Introduction: A Life-Changing Opportunity for Students from Underserved Nations.

Studying in the UK is often seen as a dream that’s financially out of reach for many students from low-income countries. But in 2025, that dream is more attainable than ever—thanks to the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships. This prestigious program offers fully funded master’s degrees to talented students from Africa, Asia, and other developing Commonwealth countries. It covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and academic support—all geared toward empowering future leaders.

You could attend world-class universities like the University of Nottingham, Queen’s University Belfast, or LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science) on a full scholarship. If you’re from a low-income background and passionate about impact and development, read on—this may be your golden ticket.

What Is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is part of the broader Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), founded in 1959 as a joint venture between the UK and Commonwealth governments. Designed to support students from low-income countries, each scholarship is co-funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and UK universities.

These scholarships specifically target those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford UK study, enabling them to build skills in areas such as health systems, resilience, technology, and governance—for maximum development impact back home.

Why This Scholarship Is a Lifeline for Global South Talent

Imagine walking into a lecture hall at the University of Cambridge or London School of Economics, knowing your entire degree—tuition, flights, housing, even winter coats—is fully funded. For students from 43 eligible Commonwealth countries across Africa and Asia, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (CSS) turn this dream into reality. Jointly funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and leading UK universities, CSS targets future leaders committed to solving their home countries’ most pressing challenges. In 2025, this life-changing opportunity could be yours.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility from Africa & Asia

To qualify for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025, applicants must:

• Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country (refugees with protected status also qualify) University of NottinghamQueen’s University Belfast.

• Permanently reside in that country.

• Hold a first degree of at least upper-second class (2:1), or 2:2 with a relevant master’s LSHTMInternational Scholarships.

• Not have studied or worked in a high-income country for more than one academic year International ScholarshipsQueen’s University Belfast.

• Unable to afford UK study without the scholarship International Scholarshipsbritishcouncil.in.

• Apply only for eligible master’s programs aligned with the CSC’s six development themes CSC UKStudy UK.

What’s Covered? Fully Funded Benefits

The scholarship provides remarkable support:

• Full tuition fees at UK universities.

• Return airfare to and from the UK Opportunities For AfricansInternational Scholarships.

• A generous living allowance—£1,378/month (£1,690 for London-based students) Opportunities For AfricansQueen’s University Belfast.

• Warm clothing allowance, if coming from tropical climates Opportunities For AfricansQueen’s University Belfast.

• Thesis and study travel grants, and TB test support where required Opportunities For Africans.

• Child allowances for single parents in certain cases—£590 for the first child, £146 for additional children under 16

Top Participating Universities & Deadlines – Official Insights

Here’s a table of headline institutions, deadlines, and region focus: