The Commonwealth Scholarship Nomination Process
You cannot apply directly to the CSC. Understanding the nomination system — who nominates, when, and how to stand out — is critical to your success.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
2 min read
Updated Oct 5, 2026
Why the Nomination System Exists
For Master's and PhD awards, each nominator puts forward an agreed number of candidates to the CSC (for 2027/28, by December 2026), and the CSC selects from that pool. A nomination is no guarantee of selection. The system does three jobs:
- 1Pre-screening
Local bodies filter applications so the CSC only receives genuinely strong candidates who meet minimum standards.
- 2National alignment
Nominating bodies ensure candidates align with their country's development priorities. Marine biology makes sense for an island nation but may not be a priority for a landlocked country.
- 3Local accountability
Having a local body involved creates institutional accountability. These bodies can vouch for applicants and have reputational stakes in nominating strong candidates.
Types of Nominating Bodies
Ministry of Education, Higher Education Commission, national scholarship boards. The most common type, and the main route of application.
In some countries, selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies are approved to nominate candidates.
For Shared Scholarships, participating UK universities make the initial selection, separate from the government route, and the CSC approves it.
Each nominator oversees its own selection process, may have additional eligibility criteria and may set its own closing date. Check its rules before you start.
The CSC does not charge to apply for any of its scholarships or fellowships. Anyone asking for money to "submit" your form is not part of the official process.
How to Maximise Your Chances
Contact your nominating body early (3+ months before)
Ask about their specific process, additional requirements and deadlines. Some bodies have requirements beyond the standard CSC form.
Align your application with national development priorities
Research your country's current development plan. Nominating bodies favour candidates whose studies address nationally recognised needs.
Consider the Shared Scholarship route as an alternative
Shared Scholarships bypass the national nominating body entirely: you apply through participating UK universities. Smart for countries with extreme competition.
Next Steps
Continue with the application guide, then get your development impact statement right.