UK Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Countries

The blog on Uk Commonwealth Scholarship for developing countries is focused on Commonwealth Scholarships, given to talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage. Every year, roughly 800 students are granted the opportunity to pursue postgraduate degrees at UK universities as part of the UK’s continuous commitment to the Commonwealth. If you are from a Commonwealth country and believe you can make a difference in the world but can’t afford to pay for your UK education on your own, a Commonwealth Scholarship may be right for you as well as this post.

In this blog, we will talk about commonwealth shared scholarship at the commonwealth scholarship 2022, commonwealth scholarship official website, commonwealth scholarships 2022/23, commonwealth scholarship 2022 deadlines, and lots more. 

UK Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Countries

What is Commonwealth?

The Commonwealth is a voluntary group of 54 countries that are all independent and equal. It has a population of 2.5 billion people and includes both developed and developing countries. Small states, including numerous islands, make up 32 of our members. Commonwealth governments have agreed on common objectives such as development, democracy, and peace. The Commonwealth Charter enshrines our values and beliefs. The Commonwealth’s origins can be traced all the way back to the British Empire.

Today, however, any country can join the Commonwealth. Rwanda was the latest country to join the Commonwealth in 2009. The Commonwealth is frequently referred to as a ‘family’ of countries. Three intergovernmental organizations are at the heart of this family: 

  • The Commonwealth Secretariat which assists member states in achieving the Commonwealth’s objectives. British Council website. 
  • The Commonwealth Foundation which encourages people’s participation in democracy and development. 
  • The Commonwealth of Learning which promotes Open learning and distance education. 

The Commonwealth Secretariat and Commonwealth Foundation have their international headquarters in London’s Marlborough House on Pall Mall. Commonwealth member countries are also supported by a network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil, cultural, and professional organizations.

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List of Commonwealth countries

Commonwealth countries are diverse, ranging in size from the largest to the smallest, richest to poorest. They work together to achieve mutual aims and values. Climate change and developmental challenges are particularly dangerous for small states. Regardless of size or wealth, all Commonwealth members have an equal say.  Commonwealth policies and priorities are shaped by the leaders of member countries. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting takes place every two years. Continent-by-Continent list of Commonwealth member states

1. Africa

Botswana, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia

2. Asia

Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka

3. Caribbean and Americas

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent, and The Grenadines, Trinidad, and Tobago

4. Europe

Cyprus, Malta, United Kingdom

5. Pacific

Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Benefits of Commonwealth Countries 

The Commonwealth strengthens member countries’ voices by giving them another avenue to contact large contributors and diplomatic players such as the United Kingdom, India, and Canada. It also offers a possible framework for settling conflicts among African members. As a voluntary intergovernmental organization, the British Commonwealth aims to promote mutual understanding, friendship, and trade. Several advantages are available to participating countries.

1. Defence

Despite the fact that Commonwealth countries have few defense treaties, most members would attempt to protect one another in a crisis. Tuvalu, one of the Commonwealth’s smallest members, would not be invaded unless New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and other major Commonwealth members expressed concern and, if necessary, armed action. Small Commonwealth members benefit the most from this unofficial cooperation between Commonwealth nations, which have small or non-existent armies. 

2. Right to vote 

Commonwealth citizens have the right to vote in General Elections and a number of municipal elections in the United Kingdom. Citizens of the Commonwealth are encouraged to speak up; their input is valued.

3. Citizenship 

Another Commonwealth government does not consider a Commonwealth person to be a foreign citizen or immigrant. This custom stems from the previous label of ‘British subject,’ albeit nothing about the notion has changed other than the nomenclature. Because Commonwealth nationals are officially British subjects, they can seek assistance from a British embassy or court when they are in a place where their own country is not represented. Many Commonwealth people still have British passports, and Commonwealth citizens have it significantly easier than non-Commonwealth individuals to come to the UK.

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4. Commonwealth Games

Every four years, the Commonwealth Games are held in a Commonwealth member country, bringing additional tourism and economic benefits to the host country.

 

Some Commonwealth Scholarships 

The Commonwealth Scholarship program is for students from all over the Commonwealth who would otherwise be unable to afford to study in the United Kingdom. The scheme strives to encourage future innovators and leaders by sponsoring postgraduate courses in a variety of study modalities. This illustrious award is the United Kingdom’s flagship scholarship program aimed at advancing British foreign development aims. Its goal is to recruit top talent to UK institutions while simultaneously promoting sustainable development in other parts of the world. The Commonwealth Scholarships Commission offers:

1. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for least developed countries and fragile states):

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are for full-time doctoral study at a UK university for candidates from the Commonwealth’s least developed countries and fragile states. 

Purpose:

Contribute to Commonwealth countries’ development needs by funding research that has a developmental impact. These awards will also improve individual teaching and research capacity in Commonwealth countries, resulting in increased institutional capacity in academic and other sectors, as well as contribute to UK higher education and research by attracting high-caliber international candidates and encouraging links and collaboration.

Intended beneficiaries:

Graduates of high caliber with the ability to conduct world-class developmental research and become significant leaders, instructors, or researchers in their native countries.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships Scholar Eligibility:

To apply for these scholarships, you must:

  • Be a British Protected Person or a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country who has been granted refugee status. 
  • Be a permanent resident of a Commonwealth country that qualifies. 
  • Be ready to begin your academic studies in the UK by September 2022, the start of the UK academic year. 
  • Have a first degree with an honors standard of at least upper second class (2:1) or a second class degree (2:2) and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree) by September 2022. A second Master’s degree in the United Kingdom would not generally be funded by the CSC. If you’re applying for a second Master’s degree in the United Kingdom, you’ll need to explain why you want to do so.
  • Before September/October 2022, you must not be registered for a PhD or an MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university or in your home country. 

Countries that Are Eligible:

Please note that in 2022, only candidates from the countries indicated below are eligible to apply for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for LDCs and fragile states); Bangladesh, Cameroon, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, The Gambia, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia.

How to apply for commonwealth scholarships 2022/23

Commonwealth PhD Scholarship applications for the academic year 2022/23 are now closed. The following application information is provided for informational purposes only and is current as of November 1, 2021. The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships, thus candidates must first apply to one of the following nominating bodies: 

  • The major application route is through national nominating agencies. 
  • Selected universities/university entities with the power to hire and fire their own academic staff. 
  • Non-governmental and charity organizations have been chosen. Each nominating organization is in charge of its own selection procedure, which may include extra eligibility requirements. Candidates should verify with the nominating body for specific application guidance and restrictions, as well as their own qualifying criteria and application deadlines. 

In addition to any other application requested by the nominating authority, candidates must apply through the CSC’s online application system. Any applications that are not submitted through the online application system will be rejected by the CSC. Candidates are advised to complete and submit applications as soon as possible, as the online application system is very busy in the days leading up to the application deadline.

2. Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships (for low- and middle-income countries):

Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships, funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), enable outstanding and motivated students to learn the knowledge and skills essential for sustainable development and are aimed at those who would not be able to study in the UK otherwise. 

Purpose:

To provide high-quality doctorate candidates from low- and middle-income Commonwealth nations with access to UK equipment and knowledge, as well as to contribute to UK and Commonwealth higher education and research through collaboration and partnerships.

Intended beneficiaries:

Graduates with the potential to become significant instructors or researchers in their native countries, whose suggested study has a developmental focus. 

Eligibility for Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarships:

Prospective Scholars must meet the following requirements in order to be considered for these scholarships: 

  1. Be a British Protected Person or a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country who has been granted refugee status. 
  2. Be a permanent resident of a Commonwealth country that qualifies. 
  3. By the time your scholarship begins, you must be enrolled in a PhD program at a university in an eligible Commonwealth country (September 2022)
  4. Confirm that your home university and your proposed UK university have an institutional or departmental link. This connection must be more than just individual collaboration – see the section on ‘Tenure and placement’ for further information. To guarantee that your application is eligible, both supervisors must offer a supporting statement that provides more data about the link. 
  5. Be ready to begin your academic studies in the United Kingdom in September 2022. 
  6. Have a first degree with an upper second class (2:1) honours standard, or a second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree) by September 2022. 
  7. Without this scholarship, you will be unable to afford to study in the United Kingdom.
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Eligible countries:

Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, St Helena, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia

How to apply for Commonwealth Scholarships:

Scholars should apply to study at a UK university that has a CSC-funded part-time program. Individual colleges decide whether or not to participate in part-funding agreements. You must use the CSC’s online application system to submit your application to the CSC. Please see the link below for more information. Any applications that are not submitted through the CSC’s online application system will be rejected. The application period is now closed, and the time for submitting supporting documents has passed. If you’ve filed an application, you’ll find out the results in June.

3. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships:

The agency-nominated Master’s program is one of the Commission’s three Master’s programs. 

Purpose:

Commonwealth Masters Scholarships, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), enable outstanding and motivated students to achieve the knowledge and skills essential for sustainable development and are aimed at those who would not be able to study in the UK otherwise. 

Beneficiaries Expected:

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are available to students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth nations who wish to pursue a full-time taught Master’s degree at a UK university.

Eligibility for students:

To be considered for one of these scholarships, you must: 

  1. Be a British Protected Person or a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country who has been given refugee status. 
  2. Be a permanent resident of a Commonwealth country that qualifies.
  3. Be ready to begin your academic studies in the UK by September 2022, the start of the UK academic year. 
  4. Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honors grade, or a second class degree, by September 2022. 

Eligible countries:

Please note that only candidates from the eligible countries listed below can apply for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships in 2022;

Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, St Helena, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, The Gambia, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia

How to apply for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 

Applications for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for the academic year 2022/23 are now closed. Applications for 2023/24 will open in September 2022. 

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4. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships:

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are for individuals from the Commonwealth’s least developed and lower middle-income nations who wish to pursue a full-time Master’s degree on specified programs at UK universities.  Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), enable outstanding and motivated students to learn the knowledge and skills essential for sustainable development and are aimed towards those who would not be able to study in the UK otherwise. These scholarships are available in six different CSC development themes:

  • 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 for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships:

To apply for these scholarships, you must:

  1. Be a British Protected Person or a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country who has been given refugee status. 
  2. Be a permanent resident of a Commonwealth country that qualifies. 
  3. Be ready to begin your academic studies in the UK by September 2022, the start of the UK academic year. 
  4. Hold an upper second-class (2:1) honors degree or a lower second-class degree (2:2) and an appropriate postgraduate diploma (typically a Master’s degree) by September 2022. 
  5. Not having spent at least one year (academic) studying or working in a high-income nation 
  6. Have sent all supporting documents in the proper format.
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Eligible countries for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Please note that only candidates from the 23 eligible countries listed below can apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships in 2022; Bangladesh, Cameroon, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia.

How to apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

You must apply for your scholarship to be tenable at a participating UK university and take one of the following authorized courses. In addition to applying for a Shared Scholarship, you must first gain admission to your course. Please consult your chosen university for precise information on when to apply, admission requirements, and application restrictions. In addition to any other applications necessary by your nominating authority, you must submit your application through the CSC’s online application system.

Any applications that are not submitted through the CSC’s online application system will be rejected. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are now closed for the academic year 2022/2023. By June 2022, applicants will be notified of the results.

Commonwealth Scholarship 2022 Deadline

Annual application deadlines are usually in December. Check the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website on the page for the scholarship you’re interested in to discover when they’ll be announced for 2021/22. Links can be found above.

Conclusion 

Thank you for taking the time to read about the Commonwealth Scholarships for developing countries offered by the United Kingdom. These awards are granted to exceptional individuals who have the capacity to make a significant effect on the world stage. As part of the UK’s ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth, around 800 students are allowed to study postgraduate degrees at UK universities each year. A Commonwealth Scholarship, as well as this position, may be perfect for you if you are from a Commonwealth country and believe you can make a difference in the world but can’t afford to pay for your UK education on your own.

We discussed the Commonwealth shared scholarship on the Commonwealth scholarship official website in this blog. We also go over commonwealth scholarships 2022, commonwealth scholarships 2022/23, and commonwealth scholarship 2022 deadlines, among other things. best of luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded each year? 

Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to deserving students who have the capacity to make a positive difference in the world. Every year, roughly 800 students are granted the opportunity to pursue postgraduate degrees at UK universities as part of the UK’s continuous commitment to the Commonwealth. 

Is it possible for me to stay in the United Kingdom after completing the Commonwealth Scholarship? 

CSC ahead of time. Only if you want to advance from Master’s to PhD study will the CSC consider a request to extend your leave to remain in the UK after your award. There will be strict guidelines in place. The CSC is unable to give you a letter of support or permission to remain in the UK after receiving your award in order for you to work.

What are the Commonwealth Scholarship’s objectives? 

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS) aims to help students from developing Commonwealth nations who have good academic credentials but would otherwise be unable to afford to study in the United Kingdom due to financial constraints.

How do I apply for Commonwealth Scholarships?

To apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship, you need to submit an online application. All Commonwealth Scholarships are sponsored by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and it is open to international students of all majors.

What does Commonwealth Shared scholarship cover?

A Commonwealth Shared Scholarship covers fees, approved fares and personal maintenance. Also, you cannot hold other scholarships, awards or bursaries that cover the same costs at together with the commonwealth shared scholarship.

What is the age limit for Commonwealth Scholarship?

There is no upper age limit to be eligible for a Queen Elizabeth Commonweath Scholarship Award. However, you can not apply for a QECS in the final year of your undergraduate degree. You must have already completed your degree and have graduated with an equivalent of a 2:1 at the time of application.
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