Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships
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Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage. These scholarships reflect the UK’s commitment to the Commonwealth and offer around 700 students annually the opportunity to pursue postgraduate degrees at UK universities.
If you are from a Commonwealth country and have the drive to make a difference in the world but lack the financial means to fund your studies in the UK, you could be an ideal candidate for a Commonwealth Scholarship.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
|
Offered By |
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), UK, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Government of India |
|
Amount Granted |
Full tuition fees, return airfare, monthly living allowance, thesis grant, warm clothing allowance, and other applicable research and travel support |
|
Type of Scholarship |
Government-funded scholarship based on academic merit and development impact potential |
|
Level of Program |
Master’s (one-year taught programs) and Ph.D. (3–4 year doctoral programs) |
|
Application Deadline |
October 2025 (tentative, India nominations usually close around late October) |
|
International Students |
Yes, open to citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries (including India) |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
Must be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country; not already studying in the UK; hold a relevant undergraduate/postgraduate degree; demonstrate financial need |
|
Participating Colleges |
Over 90 UK universities are participating in CSC programs, including University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, and others |
|
Selection Process |
Apply via national nominating agency (like MHRD India) and CSC portal → Review → Shortlisting → Final award decision |
|
Key Dates |
CSC applications open: August/September 2025; Indian nominations deadline: October 2025; Final results: Spring 2026; Programs begin: September/October 2026 |
|
Official URL |
The British Council offers the following scholarships and fellowships for chosen candidates from India:
| Award | Category of beneficiaries | Brief description |
|---|---|---|
|
Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships |
Ph. D. scholars |
Ph.D. scholars from the Commonwealth countries can conduct 12 months of their research in the UK |
|
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships |
Master’s students |
Enables candidates to pursue full-time master’s in the UK |
|
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships |
Master’s students |
Enables candidates to pursue full-time master’s in the UK |
|
Commonwealth Distance learning Scholarships |
Master’s students |
Helps candidates learn part-time for master’s from a UK university while they remain at their home country |
|
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships |
Professionals |
Allows professionals with at least 5 years work experience to work in a host institution in the UK |
|
Commonwealth Gender and Sexuality Fellowships |
Professionals |
Allows professionals with at least 5 years work experience to work in a host institution in the UK |
Most of the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships are fully funded with coverage of expenses listed below:
Financial Support: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Thesis Grant: For scholars undertaking doctoral studies.
Stipends: Monthly allowance to cover living expenses.
Warm Clothing Allowance: For scholars in colder regions.
Study Travel Grant: To support travel for study-related purposes within the UK or overseas.
Additional Allowances: Disability allowance, family allowances, and more, depending on individual circumstances. 
Scholarship type
Test based
Benefits Worth
INR 500,000
Country
Multiple Countries
Course Level
Various Levels
Scholarship type
Merit based
Benefits Worth
Variable
Country
United Kingdom
Course Level
Masters
Scholarship type
Merit based
Benefits Worth
Variable
Country
United Kingdom
Course Level
Masters
Scholarship type
Merit based
Benefits Worth
₹ 43,729,900
GBP 400,000
Country
United Kingdom
Course Level
Phd
The Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships eligibility requirements include the following:
1. Nationality: Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
2. Academic Qualifications:
For Graduate Courses: Have the minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree.
For Ph.D: Have a master’s degree or are in the final year of the program.
3. Age Limits: No specific age limits, but some awards might have preferred age ranges.
4. Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English, often demonstrated through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
5. Work Experience: Relevant professional experience may be required, especially for fellowships.
To apply for the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships, you can go through the application process:
1. Identify the Scholarship/Fellowship: Visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) website to find a suitable scholarship or fellowship.
2. Check Requirements: Review the specific eligibility criteria and application guidelines for the selected award.
3. Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents as per the guidelines.
4. Online Application: Register and complete the online application form on the CSC’s Electronic Application System (EAS).
5. Submit Application: Upload all required documents and submit your application before the deadline.
The documents required for the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships are:
Completed Application Form: Available on the CSC EAS portal.
Proof of Citizenship: Passport or national ID.
Academic Transcripts and Certificates: Copies of all academic records and degree certificates.
References/Letters of Recommendation: Typically two, from academic or professional sources.
Personal Statement: Detailing your academic interests, career goals, and why you are applying for the scholarship.
Research Proposal: For research-based scholarships, a detailed proposal is required.
Language Proficiency Proof: Certificates like IELTS or TOEFL if applicable.
Supporting Documents: Any additional documents specified in the application guidelines.
From a cluster of applications every year, Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships beneficiaries are selected in the following way:
1. Preliminary Screening: Initial review of applications for eligibility and completeness.
2. Academic Review: Assessment of academic qualifications, research proposals, and personal statements by experts in the field.
3. Shortlisting: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or further assessment.
4. Final Selection: Final decision made by a committee of CSC representatives and experts.
5. Notification: Successful candidates are informed via email and receive an official letter of award.
For queries and concerns, students can use the contact form for Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships.
No. It is mandatory that the beneficiaries must return to their home countries after the duration of their Commonwealth scholarship or fellowship.
Applicants for the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships must have passed an international test for the English language, such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc., with the minimum score required for their program of study.
There is no specified minimum GPA to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships, but it is mandatory that applicants must have excellent academic merit to be selected for Commonwealth funding.
The questions to be asked in the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships interview will assess the applicant’s overall fit for the eligible type of scholarship or funding. You must be honest and give answers that align with the interests of the British Council.
Typical questions for the interview will center around how the scholarship helps your future goals, your intentions of serving your home country after the scholarship tenure, reasons for selecting the particular program of study and university, funding options for your study in the UK, etc.
The Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships are available for graduate and doctoral programs across all disciplines and for professional growth in the UK. The eligible courses include both full-time and distance learning programs for various programs of funding.
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