Commonwealth Scholarship — eligibility & deadline
Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for students from Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford UK study.
Last updated: . Deadlines and amounts are reviewed each cycle — always confirm on the official website.
Award amount
Fully funded — tuition, stipend, airfare, allowances
Deadline
Applications typically open in September and close in October for the following academic year.
Study level
Master's and PhD · United Kingdom
Eligibility criteria
- Indian citizenship or refugee/British protected person status
- Available to start the academic course in the UK by September
- At least an upper second class (2:1) equivalent bachelor's degree
- Unable to afford UK study without this scholarship
- Nomination through an approved nominating body in India
What the scholarship covers
- Approved tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Return airfare to the UK
- Warm clothing, thesis grant and study travel grants
- Family allowances in eligible cases
Application tips from our counsellors
The development impact statement is central — connect your course to a measurable outcome in India.
You must apply through a nominating agency; direct applications outside that route are not considered.
Financial need is genuinely assessed. Be honest and consistent across documents.
Prepare your UK university applications in parallel; the scholarship requires an eligible offer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Commonwealth Scholarship deadline?
Applications generally open in September and close in October, roughly a year before the UK course begins.
Do I need a UK admission offer first?
You apply in parallel, but you must hold an eligible offer from a UK university before the scholarship can be confirmed.
Is the Commonwealth Scholarship fully funded?
Yes — it covers tuition, a monthly living allowance, return airfare and several additional grants.
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