The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2024-25 in the UK offer a prestigious opportunity for outstanding students from Commonwealth countries to pursue a master’s degree in the UK at no cost. This fully-funded scholarship allows students to advance their skills and deepen their knowledge in their chosen fields without the stress of financial constraints. The primary goal of this scholarship is to foster peace and economic stability in low- and middle-income countries.
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2025 is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) with the aim of promoting sustainable development in lower and upper-middle-income countries. This year’s scholarship is offered across six key themes, including science and technology for global prosperity, crisis management, health systems, and expanding access to opportunities. These themes are designed to inspire individuals to contribute to a brighter future.
Commonwealth fellows frequently support one another in academic pursuits by sharing experiences and collaborating on projects. Since 1959, the Commonwealth Scholarship program has had a far-reaching impact, with over 28,500 scholars benefiting from fully-funded UK scholarships. The program has produced influential figures, including prime ministers, cabinet ministers, Nobel laureates, diplomats, researchers, and leaders of major NGOs and businesses.
Becoming a Commonwealth fellow grants scholars lifelong membership in the Commonwealth network. This provides access to a vast network of CSC alumni, allowing individuals to drive development and positive change in their home and other Commonwealth countries. Additionally, scholars can join Knowledge Hubs, which serve as platforms for sharing ideas and projects. These hubs, linked through LinkedIn, also serve as valuable sources of information on new opportunities, events, and news.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2025-26 in the UK:
Host Country:
United Kingdom
Host University:
UK Universities
Funded by:The UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Degree Level:
Master’s Degree Programs
Benefits of the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2025:
Return Airfare: The scholarship covers the cost of a return flight for selected candidates.
Tuition Fees: Full tuition fees are covered by the scholarship.
Monthly Stipend: Recipients receive a monthly stipend of £1,378 or £1,690, depending on their location.
Warm Clothing Allowance: An allowance is provided for warm clothing.
Thesis/Dissertation Costs: The scholarship covers the expenses related to the thesis or dissertation.
Study Travel Grants: Grants are available for travel related to studies, either within or outside the UK.
Family Allowances:
For couples (no children): £297 per month for up to nine months if living with a spouse (conditions apply if the spouse also has a scholarship).
For couples with children: £297 per month for the spouse, £297 for the first child, and £146 for each additional child under 16 (conditions apply if the spouse also has a scholarship).
For single parents: £590 per month for the first child and £146 for each additional child under 16, provided they live with you in the UK.
Additional Allowance: Extra financial support is available for scholars with disabilities.
Eligible Countries for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2025:
Asia: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia
Caribbean & Americas: Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Helena, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines
Pacific: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Eligibility Criteria for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2025-26:
Applicants must be either a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country.
Must be a permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth country.
Applicants must be available to begin studies in the UK by the start of the academic year in September 2025.
All required documents must be submitted in the proper format.
Applicants must demonstrate that they are financially unable to afford studies in the UK without this scholarship.
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship in 2024 (Pakistan):
Apply through a Nominating Body (HEC): In Pakistan, applicants must apply through the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the designated national nominating body. Direct applications to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) will not be accepted.
Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria set by HEC as well as the CSC.
Submit Two Applications: You must apply separately through both the HEC portal and the CSC online application system. Both applications are mandatory.
CSC Online Application System: Applications must be submitted via the CSC online platform. Applications not submitted through this system will not be considered.
Reference Letters: Referees should submit their reference letters directly, following the instructions sent to them via email.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship Deadline:
The application deadline is 15 October 2024.