Award Types — Which One Fits You?
The CSC offers six distinct awards. Use the tabbed explorer below to compare them, or take the quiz to find your best match.
Which Award Type Should You Apply For?
Answer a few questions to find your best match.
Are you a mid-career professional with 5+ years of experience?
Are you currently enrolled in a PhD at your home university?
Do you already have a Master's degree?
Would you prefer to study remotely from your home country?
Your Best Match:
Professional Fellowship — a 3-month UK placement for mid-career professionals.
Split-site PhD — 12 months at a UK university to enhance your current doctoral research.
PhD Scholarship — 3-4 years of fully funded doctoral study at a UK university.
Master's Scholarship — 1-2 years of fully funded Master's study in the UK.
Distance Learning — study a UK Master's from home with tuition covered.
All Six Award Types
The most popular award. Full funding for a taught or research Master's at any UK university. Any subject, though the CSC prioritises fields aligned with sustainable development goals.
What's Covered
- Full tuition fees
- GBP 1,347/month stipend
- Return airfare
- Thesis grant + 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.
The most substantial award, potentially exceeding GBP 100,000 total. Requires a Master's degree and a strong research proposal relevant to development challenges.
Strong PhD Applications Need
For candidates already enrolled in a PhD at their home university who need 12 months at a UK university for resources, expertise, or facilities. Your PhD stays at your home institution.
Why Choose This
- Access UK labs, libraries, archives
- Work with a specific UK academic
- Build international networks
- Less competitive than full PhD
Requirements
- Registered PhD at home university
- Home university agreement
- UK host university agreement
- Clear plan for UK period
Complete a UK Master's from your home country via online study. No relocation needed. CSC covers tuition and study materials.
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.
Co-funded with specific UK universities. You apply directly to the participating university, not your national agency. Same funding package as standard Master's.
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.
Not a degree. A 3-month UK placement for mid-career professionals (5+ years) to gain skills, build partnerships, or undertake a professional development project.
Ideal Candidates
University lecturers, government officials, healthcare workers, NGO managers, legal professionals — anyone wanting to learn from UK counterparts in their field.
Duration Comparison
Found Your Fit?
Check the eligibility requirements and then start the application process.