The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is funded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). It supports talented students from developing Commonwealth countries — including many in South Asia and Africa — to study a master's or PhD in the UK who could not otherwise afford it.
What Commonwealth Scholarships cover
These are fully funded awards. Benefits typically include:
- Full tuition fees
- Return economy airfare to and from the UK
- A monthly living stipend of £1,452, or £1,781 for those studying at universities in the London metropolitan area
- A warm-clothing allowance and a study-travel grant where applicable
Who is eligible
Eligibility centres on financial need and academic merit. You generally must:
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee/British protected person status in, an eligible developing Commonwealth country, and be permanently resident there
- By the stated deadline (around September 2026 for the 2026/27 cycle), hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are focused on applicants from least developed countries and vulnerable states, as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee.
How to apply — through a nominating body
This is the step that trips people up: the CSC does not accept direct applications. You must apply through one of its official nominating bodies — usually your country's national nominating agency (often a government ministry), or a participating university or approved non-governmental organisation. Applications for the 2026/27 cycle open around 8 September 2026, but each nominating agency sets its own internal deadline, which is often earlier — so check with your national agency first.
How Commonwealth differs from Chevening
Both are fully funded UK government scholarships, but they are not the same. Chevening funds one-year taught master's degrees and weighs leadership and work experience heavily. Commonwealth Scholarships fund master's and PhD study, are explicitly targeted at those in financial need from developing countries, and are applied for through a nominating agency rather than directly.
Do you need an agent?
No agent is required, and the application is free through your nominating body. Be cautious of anyone charging fees or claiming to guarantee a Commonwealth award. A consultancy can help with your underlying UK university application — compare them with verified reviews on ConsultancyCheck first.
Related guides
See the Chevening Scholarship guide for another fully funded UK route, browse our scholarships hub, and read how to get a UK student visa. Use the cost of studying abroad calculator to plan your budget.
*Eligibility, stipend amounts, and deadlines are set by the CSC and change each cycle. Always confirm the latest details on the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website and with your national nominating agency before applying.*
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Commonwealth Scholarship cover?
It is fully funded: full tuition, return economy airfare, a monthly stipend of £1,452 (£1,781 in the London area), plus a warm-clothing allowance and study-travel grant where applicable.
Can I apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship directly?
No. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission does not accept direct applications. You must apply through an official nominating body, usually your country's national nominating agency, which sets its own earlier deadline.
Does the Commonwealth Scholarship cover PhD study?
Yes. It funds both master's and PhD study. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships focus on applicants from least developed countries and vulnerable states as classified by the OECD DAC.
What degree grade do I need for a Commonwealth Scholarship?
You generally need at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification, by the application deadline.
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