The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is one of the best opportunities for African students who want to study in the United Kingdom without taking on heavy financial pressure. The scholarship is fully funded, designed specifically for students who cannot afford to study in the UK, and focuses on fields that support development back home. This guide explains the eligibility, benefits, study fields, deadlines, and the step-by-step application process for the 2026/2027 academic cycle.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship at a Glance
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What is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is a fully funded programme that supports talented students from eligible Commonwealth countries who want to study a one-year full-time Master’s in the UK. It is funded jointly by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and participating UK universities.
The goal is simple: give students who cannot afford UK postgraduate education a chance to study in fields that support development priorities in their home countries. Scholars return home after graduating to apply their skills in areas like public health, climate resilience, technology, governance, and inclusive education.
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”
Plutarch
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the 2026/27 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in that country.
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
- Be available to start studies in September/October 2026.
- Hold a first degree of at least Upper Second Class (2:1) OR a Second Class degree + relevant postgraduate qualification.
- Not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country previously.
- Apply for an approved course at a participating UK university.
These conditions help ensure fairness and make sure the programme reaches students who truly need full funding.
What the Scholarship Covers
One reason this scholarship is extremely competitive is the generous funding. It covers:
- Full tuition fees (paid directly to the university)
- Return airfare from your home country to the UK
- Monthly stipend for living costs
- London allowance for students studying in the London area
- Warm clothing allowance
- Study-travel grant for academic-related travel
- Additional child allowances for single parents
This funding removes the financial barriers that usually make UK study impossible for many students.
Eligible Fields & Approved Courses
The scholarship only supports UK-based Master’s programmes that fall under the CSC’s development-focused themes. These include:
- Science & technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting global prosperity
- Strengthening peace, security & governance
- Strengthening resilience & crisis response
- Access, inclusion & opportunity
Each year, the CSC publishes an official list of eligible universities and the courses they offer under this scheme. Applicants must choose from this approved list only. You cannot apply for MBAs, long multi-year programmes, or courses that do not match the development themes.
Required Documents
Applicants usually prepare:
- Passport or national ID
- Full academic transcripts
- Degree certificate(s)
- Proof of citizenship or refugee status
- Curriculum Vitae
- University admission application or offer (depending on university requirements)
- At least two references
- Development-focused study plan or purpose statement
Since deadlines for both the university and CSC are tight, it’s best to prepare these early.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Process)
The application has two parts: CSC application + university admission.
1. Check eligible courses and universities
Visit the CSC website for the official list of eligible Master’s programmes for 2026/27.
2. Apply for admission at the UK university
Most universities require you to apply separately for admission before they can nominate you.
3. Create your CSC application online
The CSC portal opens 12 November 2025 at 16:30 GMT.
4. Upload required documents
Ensure your documents are clear, accurate, and complete.
5. Submit your application before the deadline
The deadline for the CSC portal is 9 December 2025 at 16:00 GMT.
6. University shortlisting
Universities review applications and shortlist candidates for nomination.
7. CSC final selection
The CSC reviews nominations and confirms the final award list.
Selection Criteria
Your application is assessed based on three major areas:
- Academic merit – strength and relevance of your previous academic performance
- Quality of study plan – how well your proposed Master’s aligns with development goals
- Development impact – clear explanation of how you will use the qualification to support your home country
Your study plan and personal statement must clearly show why your chosen field matters back home.
Important Notes for African Applicants
Applicants often make small mistakes that cost them the scholarship. Keep these in mind:
- Start early; the window between opening and closing is very short.
- Apply to more than one eligible UK university to increase your chances.
- Focus your study plan strongly on development impact, not only personal goals.
- Make sure your referees respond early; many miss the deadline.
- Use simple and clear writing. Fluff makes your application weaker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply without a university admission?
Yes, you can apply through the CSC portal even if you have not yet received an offer from the UK university. However, most universities only nominate candidates who have applied for admission. It is safer to apply for the degree AND the scholarship at the same time to avoid delays.
2. Is the scholarship open to all Commonwealth countries in Africa?
Yes, students from all eligible Commonwealth countries in Africa can apply. This includes Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, and others. Applicants must be citizens and permanent residents of the eligible country at the time of application.
3. Are all Master’s programmes funded?
No. Only specific one-year Master’s courses listed under the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships scheme are funded. Each participating university provides an approved list. Degrees like MBAs, long research programmes, and multi-year degrees are not included.
4. Do I have to return home after completing my studies?
Yes. Scholars are expected to return to their home country after graduation. The scholarship exists to build capacity and support development in Commonwealth countries. Staying in the UK without returning goes against the programme’s purpose.
5. How competitive is the scholarship?
The scholarship is highly competitive because it is fully funded and focused on development fields. Thousands of applicants apply each year. Strong academic performance, a clear development-focused study plan, and convincing references all help strengthen your chances.
Final Thoughts
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is one of the most powerful opportunities available to African students who want to study in the UK. It removes the financial barrier entirely and supports fields that matter to the development of your home country. If you meet the requirements and your career aligns with one of the development themes, start preparing now. The application window is short, and strong applications are rarely prepared at the last minute.
Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.
