Commonwealth Scholarships – Study in the UK for Free
The Commonwealth Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive international scholarship schemes offered by the UK government. It supports talented individuals from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries—including India and Pakistan—to study in the United Kingdom and gain skills that can contribute to the development of their home countries.
Fully funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this scholarship enables students to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in various fields aligned with sustainable development and global impact.
Scholarship Type and Benefits
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other Commonwealth nations
- Level of Study: Taught Master’s or Doctoral programs
- Coverage Includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Airfare to and from the UK
- Thesis grant (if applicable)
- Travel costs related to study
- Warm clothing allowance (if required)
- Child allowance (if applicable)
Eligible Fields of Study
The Commonwealth Scholarship is targeted at fields that align with global development priorities such as:
- Science and Technology for Development
- Strengthening Health Systems and Capacity
- Promoting Global Prosperity
- Strengthening Global Peace, Security and Governance
- Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises
- Access, Inclusion and Opportunity
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants from India or Pakistan must meet the following conditions:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class honours level (Master’s applicants)
- For PhD: Hold a relevant postgraduate qualification (Master’s)
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship
- Demonstrate potential to contribute to development in their home country
- Have submitted admission applications to at least one eligible UK university course
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: Around September/October each year
- Application Deadline: Typically in December
- Results Announced: April–June
- Courses Begin: September/October the following year
Partner Universities
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) works with a wide range of UK universities. Some of the most popular institutions among recipients include:
- University of Birmingham
- University of Leeds
- University of Glasgow
- University of Sussex
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Nottingham
- SOAS University of London
Each university may have specific programs and eligibility conditions under the scheme. Students must apply to both the CSC and the university separately.
Application Process
- Check your country’s nominating agency or apply through a university partnership
- Choose eligible Master’s or PhD programs from participating UK universities
- Prepare key documents including academic transcripts, personal statement, and references
- Submit your application via the official Commonwealth portal
- Await nomination and conditional/unconditional admission offers
Why Choose Rise Education Group
At Rise Education Group, we provide tailored support for South Asian students seeking Commonwealth, Chevening, and other prestigious UK scholarships. Our team of experienced counsellors helps you:
- Identify programs aligned with Commonwealth priority areas
- Strengthen your personal statement and development impact essay
- Prepare a scholarship-ready application portfolio
- Navigate nomination agencies and university deadlines
- Receive strategic guidance from first draft to final submission
Our commitment is to give you every advantage in a highly competitive process. We specialize in working with students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, helping them earn fully funded degrees at top UK universities.
Book a Free Consultation
Get expert, one-on-one guidance for your Commonwealth Scholarship application. Speak with our admissions team today and take the first step toward studying in the UK with full funding.