
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Conclusion
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2025 represent a life-changing opportunity for aspiring leaders, researchers, and innovators from Commonwealth nations. By providing access to top-tier education in the UK, the scholarship equips scholars with the tools to drive change, foster development, and make a meaningful impact in their home countries. If you’re passionate about furthering your education and contributing to global development, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is the key to unlocking your potential. Apply now and take the first step towards an enriching academic journey in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Can I work while studying on this scholarship?
A. Part-time work is allowed, but your studies should be your primary focus.
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Q. Are there any restrictions on what I can study?
A. ll Commonwealth Scholarships are offered under six development themes. The subject of the study is not restricted, provided it relates to the development themes. Applicants are asked to attribute their study and possible impact to one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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Q. How are Commonwealth Scholars selected?
A. For Commonwealth PhD, Master’s and Split-site awards, candidates must complete an application on the CSC’s application system, as well as apply to the participating UK University (for split-site) or nominating agency (for Master’s and PhD). The CSC reviews applications for eligibility; only applicants with all required supporting documentation can be considered. Applications are graded based on selection criteria and selections based on the grading outcome.
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Q. How do I include details of the universities I propose studying at?
Applicants to the Master’s and PhD scholarships can select up to 3 institutions in their application. The order in which these are added to your application should be your order of preference, with the first institution listed as your first preference.
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Q. Where can I find the application form?
A. The application form is available on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s official website.
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