Commonwealth Master's Scholarships for Developing Countries

Commonwealth Masters Scholarships 2025-26

Commonwealth Masters Scholarships 2025-26

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The UK government offers the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to students from eligible Commonwealth countries who want to pursue full-time master's courses at UK universities. This scholarship is designed to help students who have the potential to create positive change in their home countries but are financially disadvantaged.

 

Scholarship Details

Offered By

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)

Amount Granted

Full tuition fees, airfare to and from the UK, living allowance, thesis grant, warm clothing allowance (if applicable), and additional financial support depending on circumstances

Type of Scholarship

Fully-funded, merit-based and need-based scholarships for postgraduate study

Level of Program

Master’s and PhD programs at UK universities

Application Deadline

Usually between September–December of the year prior to study (example: deadline for 2026 intake will likely be in December 2025). Exact dates vary by nominating agencies and should be checked on the CSC website.

International Students

Yes, open to citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries (including India)

Official URL

Apply Now

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What Benefits Does the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship Provide?

The Commonwealth Masters Scholarship is a fully-funded opportunity that covers all your major expenses while studying in the UK. Here's what you'll receive:

 

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    Tuition fees and academic costs: All your university fees are completely covered, so you don't have to worry about the high cost of UK education.
 
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    Living allowance: You'll receive monthly payments to cover your accommodation, food, and daily expenses while living in the UK.
 
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    Round-trip travel expenses: The scholarship pays for your economy class flights to and from the UK, making sure you can get there and return home after your studies.
 
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    Warm clothing allowance: Since the UK climate might be different from your home country, you'll get additional money to buy appropriate winter clothing.
 
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    Alumni network membership: You'll become part of the exclusive Commonwealth Masters Scholarship alumni group, giving you valuable networking opportunities for life.
 

Gyandhan Scholarship

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Who Can Apply for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship?

To be eligible for this prestigious scholarship, you need to meet several important requirements:

 

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    Commonwealth citizenship or refugee status: You must be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country, a refugee, or a British-protected person.
 
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    Financial need: You must demonstrate that you cannot afford to study in the UK without this scholarship support.
 
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    Age limit: You must be under 40 years old at the time of application.
 
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    Educational alignment: Your chosen field of study must fall under one of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's six development themes.
 
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    Academic readiness: You must complete your undergraduate degree by September of the application year.
 
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    Availability to start: You must be ready to begin your studies in the UK in September of the same year.
 
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    No other funding: You should not be receiving any other scholarships or be in full-time employment that would conflict with your studies.

 

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How to Apply for the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship?

The application process for the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship is unique because you cannot apply directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Here's how the process works:

 

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    Apply through national agencies: You must submit your application through your country's national nominating agency or selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies, not directly to the scholarship commission.
 
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    Agency processing: These nominating agencies will review your application and forward the qualified ones to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for final consideration.
 
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    Complete online application: Besides applying through the nominating agency, you must also complete your application through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's official online application system.
 
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    Submit required documents: You'll need to upload all necessary documents through the online system, including citizenship proof, academic transcripts, and two strong reference letters.
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How does the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship Selection Process Work?

The selection process involves multiple stages and authorities to ensure the best candidates are chosen:

 

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    Commonwealth Scholarship Commission review: The CSC serves as the final authority that selects scholarship recipients based on strict criteria.
 
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    Evaluation criteria: Your selection depends on your academic achievements, the quality and feasibility of your study plan, and the potential positive impact you can make in your home country after graduation.
 
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    National agency interview: Your country's nominating agency will conduct interviews and make initial nominations before forwarding applications to the CSC.
 
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    Final notification: If selected, you'll receive an official email notification directly from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission with further instructions.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission?
 

No, you cannot apply directly. You must go through your country's national nominating agency or approved organisations that will forward your application to the CSC.

Can I work while on this scholarship?
 

The scholarship requires that you're not in full-time employment, as you need to be fully committed to your studies. However, specific work restrictions during your studies should be clarified with the CSC.

Do I need to return to my home country after completing my studies?
 

While not explicitly stated as a requirement, the scholarship's purpose is to develop leaders who will contribute to their home countries, so returning home is generally expected.

Can I choose any master's program in the UK?
 

Your chosen program must align with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's six development themes, so not all subjects may be eligible. Check the CSC website for approved themes.

When should I start preparing my application?
 

The application period typically runs from October to December, so you should start preparing your documents and contacting your nominating agency several months in advance.

What makes a strong application?
 

Focus on demonstrating financial need, academic excellence, a clear study plan that aligns with development themes, and show how your studies will benefit your home country when you return.

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