Commonwealth scholarships: everything you need to know
Being an international postgraduate student is becoming more expensive than ever before, with rising costs of living and tuition fees being asked from international students.
This can be a massive deal breaker when thinking about doing your postgraduate course abroad, especially if your family’s financial resources are limited.
However, don’t be discouraged! Every year, a few lucky students get the opportunity to fund their studies with a Commonwealth scholarship. These are awarded to motivated and talented students, across the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Scholarships are awards funded by the Commonwealth countries, for students from eligible member nations. These scholarships not only help you financially, but also open doors for you to professional growth, academic excellence, and cultural exchange.
The intention of these scholarships is to encourage international cooperation, as well as contribute to the development of less-developed countries. If you’re not sure if you are eligible, keep reading!
Types of Commonwealth Scholarships
- Master’s Scholarships: For students wanting to do a Master’s degree in numerous fields. These cover living expenses, tuition fees, and travel costs.
- PhD Scholarships: For students aiming to do a doctoral degree. These scholarships support full-time research at distinguished universities.
- Split-site Scholarships: For PhD students wishing to study 12 months at an overseas university as part of their doctoral studies at their home institution
- Distance Learning Scholarships: These scholarships cover the cost of distance learning courses, making learning accessible without the need to move.
- Professional Fellowships: For mid-career professions, this fellowship gives you opportunities to develop professionally through training programs in the UK
Who Can Apply?
Your eligibility to apply to the Commonwealth scholarship has many criteria, such as professional experience, citizenship, english language proficiency and academic qualifications. However, this varies where you’re from and where you’re going to study. To check if you are from an eligible country, check on the commonwealth website.
| Offering Country | Scholarship Programs | Recipient Countries |
| Australia | Australia Awards Scholarships | Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and other developing regions within the commonwealth |
| Canada | Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program | All eligible Commonwealth countries |
| India | Indian Commonwealth Scholarships | All eligible Commonwealth countries |
| Malaysia | Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) | All eligible Commonwealth countries |
| New Zealand | New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships | Select Commonwealth countries, primarily in the Pacific and Africa |
| Singapore | Singapore Commonwealth Fellowships | All eligible Commonwealth countries |
| United Kingdom | Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s, PhD, Split-site Scholarships | All eligible Commonwealth countries |
Benefits of Commonwealth Scholarships
Getting a Commonwealth scholarship will bring you a great deal of benefits that you might otherwise not have without it.
This ranges from financial cover, to cultural exchange and academic and personal growth. Financial cover includes things such as travel costs, tuition fees and living expenses.
Apart from the financial perks, you get a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures, network with a wide range of people, as well as access to top universities and research facilities.
How to Apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship
Check Eligibility
- Language Proficiency: Provide your english test scores
- Citizenship: Check if your country is a member of the Commonwealth countries.
- Academic Qualifications: Check with the university you are applying to if you meet the right grade criteria
- Other Criteria: Some scholarships will ask you for relevant work experience
Choose the Right Program
- Identify the Scholarship: Check which type of Commonwealth scholarship is the best for your academic goals. This can be Distance Learning, Master’s, Split-site, or PhD).
Prepare Necessary Documents:
- Academic Transcripts and degree certificates: gather all this important information digitally and have it ready to send off.
- Letters of Recommendation: Ask your academic or professional referees for strong recommendation letters.
- Research Proposal: If you are applying to a PhD or a program that is research based, prepare a detailed research proposal.
- Personal Statement: Write a personal statement mentioning all your achievements, both academic and professional, what you bring to the table, and your career goals, as well as how this scholarship can help you achieve them.
Complete the Online Application
- Access the Application Portal: Find the official website offering the scholarship for the country you want to apply to, and apply directly in the portal.
- Fill in the Application Forum: Pay attention when filling in your application, and provide detailed and correct information.
- Upload Documents: Upload all your important documents mentioned above, and review them before submitting your application.
- Submit the Application: Review your application and all your answers to make sure all the information is correct and that nothing is missing. When this is done, you’re ready to send it off!
Submit Before the Deadline
- Check Deadlines: Make a list of the application deadlines you are applying to, because they differ from country to country and also depend on the country you are applying to.
- Submit Early: Try to submit your application early, to avoid last minute problems.
Prepare for an Interview
- Prepare Thoroughly: If they are interested in your application, you might be invited to an interview. Prepare to talk about your research interests, academic background, and career aspirations. Think about how your goals line up with the scholarship’s aims.
Wait for the Results
- Notification: You will be notified after the review process. Beware this might take a few months, depending on the number of applicants and the scholarship you are applying for.
- Acceptance: When you are offered the scholarship, read all the instructions carefully to accept the scholarship, accept it and get ready to study abroad!
Tips for a Successful Application
- Tailor your application to align with the scholarship’s objective.
- Highlight your achievements and potential impact, while writing concisely and clearly in your research proposal and personal statement.
- Talk to your career counselors and professors and ask for advice to strengthen your application.
- Check your application before submitting to check all documents and information is correct.
When can I apply to the Commonwealth Scholarships?
Australia
Australia Awards Scholarships:
- Application Opens: February
- Deadline: 30th April
Canada
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program:
- Application Opens: typically November/December
- Deadline: Typically January/February (depends on the institutions)
India
Indian Commonwealth Scholarships:
- Application Opens: October
- Deadline: December/January
Malaysia
Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP):
- Application Opens: April/May
- Deadline: July
New Zealand
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships:
- Application Open: February
- Deadline: March
Singapore
Singapore Commonwealth Fellowships:
- Application Opens: varies by program
- Deadline: varies by program
United Kingdom
Commonwealth Split-site scholarships:
- Application Opens: February
- Deadline: April
Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships:
- Application Opens: August
- Deadline: December
A Commonwealth Scholarship is the perfect opportunity to continue your education at a top class university, without spending your time worrying about how to pay for your tuition fees, as well as contributing to your country and community.
By following the information provided above, you can better your chances of receiving this scholarship and open doors to meaningful global connections and world-class education.