Commonwealth Scholarships Commission: Are you desirous of change and have the inert potential, then this scholarship is your gateway to attaining your dream. is currently open for the 2026 academic session.
The CSC (Commonwealth Scholarships Commission) is a fully funded scholarship program administered by the British government to support people who have the capacity to have a beneficial influence on the world.
In this article, we’ve put together a detailed explanation about this scholarship. Here, you’ll learn its benefits, required documents, eligibility, as well as the step-by-step process to submit your application. Without further delay, let’s get started!
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission – Summary
Host: Commonwealth Commission
Location: The United Kingdom
Degree Scholarships: Master’s | PhD | Postgraduate degrees
Benefits: Funded tuition | Living stipends | Relocation expenses
Annual Stipends: £1,452 to £1,781 per month
Eligible Countries: Developed and middle-income countries (Click here to search your country)
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline: October 14, 2025
Juicy benefits of the Commonwealth Scholarship
The program provides various scholarship opportunities; each scholarship provides financial assistance that covers the following:
- Travel Expenses: Each scholarship program covers the cost of the scholars’ flight from their home country to the UK and back at the conclusion of the award. Note that the CSC will not cover the expense for dependents, nor the cost of trips taken before the award is verified.
- Funded Tuition: The full tuition fee is covered by an agreement between the UK institution and the CSC. Hence, Scholars are not responsible for paying any portion of the tuition bill; they can study without the burden of tuition fees.
- Living Stipends: A Living allowance is granted to each selected student. The stipend is valued at £1,452 per month, or £1,781 per month for individuals attending colleges in the London metropolitan area. In addition, the program also provides a stipend for warm clothing.
- Study Travel: In most cases, scholars tend to travel for study or research purposes. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission also offers a grant for research travel to cover the expenses of travel related to their study.
- Child Allowance/Support: A Scholar is entitled to a child allowance of £622 a month for the first child if he or she is widowed, divorced, or a single parent. And if the second and third child under the age of 16 are living with them, the scholar is entitled to £154 a month.
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission – Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person. Also, students who have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country can apply
- Applicants must be permanent residents in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Students who are interested in this scholarship program must be pursuing a degree in the UK and ready to start academic studies by the start of the UK academic year in September 2026.
- Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree before the commencement of the academic session in September 2026.
- Also, candidates must be in the class degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification.
- Interested scholars must be in financial need. That is, they are unable to afford the study expenses in the UK.
- Must provide all supporting documentation in the required format during the application.
- Applications for the CSC have no age restrictions. Applicants are encouraged to check with their employers if there are any age restrictions on their leave rights.
- Applicants seeking a second Master’s degree must be able to explain why they want to pursue this course of study.
- Those who have previously completed a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom are not eligible.
- Applicants must pledge to assist in the growth of their home nations by returning home after their scholarships have expired (you cannot stay in the UK after the program).
- Applicants with disabilities who can show their ability to contribute to international development but do not have a 2:1 undergraduate degree may apply through the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum nominator.
How To Apply For The Scholarship Commission Award
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission applications for the 2026/27 academic year is currently ongoing, and the deadline for submissions is 16:00 on October 14, 2025.
All applications to the CSC must be submitted via the application system, CSC Central.
The CSC cannot consider any documents or applications that are not sent through CSC Central.
When applying, candidates can use a template application form and guidance document.
When applying, candidates can use a template application form and guidance document.
Check the Scholarship application page for more information on how to apply for each of the scholarships.
Apply Now: Click here
Required Documents
- A copy of a valid passport (or national ID card) with a photo, date of birth, and country of citizenship
- Academic transcripts of all higher education qualifications, including current transcripts for any courses being taken, with certified translations if not in English
- References from a minimum of two people, in PDF format, signed, and either on institutional letterhead or an email with the sender’s details clearly visible.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission – Overview
The UK government scholarship program, which is headed by international development goals, is run by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the United Kingdom. It is a fully funded program that gives students from developed and middle-income countries the chance to study at any partnered university in the United Kingdom.
With funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the program aims to draw and support graduates with exceptional skills and recognizable leadership potential. It gives the eligible students the chance to learn and develop their skills, and in the end, help their home countries.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission is available to students from qualified Commonwealth nations (both low- and middle-income countries) who wish to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in an eligible institution.
The application period began September 2, 2025, and will close October 14, 2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible. Furthermore, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) is available in the six areas of CSC development. These include:
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What else do I need to submit aside from the transcripts?
All of your university-level credentials must be accompanied by complete transcripts. You will have to submit transcripts for your undergraduate or graduate degrees. Transcripts should include pages covering grades from all years of study, not just the last.
Do I need an IELTS certificate?
Applying for a CSC scholarship does not require an IELTS or any other English language certificate. Nevertheless, in order to be accepted into a UK university, applicants from certain nations must prove their English language competency by completing the IELTS or other English language proficiency exam. You should verify the requirements with the institution yourself.
My country is not on the list of qualifying nations. What should I do?
Not every nation is eligible for individual CSC scholarships. You are not eligible to apply for that program if your nation is not included in the list of qualifying nations on the program page.
However, you may be eligible for other scholarship programs. Visit our scholarship page for eligible opportunities.
What is included under a Commonwealth Scholarship?
All Commonwealth Scholarships cover approved tuition costs. The CSC will pay for the cost of your trip to and from the UK from your home nation, visa fees, and a living stipend for research done in the UK.
Are Refugees eligible for a Commonwealth Scholarship?
Refugees who have been given refugee status by a qualifying Commonwealth nation and are now permanent residents are eligible to apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship.