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Commonwealth Scholarship Award Types: Which One Fits You?

The CSC has offered six distinct awards — two of which are paused for 2026 and 2027. Take the quick quiz, then compare each award in detail.

ScholarshipUnion Editorial 4 min read Updated Oct 5, 2026

Which Award Type Should You Apply For?

Answer a few questions to find your best match.

1
Are you a mid-career professional with 5+ years of experience?

2
Are you currently enrolled in a PhD at your home university?

3
Do you already have a Master's degree?

4
Would you prefer to study remotely from your home country?

Your best match

Commonwealth (Professional) Fellowship — a 6-week to 3-month UK placement for mid-career professionals.

Split-site PhD — up to 12 months at a UK university to enhance your current doctoral research. Note: the CSC has paused this programme for 2026 and 2027.

PhD Scholarship — 36 months of fully funded doctoral study at a UK university (least developed countries and fragile states only).

Master's Scholarship — one year of fully funded taught Master's study in the UK.

Distance Learning — study a UK Master's from home with tuition covered. Note: the CSC has paused this programme for 2026 and 2027, so look at the Master's or Shared Scholarships instead.

Master's Scholarships

Duration 1 yearFull fundingHighly competitive

The most popular award. Full funding for a one-year taught Master's at a UK university (the CSC does not fund MBAs). Any subject, though the CSC prioritises fields aligned with its development themes and the Sustainable Development Goals.

What's covered

Full tuition fees
GBP 1,712/month stipend (GBP 2,000 in London)
Return airfare
Study travel grant

Who it's for

Recent graduates with strong records
Early-career professionals
Candidates with clear development plans

Tip

Choose courses aligned with your country's development needs. The CSC values specific impact over prestigious brand names.

PhD Scholarships

Duration 36 monthsMost generous fundingVery competitive

The most substantial award, worth over GBP 100,000 in total by our estimate. It is only open to candidates from least developed countries and fragile states in the Commonwealth, and needs a strong research proposal relevant to development challenges.

Strong PhD applications need

A clear, feasible research proposal tied to home-country development
An identified UK supervisor (ideally with agreement)
Publications or conference presentations
Family allowances are available for spouses and children living with you in the UK

Shared Scholarships

Duration normally 12 monthsLess national competition

Co-funded with specific UK universities for selected Master's courses. You apply directly to the participating university, not your national agency; the university makes the first selection and the CSC approves it. The package is similar to a standard Master's award, but the stipend is paid by the university (GBP 1,452/month, or GBP 1,781 in London, at 2026/27 rates).

Strategic tip

Shared Scholarships bypass the national nominating agency, making them smart for applicants from countries with extremely high competition (Nigeria, India). Trade-off: narrower course choice. Applications for 2026/27 are closed. For 2027/28 the CSC expects around 180 awards, with applications opening after universities hear their allocations in early November and closing in mid-December (CSC).

Commonwealth Fellowships

Duration 6 weeks–3 monthsMid-career only

Not a degree. Since 2026/27, Professional Fellowships sit under Commonwealth Fellowships: a Professional strand of 6 weeks to 3 months in a UK organisation for mid-career professionals with 5+ years' experience, and an Academic strand of 3 months for PhD-holding university staff. Fellows gain skills, build partnerships or undertake a professional development project. Both strands are open to citizens of all Commonwealth countries except the UK. The CSC plans around 40 Fellowships, and applications for the 2027 round are closed (CSC).

Ideal candidates: university lecturers, government officials, healthcare workers, NGO managers, legal professionals — anyone wanting to learn from UK counterparts in their field.

Split-site PhD (paused)

For candidates already enrolled in a PhD at their home university who need up to 12 months at a UK university for resources, expertise or facilities. Your PhD stays at your home institution. The CSC has paused this programme: it will not run in 2026 or 2027.

Why choose it

Access UK labs, libraries, archives
Work with a specific UK academic
Build international networks
Less competitive than a full PhD

Requirements

Registered PhD at home university
Home university agreement
UK host university agreement
Clear plan for the UK period

Distance Learning (paused)

Complete a UK Master's from your home country via online study. No relocation needed; the CSC covered tuition and study materials. The CSC has paused this programme: it will not run in 2026 or 2027.

Advantages: keep your job, stay with family, no visa complications, continue contributing locally during study.
Limitations: limited courses, no UK experience, requires self-discipline and reliable internet.

Duration Comparison

PhD

36 months

Distance (paused)

1–3 years

Master's

12 months

Shared

12 months

Split-site (paused)

12 months

Fellowship

≤ 3 months

Found Your Fit?

Check the eligibility requirements and then start the application process.