The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year present an exceptional opportunity for students to pursue advanced studies in the UK without bearing the financial burden.
This fully-funded scholarship program seeks out outstanding individuals who may not otherwise have the means to study in the UK. Targeting talented and promising candidates from underprivileged Commonwealth nations with lower incomes, these scholarships prioritize equity, inclusion, and meritocracy.
By providing access to education for disadvantaged groups, the program aims to open doors to a future rich with opportunities and successful careers for its recipients.
What You Should Know About The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Program operates within the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, overseen by the UK Government. Yet, the CSC operates independently with sponsorship from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
Its primary aim is to advance the UK Government’s mission and vision by fostering development within Commonwealth Nations. To achieve this goal, it offers international scholarship opportunities to bring top talents to UK universities, thus contributing to national and global progress while safeguarding UK interests.
The fully-funded scholarship available to international students marks a significant opportunity for aspiring candidates to join a collaborative community of learners. It grants fellows access to engage with both current and past Commonwealth fellows through alumni networks.
Within these networks, fellows exchange ideas, discuss research topics, and explore potential collaborations on various projects.
These networks serve as Knowledge Hubs and Regional Networks, fostering interaction among Commonwealth fellows.
While Regional Networks offer specific interaction opportunities, Knowledge Hubs, accessible to all, are managed by Knowledge Hub Coordinators via LinkedIn.
The Commonwealth Scholarships have outlined six primary themes aimed at promoting sustainable development and contributing effectively to the social welfare of participating nations. Emphasizing the importance of well-being, the Commonwealth Commission prioritizes the welfare of candidates, recognizing them as valuable assets poised to enhance their nations.
To facilitate their transition and mitigate cultural shock, UKCISA offers extensive support to students across various domains including social, emergency, LGBTQ1 issues, and general assistance. Additionally, in collaboration with the National Health System, comprehensive information regarding medical emergencies is provided.
In essence, this scholarship opportunity is dedicated to fostering educational success, progress, and the overall well-being of students from Commonwealth countries.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for the year 2024 in the UK:
- Destination Country:
- United Kingdom
- Partner Universities:
- Candidates must choose from a selection of UK universities before applying.
- Academic Level:
- Master’s level programs
The Following Countries Are Eligible:
Eswatini, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, The Gambia, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Benefits Of Commonwealth Shared Master’s Scholarships 2024 In The UK:
- The entire tuition fee will be covered by the grant from the CSC.
- A round-trip airfare ticket will be supplied.
- A monthly stipend of £1,347 will be granted.
- For students enrolled in universities within the London Metropolitan area, a monthly stipend of £1,652 will be allocated.
- An allowance for warm clothing will be provided.
- Thesis expenses, if applicable, will be funded by the CSC.
- A travel grant for study-related expenses, whether in the UK or abroad, will be awarded.
- Reimbursement for the mandatory TB test expenses will be facilitated.
- The visa fee reimbursement will be issued.
- If you’re a single parent, widowed, or divorced, you’ll receive a monthly allowance of £576.61 for the first child, and an additional £143 per month for each subsequent child, provided they’re under 16 years old.
- If you’re disabled, you’ll be eligible for a special disability grant following a comprehensive examination and assessment.
Eligibility Requirements For Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2024-25:
- Applicants should either hail from eligible Commonwealth nations or hold refugee status conferred by any Commonwealth country.
- Individuals designated as British Protected Persons are eligible to apply.
- Candidates must be permanent residents of Commonwealth countries.
- A minimum requirement includes an undergraduate degree with distinctions (first-class grades), or at least upper second-class or lower second-class grades.
- Applicants must possess a relevant postgraduate qualification, typically a master’s degree.
- The ability to commence studies in the UK by September 2024 is imperative.
- Applicants should not have undergone academic or professional engagements lasting an entire academic year in the UK or any other high-income country.
- Candidates must demonstrate reliance on a Commonwealth grant to pursue studies at a UK university.
How to Apply for the 2024 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship:
- To apply, candidates must complete the online application on the CW Shared Portal. It is important to apply separately for both the university program and the scholarship.
- Candidates should carefully review the list of courses available and select their preferred course.
- Select a university from the provided list. Each university has its own eligibility criteria and requirements, so ensure that you meet all the requirements of the chosen UK university and adhere to their application deadline.
- If a university does not require an English proficiency certificate, candidates should contact the university via email to request nomination for the scholarship without an English language test.
- Candidates must be nominated by their chosen UK universities for the scholarship.
- While candidates can apply to multiple universities and disciplines, they must choose only one university and discipline if they are awarded the scholarship.
Eligible Courses And Universities:
Brunel University London offers an LLM program focusing on International Human Rights Law. Durham University provides an MSc in Mathematics. Goldsmiths, University of London used to offer an MA in Investigative Journalism, though it’s no longer available. They also offer an MA in World Theatres. Liverpool Hope University offers an MA in Disability Studies.
The London School of Economics and Political Science offers an MSc program in Gender, Development, and Globalisation. Oxford Brookes University offers an MA in Education with a focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Queen’s University Belfast offers an MSc in City Planning and Design. Royal Holloway, University of London provides an MSc program in Gender Studies.
Sheffield Hallam University offers an MA in Jewellery and Metalwork. University College London has various MA programs including Education with focuses on Gender and International Development, International Development, and Social Development Practice.
The University of Aberdeen offers an MLitt in Museum Studies. The University of Bristol provides an MSc in Education with a focus on Policy and International Development. The University of Cambridge offers an MPhil in Education focusing on Education, Globalisation, and International Development. The University of Glasgow has an MSc program in Reparatory Justice.
The University of Sussex offers MAs in Gender and Development, Power, Participation, and Social Change. The University of Warwick offers MAs in Applied Theatre with a focus on Arts, Action, and Change, as well as Gender and International Development
