Commonwealth
The Commonwealth master’s scholarships are for students from Commonwealth low and middle income countries who are eligible to study in the UK. This program is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and it covers all costs to study at postgraduate level in the UK. Scope of the Commonwealth Masters Program is to prepare scholars in such a way that they are able to help in the sustainable development of their home countries. Here is all the information on how to get this game-changing scholarship:
Eligible Countries:
This scholarship is open to candidates from Commonwealth countries in Africa, Asia, Caribbean and islands of the Pacific.
Eligibility Criteria:
To apply for these scholarships, you must:
- Be available to start your academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2024.
- The CSC would not normally fund a second UK Master’s degree. If you are applying for a second UK Master’s degree, you will need to provide justification as to why you wish to undertake this study
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship
- Provide full transcripts detailing all your higher education qualifications including to-date transcripts for any qualifications you are currently studying (with certified translations if not in English) – uploaded to the online application system
- Provide references from at least two individuals.
For Ph.D. candidates only:
- ​NOT be registered for a Ph.D., or an MPhil leading to a Ph.D., at a UK university or in your home country before September/October 2025.
- Provide a supporting statement from a proposed supervisor in the UK from at least one of the institutions named on your application form.
For Master: Click here to read information for a Master’s Scholarship
For PhD: Click here to read information for a PhD Scholarship
Application Procedure:
Applicants are required to submit online applications at the Commonwealth and HEC portal.
Step- 1 (Commonwealth Online Application)
- Candidates must apply using the CSC’s online application system mentioned below. The CSC is unable to accept any applications that are not submitted via the online application system or after the closing date listed above.
a) For Masters Click here to apply for a Master’s Scholarship
b) For PhD Click here to apply for a PhD Scholarship
Step – 2 (HEC Online application)
- Apply online at HEC website: https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk/
Important Notes:
Application without submitting both Commonwealth Application form and online HEC form will not be entertained in any case (submitted applications must also be complete in all aspects)
Deadlines:
The deadline for HEC scholarship portal is October 15, 2024 at 4:00 PM (Pakistan Standard Time)
Financial support
Each scholarship scheme allows for:
- Return airfare from the Scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the grant (the Commission will not reimburse the cost of fares for dependants, nor the cost of journeys made before the award is confirmed).
- Tuition Fees: We will divide the tuition fees of the awarded candidate, in agreement, and with the nominating UK university. Scholars are not liable to pay for any part of the tuition fee.
- Stipend at the rate of £1,378 per month, or £1,690 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area (rates quoted at current levels).
- Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
- Overseas/UK Study Travel Grant: towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
Supported Documents Required:
The following documents are to be attached along with the application form.
Proof of citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country: Applicants are required to attach one copy of a valid passport or national ID card showing photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
Transcripts that detail all Higher Education-level qualifications, including to-date transcripts for any currently studied courses; certified translations if not in English. Applications will be ineligible where transcripts are missing or incomplete or missing pages.
References from at least two individuals. The reference letters should be in PDF format, signed, and on institutional letterhead or an email showing clearly the details of the sender.
Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)
- Is it possible to apply if one in already possessing master’s education fulfilment?
Yes, but only if the reasons for which one is going to pursue a second master degree will help in professional growth and development of the country are substantial.
- Is there any age limit for applying for the scholarship?
No, , there are no fixed age limits but candidates are picked according to academic eligibility and probable return impact.
- How is the selection process?
Selection is on relevance and focuses on academic performance, study design and expected return on the course with regards to the country of the applicant.
- May I take my family with me?
Yes. All dependents are taken care of financially. Those scholars planning to go with their families will have to make their own arrangement for them.
