Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme: The Commonwealth Scholarships Scheme, also referred to as the Master's Scholarships or the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, is a vital collaboration that promotes worldwide development via education. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which sets aside money from the British aid program for underdeveloped countries, and a number of partner educational institutions in the United Kingdom jointly fund it. In the UK, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), which serves as the regulatory authority to ensure equitable selection and efficient funding distribution, carefully oversees the entire program.
This initiative's primary goal is extremely strategic: to find and assist students from Commonwealth poor nations who have truly exceptional academic qualities. These students must show that the higher education program they have selected in the UK will not only benefit them individually but also greatly advance the development of their home countries when they return. Importantly, the program ensures that help reaches those most in need of a life-changing educational opportunity by focusing on exceptionally gifted students who, due to financial constraints, cannot afford to study in Britain and who are not covered by other current British Government support.
How To Apply For The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme?
The application process for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS) is distinct in that it necessitates two concurrent applications: one to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and one to the university.
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Find an Eligible Course and University: For a list of approved Master's programs and participating UK universities for the 2026–2027 academic year, see the official CSC website.
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Apply for University Admission: As soon as feasible before the deadline, send a full admission application to the selected UK university for a Master's program that qualifies.
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Use the CSC Online System to apply: By the December deadline, fill up and submit the Shared Scholarship application via the CSC's online application system (CSC Central).
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Add Important Documentation: Provide scanned copies of your passport or ID, your undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and the Development Impact Statement outlining your future goals.
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Protect Two References: Give the information of two referees, one of whom is usually an academic or employer. The referees must publish their letters straight to the CSC website.
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Accept the University Offer and Wait for Nomination: After evaluating you, the university will submit a shortlist to the CSC. The ultimate decision is made by the CSC, which typically notifies candidates by June or July of 2026.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme: Eligibility And Fee
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS) was created especially to help students pursuing master's degrees in developing Commonwealth nations. It is special because the Commonwealth prize Commission (CSC) and the participating UK institutions jointly decide which courses are eligible for the prize.
| Category | Key Eligibility Criteria | Award Value / Fee Coverage | Notes |
| Nationality/Status | Must be a citizen of a developing Commonwealth country (or have been granted refugee status by an eligible country). | Full tuition fee is covered. The fee is shared between the university and the FCDO/CSC. | Applicants cannot be residing or studying in a high-income country. |
| Academic | Must hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard, or a second class (2:2) plus a relevant postgraduate qualification. | Stipend (living allowance) is provided at the UK government's standard rate. | Academic merit is the primary selection criterion for the university nomination. |
| Course | Must be applying for a specific one-year taught Master's programme that is approved by the CSC. | Airfare (economy class return ticket) from the home country to the UK is covered. | The course must relate to the sustainable development needs of the candidate's home country. |
| Financial | Must be able to confirm that they are unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship. | Arrival allowance and other relevant allowances (e.g., fieldwork, thesis grant) are provided. | The candidate must demonstrate clear evidence of financial need and provide accurate income data. |
Key Takeaways on the CSSS:
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Joint Funding: The FCDO/CSC and UK institutions co-fund this program, which results in extremely extensive coverage (fees, stipend, and travel).
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Development Focus: In contrast to pure merit scholarships, the CSSS requires applicants to explain in detail how their education will help their home country's developmental needs when they return.
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Dual Application: In addition to submitting a separate, comprehensive application via the CSC's online application system, candidates must be accepted into an approved master's program at a partner university.
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