Commonwealth Scholarship 2025-26

If you are from a Commonwealth country and believe you could make a difference in the world but can't afford to fund your UK studies on your own, then you could be the ideal candidate for a Commonwealth Scholarship 2025-26. Pondering over the possibility of making a global impact through your studies?

Well, the Commonwealth Scholarship is that very key waiting to unlock your future. Let's unravel the possibilities together and set your aspirations in motion.

What is the Commonwealth Scholarship?

The Commonwealth Scholarships program targets students from the Commonwealth countries, who may face financial barriers to pursuing education in the United Kingdom. This initiative, which provides financial support for postgraduate studies in various formats, is crucial in nurturing potential innovators and leaders.

This prestigious Commonwealth scholarship and fellowship grant is the United Kingdom's key scholarship program for advancing British international development objectives. Its purpose is to draw exceptional talent to UK universities while concurrently contributing to sustainable development efforts abroad.

Benefits of Commonwealth Scholarship

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship offered by MHRD presents a plethora of benefits, Let's explore them in more detail below

1. Over the last 60 years, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) has generously provided Commonwealth scholarships to more than 30,000 individuals from the 56 Commonwealth countries.

2. Close to 800 students annually receive Commonwealth master’s scholarships in leading UK universities, catering specifically to international students.

3. The Commonwealth Scholarship is funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), ensuring that talented individuals with limited resources can pursue their studies in the UK.

4. The Commonwealth Scholarship is intricately designed under 6 development themes:

• Science and Technology
• Health Systems
• Global Prosperity
• Peace, Security, Governance, Crisis Resilience
• Access and inclusion

5. The Commonwealth and Fellowship Plan offers a monthly stipend of £1,000 (₹1,05,280), along with a thesis grant. The Commonwealth scholarship for Indian students covers airfare, and additional allowances include £225 (₹23,688) per month for a spouse and £225 per month for the first child, with £110 (₹11,580) per month for the second child.

Types of Commonwealth Scholarship Awards

The Commonwealth Scholarships program encompasses various awards designed to facilitate educational opportunities for individuals from Commonwealth countries. Below are the different types of CS awards

Application Dates & Process for Commonwealth Scholarship 2025-26  

• Application Opens: Usually August–September 2025 (Please cross-check on CSC website)

• Deadline (Master’s/Split-site/PhD/Shared): Typically mid-October or early November 2025; some nominating agencies have earlier timelines. 

• Results Announced: By July 2026, before the autumn UK intake. 

Who Can Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship?

To apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship, you require citizenship or PR in a Commonwealth country. Additionally, applicants must hold an undergraduate honors degree with a minimum classification of upper second class (2:1), and for those pursuing a Ph.D., a relevant master's degree is a prerequisite.

Finally, candidates must demonstrate financial need, as the scholarship is intended for those who would otherwise be unable to afford studies in the UK.

1. Commonwealth Scholarship Eligibility: Master’s Programs

• Citizenship Requirement: Applicants must hold permanent citizenship in Commonwealth Countries.
• Age Limit: Candidates should be under 40 years of age.
• Educational Background: A completed Bachelor's degree is mandatory, with a 60% score in Humanities and Social Sciences or a 65% score in Engineering, Technology, Science, and Agriculture.
• Language Proficiency: Tertiary education must be completed in English, and proof of English proficiency is essential.
• Exception Criteria: Applicants with overseas training, specialization, or study completion, funded either through scholarships or personal means, can apply, provided they have resided in India for at least two years post their return.

2. Commonwealth Scholarship Eligibility: PhD Programs

• Citizenship Prerequisite: Permanent citizenship in Commonwealth Countries is mandatory for PhD applicants.
• Age Restriction: Candidates should not exceed 40 years of age.
• Educational Qualifications: Completion of both Bachelor's and Master's degrees is required, with a 60% score in Humanities and Social Sciences or a 65% score in Engineering, Technology, Science, and Agriculture.
• Supervisor Acceptance: Applicants must secure an acceptance letter from a university supervisor, which is to be submitted during the interview process.

How to Apply for Commonwealth Scholarship 2025-26?

Here are the steps you, as an Indian, need to check in order to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship 2025-26: 

1. Identify Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) hoards Commonwealth Scholarships, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships, and others. Check the CSC website to identify the scholarship that fits with your qualifications and study plans.  

2. Check Eligibility and Deadlines

• Carefully review the eligibility requirements of the scholarship you have chosen on the CSC website. 

• Note the application deadlines for both the nominating agency (if applicable) and the CSC.  

3. Follow Application Process 

• Nomination Agency (if required): Many CSC scholarships require you to be nominated by a nominating agency in your home country, such as a government department or a relevant NGO. 

• CSC Online Application: You will need to apply online through the CSC's Electronic Application System (EAS). 

• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form accurately and completely, providing all the necessary information about your academic background, personal details, and intended study plan. 

• Submit Supporting Documents: Prepare and submit all required documents, such as transcripts, degree certificates, passport copies, and references. 

• SAKSHAT Portal (if applicable): Some scholarships, like those for Indian students, require a separate application on the SAKSHAT portal of India's Ministry of Education. 

UK Commonwealth Scholarship University List

After ensuring that you fulfill the Commonwealth scholarship requirements mentioned above, you should apply to one of the universities listed below that offer Commonwealth Scholarships.

Master’s Program  

• Citizenship: You must hold permanent citizenship in Commonwealth Countries.
• Age Limit: You should be under 40 years of age.
• Educational Background: A completed Bachelor's degree is mandatory, with a 60% score in Humanities and Social Sciences or a 65% score in Engineering, Technology, Science, and Agriculture.
• Language Proficiency: Tertiary education must be completed in English, and proof of English proficiency is essential.
• Exception Criteria: Applicants with overseas training, specialisation, or study completion, funded either through scholarships or personal means, can apply, provided they have resided in India for at least two years post their return.  

PhD Programs 

• Citizenship Prerequisite: Permanent citizenship in Commonwealth Countries is mandatory for PhD applicants.

• Age Restriction: Youshould not exceed 40 years of age.

• Educational Qualifications: Completion of both Bachelor's and Master's degrees is required, with a 60% score in Humanities and Social Sciences or a 65% score in Engineering, Technology, Science, and Agriculture.

• Supervisor Acceptance: Applicants must secure an acceptance letter from a university supervisor, which is to be submitted during the interview process. 

Required Documents for Commonwealth Scholarship for 2025-26  

The required documents for Ccommonwealth Sscholarship for 2025-26: 

• Valid passport or any national ID

• Academic transcripts (official and translated, if necessary)

• Admission offer letter from eligible UK university (where required)

• Proof of English language proficiency

• References (varies by agency)

• Statement of Purpose/Research Proposal

• Proof of financial need

• Supervisor acceptance letter (PhD only)

Charting New Horizons with GetGIS

As we draw the curtains on our exploration of Commonwealth Scholarships, it's evident that these opportunities serve as gateways to a transformative educational journey. The prospect of pursuing Master's or PhD studies in the United Kingdom becomes not only feasible but also enriching, thanks to the comprehensive support these scholarships offer.

And for those eager to navigate the intricacies of studying abroad, consider the assistance of GetGIS. From personalized SOP guidance to scholarship application support, GetGIS is your compass in the realm of international education, ensuring a smooth and successful journey toward your academic dreams. Schedule a Free Consultation