Commonwealth Scholarships (CSCUK)

The majority of scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The scheme aims to contribute to the international development aims and wider overseas interests of the UK, support excellence in UK higher education, and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals across a modern Commonwealth.

Since the first group of 175 scholars arrived in the UK in 1960, over 34,000 people have taken up a Commonwealth Scholarship. The scheme has constantly developed over six decades to adapt to the changing needs of a 56 nation Commonwealth, actively supporting candidates of outstanding ability, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds in low and middle income countries.

Awards are structured across multiple categories including Master's Scholarships, Shared Master's Scholarships, PhD Scholarships for least developed countries and vulnerable states, Commonwealth Fellowships, and Commonwealth Startup Fellowships. Distance Learning Master's Scholarships and Split-site PhD Scholarships are currently paused and will not run in 2026 or 2027.

All scholarships are part funded by UK host universities and must align with one of six core development themes: science and technology for development, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthening resilience and response to crises, improving population health, health systems and capacity, strengthening global peace, security and governance, and access, inclusion and opportunity.