The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Programme 2025-2026 offers a fully funded opportunity for Master's study in the United Kingdom. This prestigious programme, supported by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK, is designed to help individuals from eligible Commonwealth countries pursue higher education and contribute to the future development of their home countries.
Overview of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Programme
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Programme aims to promote leadership, innovation, and academic excellence among talented individuals. It provides scholars with the resources to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK while contributing to the global knowledge economy and fostering international cooperation. Successful candidates are expected to make a positive impact on their home country's development through their acquired expertise.
Benefits of the Scholarship
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Programme provides comprehensive financial support for successful applicants. The scholarship covers the following expenses:
Travel and Visa Costs
- Airfare: The scholarship covers the cost of approved airfare from the scholar's home country to the UK, as well as return travel at the end of the award.
- TB Test Contribution: Scholars will receive a contribution towards the cost of a mandatory tuberculosis (TB) test required for a visa application.
Tuition and Allowances
- Tuition Fees: Full tuition fees are covered as agreed upon between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and the selected UK university.
- Living Allowance: Scholars receive a monthly living allowance of £1,378, or £1,690 if studying in the London metropolitan area.
- Warm Clothing Allowance: A warm clothing allowance is provided, where applicable, to help scholars prepare for the UK climate.
Academic and Study Support
- Thesis Grant: A grant for the preparation of a dissertation or thesis is provided to support academic research.
- Study Travel Grant: A study-related travel grant is available to cover travel costs within or outside the UK for academic purposes.
Family Support
- Child Allowance: If a scholar is a single parent, divorced, or widowed and their children reside with them in the UK, they will receive a child allowance. The allowance is £590 per month for the first child and £146 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be a citizen or hold refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Residency: Applicants must reside permanently in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold a first degree with at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, or a lower second-class degree accompanied by a relevant postgraduate qualification.
- Study History: Applicants must not have studied or worked in a high-income country for more than one academic year.
- Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate that they are unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
- Documents: All supporting documents must be provided in the required format.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on the following factors:
- Academic Merit: The academic qualifications and achievements of the applicant.
- Research Proposal: The quality of the research proposal submitted as part of the application.
- Development Potential: The potential impact the applicant’s studies will have on the development of their home country.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2025/2026 academic year are now open. The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, 12 December 2024, at 16:00 GMT.
To apply, visit the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Application Portal. Ensure that all the required documents are submitted in the correct format to complete your application.
For more detailed information about the programme, visit the official Commonwealth Shared Scholarships webpage.
Conclusion
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Programme offers a life-changing opportunity for talented individuals from eligible Commonwealth countries. It provides not only the financial resources needed to pursue higher education in the UK but also the chance to develop the knowledge and skills required to make a lasting impact on global development. This scholarship represents a significant step towards advancing one’s career and contributing to sustainable growth in your home country.
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