The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s Master’s program is a prestigious initiative that reflects the United Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to international development and fostering global partnerships. This program, sponsored by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), is designed to empower exceptionally talented individuals from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who aspire to make a positive impact on their home nations through education and innovation.
A Gateway to Excellence: This program offers Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, which are highly coveted opportunities for individuals who might not otherwise have the means to pursue advanced education in the UK. These scholarships are awarded to candidates who demonstrate outstanding potential and a clear dedication to sustainable development, aligning with the broader goals of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).
Nurturing Future Leaders: The CSC aims to identify and support candidates with a passion for creating change within their communities and countries. It embraces diversity and inclusivity, with a strong commitment to equal opportunity and non-discrimination, encouraging applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. There is no age limit for applicants, making this program accessible to aspiring scholars at different stages of their careers.
Holistic Selection Process: The selection process for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships is rigorous and multifaceted. Applicants are assessed based on their academic merit, the quality of their research proposals, and the potential impact of their studies on the development of their home countries. The program seeks candidates who possess the drive and vision to contribute significantly to global, national, and local development challenges.
Tailored Financial Support: Successful candidates receive comprehensive financial support, which includes approved airfare to and from the UK, full tuition fees, a monthly stipend (adjusted for those in the London metropolitan area), and a study travel grant. Family allowances are also provided for scholars with children, acknowledging the importance of family support during their academic journey.
A Variety of Study Options: Scholars have the opportunity to pursue one-year taught Master’s programs at approved UK universities or higher education institutions. While the program does not fund MBA degrees or second Master’s degrees in most cases, it is open to considering unique justifications for such pursuits.
Global Impact Through Collaboration: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s Master’s program embodies the spirit of collaboration and sustainable development. It serves as a testament to the UK’s dedication to the Commonwealth and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders who will drive positive change in their home countries.
Location:
United KingdomBenefits
- Financial Support: Scholars receive comprehensive financial support covering airfare, tuition fees, living allowances, and family support where applicable.
- Empowering Education: It provides talented individuals from eligible Commonwealth countries access to high-quality education in the UK.
- Leadership Development: The program nurtures future global leaders by selecting individuals with outstanding academic credentials and a commitment to driving positive change.
- Inclusivity: There are no age restrictions, and the program welcomes disabled applicants, ensuring that talent knows no boundaries.
- Rigorous Selection Process: Candidates are carefully chosen based on their academic merits, research proposals, and commitment to development in their home countries.
- Impactful Return: Scholars return to their home countries equipped with knowledge and skills to lead and innovate, leaving a lasting legacy of positive change
Eligibilities
- The applicant must be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country.
- The applicant must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- The applicant must be available to start academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2024.
- By September 2024, the applicant must hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honors standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).
- The applicant must be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
- The applicant must have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.
- The CSC recognizes that disabled people have often faced and overcome challenges or barriers in their education journey which have prevented them from achieving the academic requirement for a Commonwealth Scholarship. Disabled applicants who can demonstrate their potential to contribute to international development but who do not hold a 2:1 Undergraduate degree may be considered for a contextualized nomination through the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum nominator.
- The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants.
- There is no age limit for CSC applications. Applicants are advised to confirm with their employers any age restrictions on leave entitlement they may have in place.
Application Process
- List all undergraduate and postgraduate university qualifications obtained.
- List up to 10 publications and prizes.
- Provide details of employment history and explain how the experience gained supports and is relevant to the program to be undertaken in the UK.
- List names and positions of three referees who are qualified to comment on both their capacity to benefit from the proposed Scholarship in the UK and their ability to deliver development impact afterward. One of the referees must be a current employer (if applicable) and at least two references must be included with the application.
- Provide a Development Impact statement in four parts.
In the first part applicants should explain how the proposed scholarship relates to:
- Development issues at the global, national, and local level
- Development issues connected to the chosen CSC development theme and the wider sector
The second part should explain how they intend to apply their new skills once the Scholarship ends.
The third part should outline what they expect will change in development terms following the Scholarship, including:
- The outcomes that they aim to achieve
- The timeframe for their implementation
- Who the beneficiaries will be
In the fourth part applicants should write about how the impact of their work could be best measured and evidenced.
Applicants are also asked to:
- Confirm what their award objectives are and how the Scholarship program will meet each of them.
- Confirm what their career plans are for the 5 years following the Scholarship.
- Confirm their long-term career plans.
- Provide a detailed plan of study.
- Provide a personal statement to summarise how their background has encouraged them to want to make an impact in their home country. Applicants may wish to highlight any areas where they have already made significant contributions, including overcoming personal or community barriers in accessing higher education or within their field.
- Summarise the ways in which they have engaged in voluntary activities and the opportunities they have had to demonstrate leadership.
Application Deadline: October 17, 2023
Application ClosedOfficial link
