The UK government scholarship scheme, known as Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, extends an opportunity to postgraduate students from the least-developed and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries. These scholarships aim to empower talented and motivated individuals, enabling them to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable development. They also provide crucial support to students who would otherwise face financial barriers to pursuing their studies in the UK, offering approved tuition fees, stipends, and additional benefits to the selected recipients.
Eligibility of Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
To qualify, applicants must:
1. Be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country, have refugee status granted by such a country, or be a British Protected Person.
2. Reside permanently in an eligible Commonwealth country.
3. Be ready to commence their academic studies in the UK at the beginning of the academic year.
4. Possess a first degree with at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or hold a lower second-class degree (2:2) along with a relevant postgraduate qualification (typically a master’s degree).
5. Have not engaged in academic or professional activities for one year or more in a high-income country.
6. Demonstrate financial need, indicating an inability to afford studies at a UK university without this scholarship.
7. Submit all required supporting documentation in the prescribed format.
Benefits of Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
The selected students will enjoy the following benefits:
1. The university will cover the approved airfare from the home country to the UK and the return journey after the award.
2. Approved tuition fees will be fully covered.
3. The university will provide a stipend (living allowance) at a rate of £1,236 per month, or £1,516 per month for those studying in the London metropolitan area (current rates apply) – paid and funded by the university.
4. If applicable, a warm clothing allowance will be provided.
5. Students may receive a thesis grant, if applicable.
6. A study travel grant is included.
7. An excess baggage allowance is granted.
8. The cost of a mandatory TB test will be reimbursed.
9. If applicable, a child allowance is provided.
Documents needed to apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
– Provide evidence of citizenship or refugee status.
– Furnish complete transcripts outlining all higher education qualifications.
– Include current transcripts for any ongoing qualifications the candidate is currently pursuing, with certified translations if the documents are not in English.
Ways to apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
To apply for the position, eligible candidates should follow these steps:
1. Initiate the application process by clicking on the ‘Apply Now‘ button.
2. Register by clicking on the ‘Register’ button and complete the necessary details. (Note: If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID.)
3. Access ‘How to Apply‘ and follow the provided link.
4. Choose your nationality and proceed with the ‘Registration’ using a valid email. (Note: If already registered, log in with valid credentials.)
5. Provide the required information, upload essential documents, and submit the application.