How to Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s and PhD study in the UK (Fully Funded)

Application Deadline: 19 November 2015

Commonwealth Scholarships are offered for Master’s and PhD study in the UK. About the 2016 Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s and PhD study in the UK are offered for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. These scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), with the aim of contributing to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth

How to apply

You must apply to one of the following nominating bodies in the first instance – the CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships:

National nominating agencies – this is the main route of application. Click here for a list of national nominating agencies, with contact details
Selected universities/university bodies, which can nominate their own academic staff. Click here for a list of nominating universities/university bodies
Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies

All applications must be made through your nominating body in your home country. Each nominating body is responsible for its own selection process. You must check with your nominating body for their specific advice and rules for applying, and for their own closing date for applications. The CSC does not impose any age limit on applicants, but nominating bodies may do so in line with their own priorities.

You must make your application using the CSC’s Electronic Application System (EAS)

You must use the Electronic Application System (EAS) to apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship. The EAS allows you to submit your application electronically and to download and save your application in PDF format (which can then be printed in hard copy).

You should also:

Check whether or not your Nominating Agency will be processing your application electronically. If so, you will be able to follow the progress of your application. There are three options available to Nominating Agencies – further details
Print and send your application to your Nominating Agency, whether or not your Nominating Agency will be processing your application electronically.
Wait when you have clicked on Submit at the end of your application. It can take up to three minutes for your application to be transferred to your Nominating Agency.
Wait while downloading a PDF of your application. These PDFs can be up to 2 MB in size.
Let your referees know in advance that they will each receive an email inviting them to complete their references electronically. This email is generated as soon as you submit your application.
If you are applying for research Master’s or PhD study, let your potential supervisor(s) in the UK know in advance that they will each receive an email asking for a supporting statement. This email is generated as soon as you submit your application.

Nominating Agencies and the EAS

Nominating Agencies can use the EAS to select candidates to nominate to the CSC, or use their own application procedures.

Nominating Agencies have three options:

Use the EAS to select and nominate candidates to the CSC
Use hard copies of EAS applications to select and nominate candidates to the CSC
Select candidates using their own application procedures and then ask these selected candidates to complete an application using the EAS

Before you start your application, you should read one or more of the following step-by-step guides:

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Commonwealth Scholarships