Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships represent a prestigious international education initiative funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with leading UK universities. These competitive awards provide full financial support for talented students from developing Commonwealth countries to pursue taught Master’s degrees at participating British institutions. The program covers comprehensive expenses including tuition fees, international airfare, monthly living allowance, thesis grant, and warm clothing allowance where applicable. Eligibility requires citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth developing country, along with demonstrated academic excellence typically equivalent to a UK upper second-class undergraduate degree. Applicants must show leadership potential and commitment to contributing to their home country’s development upon completion of studies. The selection process is highly competitive, with candidates evaluated on academic merit, development impact of their proposed study, and professional experience. Successful scholars join an international network of Commonwealth alumni working across sectors to address global challenges. These scholarships embody the UK’s commitment to international development through higher education, fostering cross-cultural exchange and building capacity in partner nations. The program operates within the broader Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, which has supported over 30,000 individuals since its establishment. Applications typically open in August/September for study commencing the following academic year, with specific deadlines varying by university. Prospective applicants should consult both the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and individual university websites for current opportunities and detailed application requirements.