Commonwealth Scholarships in the UK

Table of Contents

1. Overview: Commonwealth Scholarship in the UK
2. Commonwealth Scholarships: Six developmental themes
3. Commonwealth Scholarships for 2025 – 2026
4. Eligible countries for Commonwealth Scholarships
5. How to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarships in the UK?
6. Frequently Asked Questions

Commonwealth Scholarships can be your top funding source in the UK for Master’s, PhD, and professional programs. These scholarships are designed to financially support students from the Commonwealth nations to pursue academic and career goals in the United Kingdom. 

Read on, as we discuss different Commonwealth Scholarships in the UK for Indian students planning to study in 2025 – 2026. 

Overview: Commonwealth Scholarship in the UK

If you are from a Commonwealth country but cannot afford to fund your UK studies independently, you might be the ideal candidate for a Commonwealth Scholarship. The Commonwealth Scholarships are funded partly by the UK government and partly by host universities. 

• There are three Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships in the UK for Indian students
• For PhD and professional development, there are four Commonwealth Research Scholarships
• Every year, around 700 individuals receive the Commonwealth Scholarship worldwide

Commonwealth Scholarships: Six developmental themes

It is mandatory that your studies or professional goals follow any of the six developmental themes of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). In fact, this stress on the CSC developmental themes is unique to the Commonwealth Scholarships and fellowships. 

Commonwealth Scholarships stress six developmental themes given below, aligning with the UK’s goals for developing countries. 

• Science and technology for development
• Strengthening health systems and capacity
• Promoting global prosperity
• Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
• Strengthening resilience and response to crises
• Access, inclusion, and opportunity

Commonwealth Scholarships for 2025 – 2026

Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships

Are you an exceptional graduate planning to do short-term research in the UK? You must apply for the Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships if you are looking for an ideal source of funding.

The duration of the award is 12 months, providing flexibility for you to choose between a continuous 12-month period or to split it into two six-month periods.

Eligibility:

• Be available to start your program by September 2025
• Your proposed research should align with the developmental and leadership objectives of CSC.
• The authorities will check your potential to emerge as an influential leader, educator, or researcher in your home country.

See the link below to learn more and apply.

Apply here for the Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are intended for applicants hailing from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The scholarships support these candidates in pursuing full-time Master’s programs at universities in the United Kingdom.

Eligibility:

• Be academically excellent
• Start your course by September 2025
• Show the financial need for the scholarship

Explore more and apply. Check the link below.

Apply here for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Study for a Master’s in the UK with Commonwealth Shared Scholarships if you are academically bright but financially weak. Your university will mediate the scholarship application. If selected, the scholarship will apply to your living costs too. 

Eligibility:

• Enroll in for a program in the UK by September 2025
• The duration of study must be 12 months
• Show the financial necessity for the scholarship

Learn more and apply if you are eligible. 

Apply here for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships

Don’t miss applying for Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships if you plan to enroll in a part-time Master’s program in a UK university while staying in your home country. The program intends to foster the motivation and professional development of individuals struggling to find those opportunities in their home countries. 

Eligibility:

• Be academically bright
• Demonstrate the impact you can create in your home country after your studies
• Show the financial need for funding

Get details and apply if you are eligible.

Apply here for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships

Commonwealth Professional Fellowships

Commonwealth Professional Fellowships are intended for professionals in the middle of their careers. These fellowships provide an opportunity for them to spend a period at a UK host organization, engaging in a program of professional development.

Eligibility:

• Be an employee of an organization
• Have a letter of reference from the working organization
• Have at least 5 years of experience, full-time or part-time

Learn more about the fellowship. Check the link below.

Apply here for the Commonwealth Professional Fellowships

Commonwealth Gender and Sexuality Fellowships

The Commonwealth Gender and Sexuality Fellowships cater to mid-career professionals to spend a designated period at a UK host organization, participating in a professional development program within their specific sectors.

Eligibility:

• Be an employee of an organization
• Have a letter of reference from the working organization
• Have at least 5 years of experience, full-time or part-time

See more about the fellowship and apply if you are the right fit.

Apply here for the Commonwealth Gender and Sexuality Fellowships

Eligible countries for Commonwealth Scholarships 2025 – 2026

44 countries persons can apply for the below 6 scholarships.

1. Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships
2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
3. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
4. Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships
5. Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
6. Commonwealth Gender and Sexuality Fellowships

A list of the 44 countries is mentioned in the table:-

How to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarships in the UK?

Your application for the Commonwealth Scholarships UK has to be made by a National Nomination Agency, a university, or a non-governmental organization, depending on the type of scholarship you are applying for. 

• Visit the official website of the Commonwealth Scholarships
• Filter out the scholarship option according to your eligibility
• Navigate to the website of the scholarship & understand the guidelines
• Get ready with your documents
• Apply for the scholarship online

Documents required for the Commonwealth Scholarship

• Passport copy
• Academic documents
• Admission letter
• Two references
• Entrance test results – IELTS, GRE, etc. 

Explore the guidelines and apply for eligible Commonwealth Scholarships to finance your studies in the UK. Winning Commonwealth funding can be exciting, as you won’t be bothered about your study and living costs till you graduate. 

But those benefits won’t compromise for the challenge – Commonwealth Scholarships are extremely competitive. The number of applicants will be higher every year. 

As an alternative funding option, think about applying for an education loan. We will guide you through top loan options available with or without collateral at minimal interest rates.

Frequently asked questions

Is it easy to win a Commonwealth Scholarship in the UK?

No. Getting a Commonwealth Scholarship in the UK is extremely competitive as there are so many applications every year.

Who is eligible for a Commonwealth Scholarship?

Those who are permanent residents in a Commonwealth country can apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship.

Is there any age criteria to apply for Commonwealth Scholarships in the UK? 

There is no age limit for the Commonwealth Scholarships. Anyone who fulfills the eligibility requirements can apply for this funding.

Can I stay in the UK after the Commonwealth Scholarship tenure?

No. Once you complete the program mentioned in the Commonwealth Scholarship application, you need to return to your home country.

Can I get the Commonwealth Scholarship without a UK university offer letter?

In general, you need to submit the offer letter you get from the UK university to apply for Commonwealth Scholarships. However, for some scholarships, the offer letter may not be required. It’s better if you check the official website or get in touch with an official to confirm.