Commonwealth Scholarship

Since 1959, the governments of commonwealth countries have worked together to allow their citizens to further their education through the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. The goal of the program is to spread knowledge among Commonwealth countries as they continue to develop, and to promote awareness of fellow nations of the Commonwealth. The United Kingdom gives out nearly half of all the scholarships awarded each year, but at least 20 Commonwealth countries have been hosts to scholars since the program began.

It is up each individual Commonwealth country to decide whether or not they will offer a Commonwealth scholarship or fellowship from year to year. Countries that choose to host scholars will make known to the other nations what scholarships are available and the criteria for choosing nominees. Every country has their own agency that is responsible for posting the scholarships and accepting applications; the agency will nominate a select number to the host country from the applications that are submitted. The host country will then make the final selections.

Commonwealth scholarships are offered to any citizen of a Commonwealth country who has earned a bachelor's degree or a higher degree, and who can score a 6.5 or more on the IELTS, an English language proficiency test. The scholarship will cover costs to study for one to three years, in any available master's field. Funding is also included for books and materials, travel expenses, and an allowance for personal use. The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan also offers fellowships in the United Kingdom for professionals who would like learn new skills related to their careers. Deadlines for all applications vary from country to country, based on application procedures of the universities involved. The Association of Commonwealth Universities can provide more information regarding application processes.