Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships for UK Studies

Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships

Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships

On this Page:

Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage. These scholarships reflect the UK’s commitment to the Commonwealth and offer around 700 students annually the opportunity to pursue postgraduate degrees at UK universities.

If you are from a Commonwealth country and have the drive to make a difference in the world but lack the financial means to fund your studies in the UK, you could be an ideal candidate for a Commonwealth Scholarship.

Scholarship details

Offered by 

British Council

Amount granted 

Variable

Type of scholarship

Merit-based

Level of program

Graduate & Doctorate

Application deadline

18th October 2024 (tentative) 

Renewability

Timely renewed

International students

Students/ professionals from the Commonwealth countries

Official URL

Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships

Explore your funding options beyond scholarships -

Sprinkles

Award details of Commonwealth Scholarships 

The British Council offers the following scholarships and fellowships for chosen candidates from India: 

Award Category of beneficiaries Brief description

Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships 

Ph. D. scholars

Ph.D. scholars from the Commonwealth countries can conduct 12 months of their research in the UK

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Master’s students

Enables candidates to pursue full-time master’s in the UK 

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Master’s students

Enables candidates to pursue full-time master’s in the UK 

Commonwealth Distance learning Scholarships

Master’s students

Helps candidates learn part-time for master’s from a UK university while they remain at their home country

Commonwealth Professional Fellowships

Professionals

Allows professionals with at least 5 years work experience to work in a host institution in the UK

Commonwealth Gender and Sexuality Fellowships

Professionals

Allows professionals with at least 5 years work experience to work in a host institution in the UK

Sprinkles

What are the Benefits of the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships?

Most of the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships are fully funded with coverage of expenses listed below:

  • list items Financial Support: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
  • list items Thesis Grant: For scholars undertaking doctoral studies.
  • list items Stipends: Monthly allowance to cover living expenses.
  • list items Warm Clothing Allowance: For scholars in colder regions.
  • list items Study Travel Grant: To support travel for study-related purposes within the UK or overseas.
  • list items Additional Allowances: Disability allowance, family allowances, and more, depending on individual circumstances.
    Sprinkles

    More Scholarships For You

    GyanDhan Scholarship 2024

    Scholarship type

    Merit based

    Benefits Worth

    INR 100,000

    Country

    Multiple Countries

    Course Level

    Masters

    View & Apply

    Clarendon Scholarship

    Scholarship type

    Merit based

    Benefits Worth

    Variable

    Country

    United Kingdom

    Course Level

    Masters

    View & Apply

    Rhodes Scholarship

    Scholarship type

    Merit based

    Benefits Worth

    Variable

    Country

    United Kingdom

    Course Level

    Masters

    View & Apply

    Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship

    Scholarship type

    Merit based

    Benefits Worth

    Variable

    Country

    United Kingdom

    Course Level

    Phd

    View & Apply
  • Sprinkles

    What is the Eligibility Criteria for the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships?

    The Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships eligibility requirements include the following: 

    1. Nationality: Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.

    2. Academic Qualifications:

  • list items For Graduate Courses: Have the minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree.
  • list items For Ph.D: Have a master’s degree or are in the final year of the program.
  • 3. Age Limits: No specific age limits, but some awards might have preferred age ranges.

    4. Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English, often demonstrated through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

    5. Work Experience: Relevant professional experience may be required, especially for fellowships.

    Sprinkles

    What is the Application Process for the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships?

    To apply for the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships, you can go through the application process:

    1. Identify the Scholarship/Fellowship: Visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) website to find a suitable scholarship or fellowship.

    2. Check Requirements: Review the specific eligibility criteria and application guidelines for the selected award.

    3. Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents as per the guidelines.

    4. Online Application: Register and complete the online application form on the CSC’s Electronic Application System (EAS).

    5. Submit Application: Upload all required documents and submit your application before the deadline.

    Explore alternative of scholarships to finance your education -

    Sprinkles

    What are the Documents Required for the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships?

    The documents required for the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships are:

  • list items Completed Application Form: Available on the CSC EAS portal.
  • list items Proof of Citizenship: Passport or national ID.
  • list items Academic Transcripts and Certificates: Copies of all academic records and degree certificates.
  • list items References/Letters of Recommendation: Typically two, from academic or professional sources.
  • list items Personal Statement: Detailing your academic interests, career goals, and why you are applying for the scholarship.
  • list items Research Proposal: For research-based scholarships, a detailed proposal is required.
  • list items Language Proficiency Proof: Certificates like IELTS or TOEFL if applicable.
  • list items Supporting Documents: Any additional documents specified in the application guidelines.
  • Sprinkles

    What is the Selection Process for the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships?

    From a cluster of applications every year, Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships beneficiaries are selected in the following way:

    1. Preliminary Screening: Initial review of applications for eligibility and completeness.

    2. Academic Review: Assessment of academic qualifications, research proposals, and personal statements by experts in the field.

    3. Shortlisting: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or further assessment.

    4. Final Selection: Final decision made by a committee of CSC representatives and experts.

    5. Notification: Successful candidates are informed via email and receive an official letter of award.

    Sprinkles

    How can I Contact the British Council for the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships?

    For queries and concerns, students can use the contact form for Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships.

    Sprinkles

    Frequently asked questions

    Can students stay in the UK after the duration of the Commonwealth funding? 

    No. It is mandatory that the beneficiaries must return to their home countries after the duration of their Commonwealth scholarship or fellowship. 

    What are language requirements for Commonwealth UK Scholarships for Indian Students?

    Applicants for the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships must have passed an international test for the English language, such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc., with the minimum score required for their program of study. 

    What is the minimum GPA required for Commonwealth Scholarships for Indian Students?

    There is no specified minimum GPA to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships, but it is mandatory that applicants must have excellent academic merit to be selected for Commonwealth funding. 

    How to prepare for the Scholarship interview?

    The questions to be asked in the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships interview will assess the applicant’s overall fit for the eligible type of scholarship or funding. You must be honest and give answers that align with the interests of the British Council. 

    Typical questions for the interview will center around how the scholarship helps your future goals, your intentions of serving your home country after the scholarship tenure, reasons for selecting the particular program of study and university, funding options for your study in the UK, etc. 

    Which are the programs eligible for Scholarship? 

    The Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships are available for graduate and doctoral programs across all disciplines and for professional growth in the UK. The eligible courses include both full-time and distance learning programs for various programs of funding.

    %>