Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries 2025–2026

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The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with UK universities, offer a transformative opportunity for talented students from least developed and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, to pursue full-time Master’s degrees in the UK.

Established under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), the program supports sustainable development by equipping scholars with skills to address global challenges like health, climate change, and social justice.

For 2025–2026, the scholarships fund study at participating UK universities, with approximately 200 awards offered annually across six development themes.

Since its inception, the CSC has supported over 30,000 scholars, fostering leaders who drive change in their home countries.

This comprehensive guide details eligibility, benefits, application processes, and tips for success for Nigerians and other eligible applicants.

Why Choose the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are designed to empower high-potential individuals who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. Key benefits include:

• Fully Funded Support: Covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and additional costs, removing financial barriers.
• World-Class Education: Study at top UK universities like UCL, King’s College London, and the University of Edinburgh, ranked among the world’s best.
• Development Focus: Aligns with six CSC themes: science and technology, health systems, global prosperity, peace and security, resilience, and inclusion.
• Global Networking: Join a network of over 30,000 CSC alumni, fostering international collaboration and partnerships.
• Career Impact: Scholars like Adebayo from Nigeria, who studied public health at LSHTM, have led impactful health initiatives in their communities.

The scholarships emphasize returning home post-study to contribute to national development, ensuring tangible impact in scholars’ countries.

Program Overview

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships support full-time Master’s programs (typically one year) at participating UK universities, jointly funded by the CSC and host institutions. The scholarships focus on six development themes:

• 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

Eligible courses, such as MSc Public Health for Eye Care at LSHTM or MSc Sustainable Agriculture at RAU, are selected for their alignment with these themes. The scholarships do not cover undergraduate, PhD, or pre-sessional English courses. Scholars must return to their home country within one month of completing their studies.

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarships target candidates from least developed and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries. Eligibility includes:

• Citizenship: Citizen of or granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country (e.g., Nigeria, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia).
• Residency: Permanently and continually resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Academic Qualifications: By September 2025, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class (2:2) degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s).
• Financial Need: Unable to afford UK study without the scholarship, verified through financial documentation.
• Prior Experience: Not have studied or worked for one academic year or more in a high-income country.
• Study Commitment: Available to start studies in the UK by September/October 2025.
• English Proficiency: Meet university-specific English language requirements (e.g., IELTS 7.0, no band below 6.5, for LSHTM; due by April 1, 2025, for some institutions).
• Restrictions: Applicants seeking a second UK Master’s must justify the need; CSC does not fund work experience in lieu of academic qualifications.

Eligible countries are listed in the OECD DAC List (2024), including Nigeria. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply, with support outlined in the CSC’s disability statement.

Benefits of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

The scholarships provide comprehensive support for one year, including:

• Tuition Fees: Fully covered by the CSC and participating universities.
• Living Allowance: GBP 1,378 per month (GBP 1,690 in London metropolitan area) for living expenses.
• Travel Costs: Economy-class airfare to/from the scholar’s home country (dependant travel not covered).
• Warm Clothing Allowance: Provided where applicable.
• Study-Related Grants: Thesis grant and study travel grant for UK or overseas travel.
• TB Test Reimbursement: Covers mandatory tuberculosis test costs for visa applications.
• Child Allowance: GBP 590/month for the first child and GBP 146/month for additional children under 16 for single parents, if children live with the scholar in the UK.
• Disability Support: Additional allowances for scholars with disabilities, if eligible.

These benefits ensure scholars can focus on their studies and professional development.

Participating Universities and Courses

The scholarships support specific Master’s programs at participating UK universities, such as:

• London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM): MSc Public Health for Eye Care, MSc Public Health for Development (3–4 awards).
• King’s College London: MSc Mental Health Studies, MSc Global Mental Health, MSc Palliative Care, MRes Clinical Research (3 awards).
• University College London (UCL): Up to 8 awards for programs like MSc Global Health and Development.
• Royal Agricultural University (RAU): MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security.
• University of Edinburgh: Various eligible Master’s programs.
• Durham University: Selected taught Master’s programs.

Applicants must check the CSC’s list of eligible courses and universities, ensuring alignment with the six development themes.

Application Process

Applications for the 2025–2026 Commonwealth Shared Scholarships involve two steps, both due by December 12, 2025, at 16:00 GMT:

1. 1. Apply to a Participating University:
   2. Select an eligible Master’s course from a participating university.
   3. Submit a complete admission application, including transcripts, references, and English proficiency scores, by university-specific deadlines (e.g., January 8, 2025, for King’s College London; January 20, 2025, for UCL).
   4. Secure an unconditional or finance-conditional offer from the university.
   5. Apply to the CSC:
   6. Complete the CSC online application via the CSC portal.
   7. Provide:
      • • Proof of citizenship (valid passport or national ID).
        • Full transcripts of all higher education qualifications (with certified translations if not in English).
        • Three reference letters, including one from a current employer (if applicable).
        • Personal statement (500 words) on your background and impact goals.
        • Development impact statement addressing global, national, and local development issues, your chosen CSC theme, and past contributions.
        • Career plan for the five years post-scholarship.
   8. Nomination and Selection: Universities nominate candidates to the CSC by March 2025. Final decisions are announced by July 2025.

Applicants may apply to multiple courses and universities but can accept only one scholarship offer. Incomplete applications or missing documents render applications ineligible.

Tips for a Successful Application

With high competition, these tips can strengthen your application:

1. 1. • Apply Early: Submit both university and CSC applications by early December 2025 to avoid system overload.
      • Tailor Statements: Clearly link your background, career goals, and chosen course to your country’s development needs in the personal and impact statements.
      • Secure Strong References: Choose referees who can validate your academic and leadership potential.
      • Verify Course Eligibility: Ensure your chosen program aligns with CSC development themes and university requirements.
      • Provide Complete Documentation: Include all transcripts and references in the required format to avoid disqualification.

Contact university admissions offices (e.g., RAU Admissions, UCL Student Funding) or the CSC for support.

Deadlines and Key Dates for 2025–2026

Key dates include:

1. 1. • September 10, 2025: CSC application portal opens.
      • December 12, 2025: Deadline for CSC and university applications (16:00 GMT).
      • January–March 2025: Universities nominate candidates to CSC.
      • April 2025: Shortlist notifications for some universities (e.g., UCL, RAU).
      • July 2025: Final award confirmations.
      • September/October 2025: Programs begin.

Check university-specific deadlines (e.g., January 8, 2025, for King’s; March 1, 2025, for Durham’s English requirements).

Life as a Commonwealth Shared Scholar

Scholars study in vibrant UK cities like London, Edinburgh, or Cirencester, engaging with diverse academic communities. The GBP 1,378–1,690 monthly stipend supports comfortable living, while cultural events and CSC alumni networks foster global connections.

Alternative Opportunities

If ineligible, consider:

1. 1. • Chevening Scholarships: UK-funded Master’s for global leaders.
      • Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: For broader Commonwealth countries, fully funded.

1. 1. • Gates Cambridge Scholarship: For graduate studies at Cambridge University.

These programs offer similar support for international students.

Conclusion

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for 2025–2026 provide Nigerians and students from developing Commonwealth countries a fully funded opportunity to pursue Master’s degrees at top UK universities. With comprehensive support, including tuition, stipends, and travel, the program empowers scholars to drive sustainable development.

The competitive application process requires early preparation, strong academic records, and alignment with CSC’s development themes. Apply by December 12, 2025, to join a global network of change-makers. Visit www.cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk for more details.

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