Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government’s Commonwealth scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. Since 1960, the CSC has funded over 30,000 individuals to study in the UK and gain skills, acquire knowledge and build networks to tackle global development challenges.
The CSC is open for applications between 10 September 2024 and 15 October 2024.
Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF) is accepting applications for recommendations to CSC from Disabled candidates who have already applied to CSC, between 20th September 2024 and 14th November 2024.
Click here to apply for a Master’s Scholarship
Click here to apply for a PhD Scholarship
How to apply
Candidates must apply using the CSC’s online application system which can be found on the CSC website. Each scholarship has a ‘How to apply’ section which will have information and guidance on the application process and the link to the online application system. The CSC is unable to accept any applications that are not submitted via the online application system or after the closing date listed above.
- In addition if you are a disabled candidate and want a recommendation from CDPF you are required to apply to CDPF as a disabled candidate by submitting a letter of application with supporting documentation containing the following information:
- Your completed CSC application and attachments;
- Proof of the nature of your impairment;
- Your understanding of the concept of reasonable accommodations, how these have been applied to you in your study to date and how they will apply if you are successful and get to study in the UK.
- Your experience of fighting for disability rights;
- How your subject of study will enhance the position of disabled people in your home country
- What you intend to do after the completion of your studies to enhance disability rights and the SDGs for Disabled People in your country.
This letter and information must be submitted to martha.aldridge@commonwealthdpf.org by 14th November 2024.
CSC Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Candidates
To apply for these scholarships, you must:
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Be available to start your academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2025
- By September 2025, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard, OR a second-class degree (2:2) and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree). The CSC would not normally fund a second UK Master’s degree. If you are applying for a second UK Master’s degree, you will need to provide justification as to why you wish to undertake this study
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship
- Provide full transcripts detailing all your higher education qualifications including to-date transcripts for any qualifications you are currently studying (with certified translations if not in English) – uploaded to the online application system
- Provide references from at least two individuals.
For PhD candidates only:
- NOT be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at a UK university or in your home country before September/October 2025
- Provide a supporting statement from a proposed supervisor in the UK from at least one of the institutions named on your application form at the time of application.
CDPF selection criteria:
- Meet all CSC requirements and have applied
- Be a disabled person with identified long term impairment(s)
- Understand disability as a human right
- Have experience of being involved in the Disabled People’s Movement
- Demonstrate how their area of study will enhance the position of disabled people in their home country
CDPF deadlines:
You must submit a full application to CSC before applying to CDPF for a recommendation. The CDPF will accept letters of application with the supporting documentation from 20th September to 14th November 2024 for awards starting from September 2025. Send to martha.aldridge@commonwealthdpf.org
Contact us:
- Visit our website visit https://commonwealthdpf.org
- Follow us on Twitter @commschols Please note that all applicants are recruited in line with the CSC’s anti-fraud policy and procedure which can be viewed here.
Further general conditions, information and guidelines can be found on the CSC website.