Commonwealth Graduate Scholarships in UK – Fully Funded

re you an ambitious student from a Commonwealth country looking to pursue a Master’s or PhD in the United Kingdom—without the burden of tuition fees and living expenses? The Commonwealth Graduate Scholarships 2025–2026 might be your gateway to world-class education, personal growth, and global impact. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these prestigious scholarships support exceptional individuals who have the potential to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development goals in their home countries and beyond.

Read Also: SJPL Rhodes Scholarships in UK – Fully Funded

What Are the Commonwealth Graduate Scholarships?

The Commonwealth Graduate Scholarships aim to provide fully funded opportunities to students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who cannot otherwise afford to study in the UK. The scholarship fosters global collaboration by empowering scholars with knowledge, skills, and networks essential for development and leadership.

These scholarships are awarded through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK, which selects candidates on behalf of the FCDO.

Why Choose the Commonwealth Graduate Scholarship?

• Global Recognition: Study at top-tier UK universities renowned for academic excellence.
• Fully Funded Support: Covers all major expenses including tuition, travel, and living allowances.
• Career Boost: Enhance your academic credentials and professional prospects.
• Development Focus: Join a global network of scholars dedicated to sustainable development.

Key Scholarship Details:

Category	Details
Offered by	UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Administered by	Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)
Eligible Degree Levels	Master’s, PhD
Financial Coverage	Fully Funded (tuition, stipend, travel, additional allowances)
Eligible Applicants	Citizens of Commonwealth Countries
Location	United Kingdom
Application Deadline	October 15, 2025
Official Website	cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk

Comprehensive Financial Benefits:

The Commonwealth Graduate Scholarships are fully funded, removing financial barriers to UK education.

Benefit	Details
Full Tuition Fees	100% coverage of university tuition costs
Airfare	Round-trip economy flight from your home country to the UK at the start and end of award
Monthly Stipend	£1,347/month outside London or £1,652/month in London Metropolitan area
Warm Clothing Allowance	Additional support to buy winter clothing (if applicable)
Thesis/Dissertation Grant	Funding assistance for thesis-related expenses
Study Travel Grant	Financial aid for approved study-related travel within or outside the UK
Dependent Allowance	May be provided if you’re accompanied by children/spouse (subject to conditions)

Fields of Study | Scholarship Themes:

Scholarships are awarded across six development-focused themes. Applicants must align their study and career goals with one of the following:

1. Science and Technology for Development
2. Strengthening Health Systems and Capacity
3. Promoting Global Prosperity
4. Strengthening Global Peace, Security, and Governance
5. Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises
6. Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity

Eligible Countries (2025 Intake):

Master’s Scholarships Eligible Countries Include:
Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Malaysia, Zambia, and many more.

PhD Scholarships Eligible Countries Include:
Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, etc.

Eligibility Criteria (Must Meet All):

• Nationality: Be a citizen, refugee, or British protected person of an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Education:
  • Master’s Applicants: Must have at least an Upper Second-Class (2:1) Honours undergraduate degree.
  • PhD Applicants: Must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field with strong academic performance.
• Not Studying in the UK: Cannot be currently registered for a PhD or MPhil in the UK.
• Financial Need: Demonstrate financial inability to study in the UK without this scholarship.
• Language Proficiency: Meet the English language requirements of your chosen UK university.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide?

1. Identify Your Program & University:
   • Choose a UK university and program aligned with your goals and a scholarship theme.
   • Confirm the university is participating in the CSC scheme.
2. Apply Through the CSC Online Application System:
   • Visit the official CSC portal:
   • Upload all required documents (see below).
3. Documents Checklist:
   • Proof of citizenship and residency
   • Academic transcripts and degree certificates
   • Two reference letters (academic/professional)
   • Personal statement outlining your goals and how they align with development themes
   • PhD applicants: Detailed research proposal
4. Track Application Deadlines:
   • Internal university deadlines may vary—confirm with your chosen institution.
   • CSC deadline: October 15, 2025
5. Await Selection Outcome:
   • Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed.
   • Final results typically released by May 2026.

Tips for a Successful Application:

• Tailor Your Personal Statement: Clearly connect your study goals with development needs in your home country.
• Choose Strong Referees: Select referees who can provide detailed, relevant insights into your qualifications.
• Highlight Leadership Experience: Showcase leadership, community service, or professional impact.
• Prepare Early: Start gathering documents and writing statements well before the deadline.

Comparison With Other UK Scholarships:

Scholarship	Funding	Eligibility	Focus
Commonwealth	Fully Funded	Commonwealth countries	Development-focused
Chevening	Fully Funded	Over 160 countries	Leadership, policy, and global impact
Rhodes (Oxford)	Fully Funded	Select countries	Academic excellence and leadership
Gates Cambridge	Fully Funded	All countries outside the UK	Research excellence and social impact

Frequently Asked Questions