Your comprehensive guide to the UK government’s scholarship scheme for Master’s study at participating UK universities.
📊 QUICK SUMMARY TABLE
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎓 Scholarship Name | Commonwealth Shared Scholarship |
| 🌍 Host Country | United Kingdom |
| 🏫 Host Institutions | Participating UK universities only (selected partner institutions) |
| 📚 Degree Level | One-year, full-time taught Master’s |
| 💰 Funding Type | Fully Funded (jointly funded by CSC and UK university) |
| 👥 Eligible Countries | Low and middle-income Commonwealth countries |
| 📅 Application Period | Opens: November 2026 | Closes: December 2026 (exact dates TBC) |
| ⏳ Programme Duration | 12 months |
| 🔗 Official Link | cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk |
1. WHAT IS THE COMMONWEALTH SHARED SCHOLARSHIP?
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is a UK government scholarship scheme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with UK universities . It is one of three Master’s programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission .
Key Facts:
- Joint funding – The CSC and the UK university each contribute to the scholarship
- Course-specific – Only available for selected full-time taught Master’s courses at participating universities
- Limited awards – Each participating university receives a small number of awards (e.g., 2 at Imperial, 3 at Exeter, 6 at Bristol)
- Development-focused – Aims to contribute to development needs of Commonwealth countries
Programme Mission:
“The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship programme supports Master’s study in the United Kingdom beginning in September/October. The CSC seeks individuals with the drive to create positive change.”
“The scheme is intended to support high-quality, aspiring students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study a Masters programme in the UK and who have the potential to enhance the development of their home countries.”
2. FINANCIAL BENEFITS (EXTENSIVE BREAKDOWN)
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is fully funded. Below is a detailed breakdown of exactly what is covered :
⚠️ Important Note:
“Family allowances are contributions only. Scholars bringing dependants must budget for additional expenses.”
3. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Citizenship & Residency
3.2 Eligible Countries
Nigeria is eligible. The full list of eligible countries includes :
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Africa | Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia |
| Asia | Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka |
| Caribbean | Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Pacific | Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu |
3.3 Academic Requirements
3.4 Country of Study/Work Restriction
3.5 Financial Need
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Unable to Afford | Must confirm that neither they nor their families would otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship |
3.6 English Language Requirement
3.7 Return Commitment
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Return Home | Must commit to return to home country within one month of the end of the award |
4. FIELDS OF STUDY / ELIGIBLE COURSES
4.1 Course Availability
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is course-specific. Only selected full-time taught Master’s programmes at participating UK universities are eligible .
Key Difference from Commonwealth Master’s: You cannot choose any UK university. You must select from a specific list of approved courses at partner universities .
4.2 Examples of Eligible Courses (2026 Entry)
4.3 Finding Eligible Courses
- Visit the Commonwealth Scholarships website for the full list of participating universities and courses
- Check individual university websites for their eligible programmes
- Ensure the course you choose is listed as eligible for the Shared Scholarship
4.4 Excluded Programmes
| Excluded | Reason |
|---|---|
| PhD study | Not covered |
| Pre-sessional English | Not supported |
| Part-time courses | Full-time only |
| Distance Learning | Not eligible |
5. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS & DOCUMENTS
Required Documents Checklist
text
☐ Valid Passport ☐ Proof of citizenship or refugee status ☐ Full academic transcripts (ALL higher education qualifications) ☐ Degree certificates (Bachelor's; Master's if applicable) ☐ Two reference letters (signed, on letterhead or official email) ☐ University admission application (for eligible course) ☐ Proof of English language proficiency (by university deadline) ☐ Commonwealth Scholarship online application
Important: Two-Step Application Process
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship requires two separate applications :
“Applicants must also hold an offer of admission by the time selection takes place.”
Application Deadlines (2026 Entry):
| Deadline | Action |
|---|---|
| 09 December 2025 at 16:00 GMT | CSC scholarship application deadline |
| Varies by university | University admissions application deadline |
6. STEP-BY-STEP APPLICATION PROCESS
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Confirm your country is on the eligible list
- Ensure you meet academic requirements (2:1 minimum)
- Verify you have not studied/worked in a high-income country for 1+ years
- Confirm financial need
Step 2: Identify Eligible Courses
- Visit the Commonwealth Scholarships website for the list of participating universities and courses
- Check individual university websites for their eligible programmes
- Select only courses listed as eligible for the Shared Scholarship
Step 3: Apply for University Admission
- Submit a complete application for admission to the eligible course
- Meet English language requirements by the university deadline
- Important: Apply well ahead of the scholarship deadline to allow time for an admission decision
Step 4: Apply for the Scholarship
- Submit your application via the CSC online application system
- Complete by the scholarship deadline (e.g., 16:00 GMT on 9 December)
Step 5: Await Nomination
- Universities nominate candidates to the CSC
- Selection takes place (e.g., February for 2026 entry)
- Nominated candidates informed (e.g., by 1 April for 2026 entry)
Step 6: Final Selection
7. APPLICATION TIMELINE (2027/28 ENTRY)
8. SELECTION CRITERIA (How Winners Are Chosen)
Primary Indicators
Country Priorities
“Intended beneficiaries: High-quality postgraduate students from Least Developed and middle-income countries (including fragile and conflict affected states)… who have the potential to enhance the development of their home countries.”
Diversity
“When assessing all eligible applications, universities will consider potential impact alongside diversity and under-representation.”
9. NIGERIA-SPECIFIC INFORMATION
9.1 Nigerian Eligibility
✅ YES – Nigerian citizens are eligible
9.2 Eligible Countries List (Nigeria Included)
Nigeria appears on the eligible countries list from multiple universities .
9.3 Additional Requirements for Nigerian Applicants
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| NYSC Completion | Not a CSC requirement but may be required by nominating body |
| NIN | Not a CSC requirement |
| Return Commitment | Must return to Nigeria within one month of award end |
10. TIPS FOR A STRONG APPLICATION
10.1 Apply for University Admission Early
“Applicants must also hold an offer of admission by the time selection takes place.”
- Submit university applications well ahead of the scholarship deadline
- This gives the university time to process your admission before selection
10.2 Check Course Eligibility Carefully
- Only courses explicitly listed as eligible for the Shared Scholarship qualify
- If your course is not on the list, you cannot be considered for this scholarship
10.3 Meet English Language Requirements Early
“Applicants who have not met the English Language Requirement by [university deadline] may not be offered a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.”
- Pre-sessional English courses are not supported by this scholarship
- Meet requirements well in advance
10.4 Demonstrate Development Impact
- Show how your study will contribute to your home country’s development
- Reference the selected CSC theme if applicable
10.5 Apply Early
“The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change.”
11. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Q1: How is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship different from the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship?
A: The key difference is who nominates you. For the Master’s Scholarship, you are nominated by a national agency in your home country. For the Shared Scholarship, the UK university nominates you. Also, Shared Scholarships are only for specific courses at partner universities, while Master’s Scholarships allow more flexibility .
Q2: Can I apply directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission?
A: You apply through the CSC online system, but both steps must be completed: university admission application AND CSC scholarship application. The university then nominates candidates .
Q3: Do I need a UK university offer before applying?
A: Not necessarily before applying, but you must hold an offer of admission by the time selection takes place. Apply to the university early .
Q4: Can I apply for any Master’s course?
A: No. You must apply for one of the specific eligible courses listed for participating universities in that year’s competition .
Q5: Is there an application fee?
A: The CSC does not charge an application fee. However, the university may charge an application fee (check their website) .
Q6: What if my chosen university doesn’t participate in the Shared Scholarship?
A: You cannot receive a Shared Scholarship through that university. Check the list of participating universities and eligible courses .
Q7: Can I study a PhD with this scholarship?
A: No. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships only support one-year taught Master’s programmes .
Q8: When will I hear if I’ve been shortlisted?
A: Universities nominate candidates, and nominated candidates are typically informed by April. Final results are announced by July .
Q9: Can I bring my family?
A: Yes, child allowance is available for eligible widowed, divorced, or single parents. However, family allowances are contributions only; scholars must budget for additional expenses .
Q10: What if I have studied in a high-income country before?
A: You are not eligible if you have studied or worked for one (academic) year or more in a high-income country .
12. COMMONWEALTH SHARED VS. COMMONWEALTH MASTER’S
13. IMPORTANT NOTES & DISCLAIMERS
⚠️ Critical: Two-Step Application
“In order to apply for this scholarship, you must follow two steps: Step 1: Apply for one of the eligible courses… Step 2: Apply for the scholarship.”
⚠️ No Pre-sessional English
“Pre-sessional English courses are not supported by this programme.”
⚠️ Strict Deadlines
Applications submitted after the deadline are not accepted under any circumstances .
ℹ️ No Application Fee
The CSC does not charge candidates who apply for its scholarships .
14. USEFUL LINKS & RESOURCES
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official CSC Website | cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk |
| CSC Online Application System | Available via CSC website |
| List of Participating Universities | Available on CSC website |
| Eligible Courses Search | Search on CSC website |
| Contact CSC | cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/about-us/contact-us/ |
15. FINAL CALL TO ACTION
✅ Ready to apply?
- Check eligibility – confirm your country is eligible and you meet all requirements
- Find eligible courses – check the CSC website for the list of participating universities and courses
- Apply for university admission – submit your application early
- Apply for the scholarship – submit via CSC online system
- Meet English requirements – by the university deadline
“The CSC seeks individuals with the drive to create positive change. Be one of them.”
Good luck with your application! 🍀
This guide is for informational purposes. Always verify details on the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website before applying.
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