About this opportunity
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships solve a specific problem: most CSC schemes require a nominating body in your home country before you're even considered, but this one doesn't. Once you've secured, or are securing, a place on an approved Master's course at a participating UK university, you can apply directly through the CSC's own online system -- no ministry, embassy, or national agency step required.
The scheme is targeted specifically at citizens of least-developed and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries, funded jointly by the CSC and the host university under a formal partnership -- it only exists at universities that have opted into that arrangement for specific approved courses.
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships is a fully funded scholarship offered by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for applicants heading to United Kingdom.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Citizens of least-developed or lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries (check the current CSC list)
- Applicants who would not otherwise have the opportunity to study in the UK
- Generally, applicants who have not already studied or worked outside their home country for more than a year
What the opportunity may offer
- Approved tuition fees, split between the CSC and host university
- A living allowance for the duration of the Master's course
- Travel and other study-related support per current CSC rules
Required documents
- Academic records and references
- A development-impact statement connecting your study plan to a concrete outcome at home
- Proof of admission or near-admission to an approved course
Application process
- Confirm your country is on the CSC's list of eligible least-developed or lower-middle-income countries
- Search the CSC's published list of approved participating courses and universities
- Apply for admission to your chosen course at the participating university
- Submit your Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application directly through the CSC's online system
- Prepare academic records, references, and a development-impact statement
- Track the CSC's published timeline for the current cycle
Before you apply
- □Check the deadline in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
- □Prepare your 3 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
Deadlines shift by cycle and by participating course -- confirm on the CSC's current published schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from the general Commonwealth Scholarship?
How is this different from Commonwealth Master's Scholarships?
Can I apply to any UK university and course under this scheme?
Do I need a university offer before applying for the scholarship?
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-20UShireZone is not affiliated with Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.