A UK government-funded scholarship enabling talented individuals from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to undertake a full-time taught Master's degree at a UK university, including the University of Sheffield.
About this scholarship
Commonwealth Master's Scholarships are one of three Master's programmes offered by the CSC, operating within the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). They're funded by the FCDO and aimed at talented, motivated individuals who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK, supporting them to become future leaders and innovators in their home countries. Scholarships are offered under six CSC development themes and are awarded through an agency-nominated process — candidates are nominated by national nominating agencies or approved NGOs/charitable bodies rather than applying directly.
What the award includes
Approved return airfare from the Scholar's home country to the UK
Approved tuition fees — full fees covered, with no cost to the Scholar
Stipend (living allowance) of £1,712/month (£2,000/month for London-area universities) — current rates, subject to change
A study travel grant for study-related travel within the UK or overseas
Child allowance for widowed/divorced/single-parent Scholars: £622/month for the first child, £154/month for the second and third child (under 16, living with the Scholar in the UK)
Additional financial support assessment available for Scholars who disclose a disability
Who can apply
Citizen of, or granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or a British Protected Person
Permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country (44 eligible countries listed, including Ghana, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, and others)
Available to start UK studies by September 2027
Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification (with a contextualized route for disabled applicants who don't meet this via the Commonwealth Disabled People's Forum nominator)
Unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship
No age limit
Not eligible if previously studied at Master's level in the UK or already received a Commonwealth Scholarship at Master's level
Must commit to returning home after the award (switching to another visa to stay in the UK is not permitted)
Study must be full-time, one-year taught Master's only (MBAs are not funded)
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