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Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Countries

Commonwealth Scholarships for Masters and PhD study in the UK are offered for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. These scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), with the aim of contributing to the UK's international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth. The scholarships provide 12 months support towards completion of a full-time taught postgraduate qualification (excluding MBA programmes) or up to 36 months support towards completion of a full-time doctoral postgraduate qualification at an eligible UK institution. Durham University participates in this programme, allowing eligible students from developing Commonwealth countries to pursue advanced studies at the institution.

Commonwealth Master's Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Master's Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. These scholarships are for candidates from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries, to undertake full-time taught Master's study at a UK university. By attracting individuals with outstanding talent and identifiable potential from all backgrounds and supporting them to become leaders and innovators on returning to their home countries, the CSC's work combines sustainable development with the UK national interest and provides opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration. The scholarships are offered under the six CSC development themes and include full tuition coverage, airfare, monthly stipend, and additional support for living expenses.

Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships

Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships are for candidates from low and middle income countries, as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), in the Commonwealth, to conduct research at a university in the UK for 12 months. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), it operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and offers a vivid demonstration of the UK's enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. By attracting individuals with outstanding talent and identifiable potential from all backgrounds and supporting them to become leaders and innovators on returning to their home countries, the CSC's work combines sustainable development with the UK national interest and provides opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration. The purpose is to widen access to UK equipment and expertise for quality doctoral candidates from Commonwealth countries, and to contribute to UK and Commonwealth higher education and research through collaboration and partnerships. The intended beneficiaries are high-quality graduates from Least Developed and middle-income countries (including fragile and conflict affected states) who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK but who have the potential to become influential leaders, teachers, or researchers in their home countries, and whose proposed research has a developmental and leadership focus.

Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Countries

Commonwealth Scholarships for Masters and PhD study in the UK are offered for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. These scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), with the aim of contributing to the UK's international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth. The scholarships provide 12 months support towards completion of a full-time taught postgraduate qualification (excluding MBA programmes) or up to 36 months support towards completion of a full-time doctoral postgraduate qualification at eligible UK institutions. Durham University accepts these scholarships for various taught Masters and PhD programmes on a full-time basis.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are available through a partnership between Durham University and the Department for International Development. These scholarships provide a fully-funded opportunity for Commonwealth nationals from developing countries to pursue Taught Masters programmes at Durham University. The scholarships are designed specifically for students who would be unable to afford to study in the UK without this financial support. Each scholarship covers full tuition fees, airfare to and from the UK, a monthly stipend, warm clothing allowance, and other essential expenses for the one-year duration of the programme. The scholarships are aimed at students who have not previously studied or worked for one year or more in a developed country, ensuring that the opportunity reaches those who need it most. Recipients are expected to return to their home country within one month of the award's end date to contribute to the development of their communities.