Is Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Fully Funded?

Short Answer

Is Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Fully Funded?;  Yes. The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is 100% fully funded.
This means the UK government—through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)—covers all major expenses, allowing eligible international students to pursue a full-time master’s degree in the UK at no personal cost.

This is one of the most generous scholarships in the world for students from developing Commonwealth countries.

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1. What Is Covered Under the Fully Funded Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

The scholarship covers every essential cost, from travel to tuition to monthly living expenses. Below is the full breakdown:

✔ 1. Full Tuition Fees

• Your university tuition is paid in full.

• Students never pay any academic fee out of pocket.

✔ 2. Monthly Stipend (Living Allowance)

• Paid every month to cover accommodation, feeding, and daily expenses.

• £1,347 per month (outside London).

• £1,652 per month (for universities located in London).

✔ 3. Travel Costs

• Return flight from your home country to the UK

• Paid at the start and end of your program.

• If you are already in the UK, travel is not paid.

✔ 4. Warm Clothing Allowance

• Additional funds to buy winter clothes when needed.

✔ 5. Thesis Grant / Research Support

• Funds given for the costs of producing your dissertation or project.

✔ 6. Study Travel Grant

• For academic trips or fieldwork within the UK or another country if approved.

✔ 7. Disability Support (If Applicable)

• Students with disabilities receive additional financial support to cover special needs or medical requirements.

✔ 8. Visa Fees

• Some universities also reimburse UK student visa costs, depending on arrangements.

✔ 9. Cost of Medical Tests

• Approved pre-departure medical checks or TB tests may be reimbursed in some cases.

✔ 10. Arrival Allowance

• One-time payment to help you settle into the UK.

In summary: You pay nothing. The scholarship covers everything from start to finish.

2. What the Scholarship Does Not Cover

Although fully funded, some minor optional expenses may not be covered:

• Personal shopping

• Family travel (for dependents)

• Unapproved field trips

• Extra course materials beyond the standard list

These are optional and not essential costs.

3. Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Requirements)

To qualify, you must:

✔ Be a citizen or refugee/permanent resident of a Commonwealth developing country, such as:

• Nigeria

• Ghana

• Kenya

• Pakistan

• India

• Uganda

• Bangladesh

• Rwanda
  …and many others.

✔ Be applying for a full-time taught Master’s degree at a participating UK university.

✔ Have a first degree with at least a second-class upper (2:1).

Some universities may accept a lower grade (2:2) with strong experience.

✔ Must NOT have studied or worked for over 1 year in the UK previously.

✔ Must demonstrate financial need (you cannot afford to study in the UK without this scholarship).

4. Key Objectives of the Scholarship

Is Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Fully Funded?;  The scholarship focuses on fields that support development goals in your home country, such as:

• Public health

• Agriculture

• Engineering

• Climate change

• Economics

• Education

• Governance

• International development

• Data science

• Science and technology

Applicants must show how their chosen course will help them contribute to national development.

5. Duration of the Scholarship

• The award covers a 12-month Master’s program (sometimes 18 months if stated by the university).

• It does not support PhD studies.

6. Application Process (How It Works)

Step 1: Choose a UK University Offering the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

Each year, universities publish a list of eligible courses.

Step 2: Apply to the University

Submit:

• University application form

• Academic transcripts

• Personal statement

• CV

• References

Step 3: Apply Separately Through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Portal

You must submit:

• Development impact statement

• Career plans

• Academic history

• Supporting documents

Step 4: Wait for University Nomination

Universities shortlist candidates and nominate them to the CSC.

Step 5: Final Selection by CSC

If selected, you will receive:

• Offer letter

• Visa processing guide

• Travel arrangements

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7. Why the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Is Highly Competitive

The scholarship is fully funded and globally recognized. Therefore:

• Thousands apply each year

• Only a small percentage are selected

• Strong academic performance and a compelling development-focused essay are critical

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is CSS truly fully funded?

Yes, all essential costs are covered 100%.

Q2: Do I need to pay any fee during application?

No.
Both the university application and the CSC application are free.

Q3: Can I bring my family?

You can, but dependents are NOT funded.

Q4: Can I apply with HND?

Usually no, unless the university explicitly states it accepts HND + substantial professional experience.

Q5: Is the scholarship renewable?

No, it’s for one academic year only.

Conclusion

Is Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Fully Funded?;  The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is a fully funded UK government scholarship that covers tuition, flights, monthly stipend, research costs, and all major student expenses.
It remains one of the best opportunities for students from developing Commonwealth countries who want to study a Master’s degree in the UK with zero financial burden.