The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme offers a remarkable opportunity for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
This initiative aims to support individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford such an education, aligning with the UK government’s international development objectives.
About the Scholarship
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is a collaborative effort between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and participating UK universities.
It is designed for talented individuals who can contribute to their home countries’ development upon completing their studies.
The scholarships cover various costs, including tuition fees, living expenses, and travel allowances.
Courses Available
Eligible candidates can apply for a range of approved Master’s programs at participating UK universities.
Some of the courses typically available under this scholarship include:
- MA Africa and Development
- MSc Conflict, Security and Development
- MSc Environment, Development and Politics
For a complete list of approved courses, applicants should check the CSC’s official website or the specific university’s offerings.
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Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of or have refugee status from an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Residency: Applicants must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Academic Qualifications: By September 2025, candidates must hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honors or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification.
- Previous Study: Candidates should not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country.
- Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate that they cannot afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
- Supporting Documentation: All required documents must be submitted in the specified format.
Who Should Apply?
The scholarship is particularly suited for:
- Individuals from developing Commonwealth countries who show potential for making significant contributions to their communities or countries post-study.
- Candidates with strong academic backgrounds and leadership qualities who are committed to returning to their home countries after completing their studies.
Benefits of the Scholarship
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship provides extensive benefits to successful applicants, including:
- Full Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers all tuition costs associated with the approved Master’s program.
- Monthly Stipend: Scholars receive a living allowance of approximately £1,378 per month (£1,690 for those studying in London).
- Travel Expenses: Approved airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award.
- Thesis Grant: Financial support for thesis preparation costs.
- Study Travel Grant: Funding available for study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
- Child Allowance: For single parents, there are additional allowances available for children living with them during their studies.
How to Apply
Applying for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship involves several steps:
- Choose an Eligible Course: Research and select an approved Master’s program at a participating UK university.
- Secure Admission: Submit an application to your chosen university and obtain an offer of admission.
- Complete Application on CSC Portal: Applications must be submitted via the CSC’s online application system. It is crucial to ensure that all documentation is uploaded correctly and that you adhere to submission guidelines.
- Application Deadline: The deadline for applications is set for 12 December 2024, by 16:00 GMT. Early submission is advised due to high traffic on the application portal as deadlines approach.
- University Nomination: After submission, universities will review applications and nominate candidates to the CSC based on their selection criteria.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 11 November 2024
- Application Closes: 12 December 2024
- Start of Academic Year: September/October 2025
Disclaimer
While this article provides comprehensive information regarding the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, it is essential to refer directly to official sources such as the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for updates and detailed application instructions.
For further details on how to apply, click here to apply or visit your chosen university’s website for specific admission requirements and deadlines.
By taking advantage of this scholarship opportunity, you can gain invaluable educational experience while contributing positively to your community upon your return home.
