How to Apply for Commonwealth Scholarship 2024

In this article, I am going to tell you everything you need to know about Commonwealth scholarships; what it stands for, its requirements, who is eligible, and how to apply for commonwealth scholarship 2024.

First of all, the commonwealth scholarships are awarded to talented individuals who have the intellectual capacity to impact and contribute to global development. The scholarship is awarded by the United Kingdom government and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partly by host UK Universities to member nations of the commonwealth.

The commonwealth scholarships is one way the UK uses to support less privileged but talented citizens from low and middle income commonwealth nations. People with outstanding potentials, who can make a difference to the world. 

The scholarships are offered under the 6 Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) themes, viz; Science and technology for development, strengthening health systems and capacity, promoting global prosperity, strengthening global peace, security and governance, strengthening resilience and response to crises and access, inclusion and opportunity. 

The award type varies as there are several of them, namely; 

• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for least developed countries and fragile states)
• Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships (for low- and middle-income countries)
• Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
• Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
• Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for high-income countries)
• Commonwealth Professional Fellowships.

Commonwealth Scholarship Requirements

Each of the commonwealth scholarships has its specific requirements. However, on a general note, as an applicant, you are expected to submit your previous academic transcripts, references with letterhead, international passport, all scanned and sent in PDF format.

In most of the scholarships, you are required to submit two scanned reference letters from two referees who would be contacted and asked several questions about you. The references must come from someone of a good social status with a letterhead. And these referees must be able to testify about you with a show of adequate knowledge of your person.

Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Scholarship

Eligibility criteria for commonwealth scholarships also vary from each of the scholarships. 

But, the first thing you need to be eligible for any of the commonwealth scholarships is to be a citizen of a low and middle income commonwealth country, or a permanent resident in an eligible one, or you’re granted refugee status in one of the commonwealth countries. 

Remember that the scholarships is primarily meant anyone who is unable to afford schooling oversea.

This means that you must not come from  a well to do background that can afford the cost of attaining education in the UK.

You must also be a person of outstanding potential and academic excellence. Which would be proven from your previous academic performances and testimonies from your referees. You must have attained at least a second-class lower (2:2) honours. You’d stand a better chance with a second-class upper division (2:1) or upper second class.

If you are applying for one of the PhD scholarships, you should have a relevant postgraduate qualification (Master’s degree is most preferred).

In each of the commonwealth scholarships as posted above is an eligibility criteria, make sure to go through it carefully.

 

How to Apply for Commonwealth Scholarship 2024

The modalities of application for the commonwealth scholarships also depends on which of the scholarships you want to apply for. 

For instance, if you are applying for the commonwealth master’s scholarships, you have to apply to one of two nominating agencies; National nominating agencies and Selected non-governmental organizations and charitable bodies. These agencies will provide you with their requirements. They are called nominating agencies because they have the responsibility of assessing every applicant, finding and selecting those worthy of receiving the scholarship award, and then nominating them for the CSC scholarship. 

Some of the scholarships like Commonwealth shared scholarships and Commonwealth distance learning scholarships, demand that you apply directly through the CSC online application system.

RECOMMENDED: McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University

FAQS

Can One Apply for Commonwealth Scholarship More Than Once

Yes, you can apply for Commonwealth scholarships more than once. You can apply if your initial application was not successful. You can also apply again, even after being a beneficiary. 

Can Someone Get Commonwealth Scholarship To Study in USA

No. The Commonwealth scholarships are only available for some partnering UK universities, and as one of the objectives is to bring talented minds to UK universities, it cannot be taken to anywhere other than the UK or a Commonwealth nation.

Can Someone With 2 2 Apply for Commonwealth Scholarship

Yes, with a second class lower division, you can apply for the Commonwealth scholarships, however, you stand a better chance of being awarded the scholarship with a 2:1.

Can You Edit Your Commonwealth Scholarship Application

Yes, you can edit your application. But it must be within the period before the application deadline.

Can Commonwealth Scholarship Be Filled Before Completion of BSC

Yes, you can apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship while undergoing your undergraduate programme. You will need to fill in the time left to complete your studies. 

Can I Apply Through 2 National Agencies for Commonwealth Scholarship

Yes, you can apply through 2 national agencies if you meet their requirements. Each of the agencies will have to assess your application on their own different terms to see if you are deserving of the award.

Can I Choose Masters Research for the Commonwealth Scholarship

Yes, you can choose Masters research if it is available as a course for your preferred school.

Is Commonwealth Scholarship Only for Masters?

No, it is not only for Masters. There are Commonwealth scholarships for PhD and professional fellowship which takes a couple of months. 

Final Thought

Every year, the UK government awards around 800 students who cannot afford the cost of living and studying in the UK the opportunity to live and study in the UK, and go back to their home countries and contribute to the sustainable development of their nation. 

The UK government wants to help those who are less privileged, and come from an underdeveloped/developing country. But they will only do so to people who have noticeable leadership qualities and excellent potentials, who can apply the knowledge they have acquired positively to impact on their home country and the world at large. 

Some of the scholarships are fully funded, with traveling, accommodation and living cost allowances. And they are free to apply, you don’t have to pay a dime.

The UK government understands the plight of those who come from low class level backgrounds but are very talented and motivated towards changing the world. 

The Commonwealth scholarships have been giving out opportunities since 1960 when it first began, and boasts of over 30,000 beneficiaries so far. It has changed with the times, progressing with the advancement in technology, and thereby widening its scope and reach.