The UK Government has officially opened applications for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025. This fully funded program offers a life-changing opportunity for talented students from developing and middle-income countries to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
Through this scholarship, successful candidates receive full tuition fee coverage, round-trip airfare, and a generous living allowance. The initiative is run by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and is a crucial part of the UK Government’s commitment to promoting international development, educational equity, and global cooperation.
This scholarship scheme is particularly designed to ensure that financial constraints do not stand in the way of deserving students who want to gain world-class education and later contribute to the development of their home countries.
What is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Programme?
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Programme is one of the three Master’s level opportunities offered under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). It is a joint initiative between the UK Government and participating UK universities.
The programme targets:
- Students from least developed and middle-income nations.
- Candidates who cannot afford to study in high-income countries without financial assistance.
- Individuals who have a vision of using their education to make a positive impact on development in their home countries.
This scholarship is not only about academic advancement; it is also about using education as a tool for international development and social progress.
Eligible Countries for the Scholarship
Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the countries listed by the CSC. The eligible nations are:
Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, 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, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, and Zambia.
Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:
- Nationality and Residence
- Must be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country, or hold refugee status in one of these nations.
- Must be a permanent resident in one of the listed eligible countries.
- Educational Qualification
- Must hold at least an Upper Second-Class (2:1) Honours Degree.
- Applicants with a Lower Second-Class Degree must also hold a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree.
- Study Availability
- Must be available to start academic studies in the UK by September 2025.
- Previous Study or Work Experience
- Should not have studied or worked in a high-income country for more than one academic year.
- Financial Need
- Applicants must demonstrate financial need and confirm that they would be unable to pursue studies in the UK without this scholarship.
- Supporting Documentation
- All required documents must be submitted in the proper format within the deadline for the application to be considered valid.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are fully funded and include the following benefits:
- ✔ Full coverage of tuition fees
- ✔ Round-trip airfare to and from the UK
- ✔ Living allowance to cover accommodation and daily expenses
- ✔ One full year of study for an approved Master’s degree
Note: This funding applies only to the specific degree awarded under the scholarship. It cannot be extended to cover additional qualifications, part-time courses, or other programs.
How to Apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?
The application process works as follows:
- Applications must be made through participating UK universities.
- Universities will conduct the initial selection of candidates.
- Shortlisted candidates will then be submitted to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).
- The CSC makes the final decision on scholarship awards.
- Applicants must present strong evidence of academic merit and a clear vision of how their studies will contribute to development goals in their home country.
Available Courses Under the Scholarship
- The scholarships are valid only for approved master’s programmes at participating UK universities.
- Recipients must undertake full-time study.
- Enrolling in a second degree or taking another academic programme alongside is strictly prohibited.
Official Information and Application Link
For detailed information, including eligible universities and courses, and to submit your application, visit the CSC’s official page:
👉 Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Official Page
