Commonwealth Scholarship FAQ

Only eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries — 43 for Master's Scholarships in 2027/28 and 17 for PhD Scholarships. The UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Cyprus, Malta and Brunei are excluded. See the full lists on our Eligibility page.

No. The CSC has no age limit. However, previous Commonwealth Scholarship holders are generally not eligible to apply again.

No. Most awards require nomination through your national nominating body or an approved NGO, alongside your application on CSC Central. Shared Scholarships are the exception — apply through participating universities.

No universal requirement (unlike Chevening's 2,800 hours). Commonwealth (Professional) Fellowships require 5+ years. For Master's and PhD, experience strengthens your application but isn't mandatory.

No strict subject restrictions — all disciplines can be funded under the CSC's six development themes, though Master's awards are for one-year taught courses only, MBAs are excluded and the CSC does not provide support for the overseas fossil-fuel energy sector. Your subject must align with your Development Impact statement and your country's development needs.

The CSC itself does not require an IELTS test, but your UK university will usually set its own English requirement.

GBP 1,712/month outside London and GBP 2,000/month in the London area for 2027/28 Master's and PhD Scholarships (rates "at current levels"). It is generally tax-free and paid to your UK bank account.

The CSC's 2025–26 business plan targeted 624 new awards across all its programmes, vs Chevening's ~1,500, and they come from far fewer countries (43 for Master's) vs Chevening's 160. The unique two-stage nomination process means the real competition happens at your national level.

Yes. The CSC expects scholars to return home to apply their learning, and you sign an undertaking to return before your student visa expires. Switching to a Graduate or other visa to stay in the UK is not permitted.

The CSC reviews your situation. An award may be terminated for unsatisfactory progress or attendance, which means returning home. Contact your university support services early if you are struggling.