The University of Birmingham, in collaboration with the UK Department for International Development (DFID), is offering the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme for the 2025 academic year. This prestigious scholarship supports talented students from developing Commonwealth countries who would otherwise not have the financial means to study in the UK. Here’s everything you need to know about the scholarship opportunity, including benefits, eligibility, application process, and deadlines.
Benefits Package of this Scholarship
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme provides comprehensive financial support to successful applicants, covering:
- Full Tuition Fees: Covers all tuition fees for the duration of the master’s program.
- Maintenance Stipend: A monthly allowance for living expenses during your stay in the UK.
- Airfare: Return airfare from your home country to the UK.
- Immigration Health Surcharge: Payment for health coverage during your stay in the UK.
- Arrival Allowance: A one-off payment to help with initial expenses upon arrival.
- Thesis Expenses: Financial support for research and thesis preparation.
- Study Travel Grant: Assistance with travel costs related to academic requirements.
This financial package ensures that students can focus fully on their studies without the burden of financial worries.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Be a national of a Commonwealth developing country (e.g., Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, among others) and not currently living or studying in a developed country.
- Previous Studies: Must not have undertaken studies lasting one year or more in a developed country.
- Financial Need: Demonstrate that you or your family cannot afford to study in the UK without financial aid.
- Commitment to Return: Agree to return to your home country upon completing the degree to work or study further. Only candidates progressing from a master’s to a PhD program may request an extension, subject to strict conditions.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must prove sufficient proficiency in English, meeting the university’s admission requirements.
Applicants must also secure an offer for one of the following postgraduate programs at the University of Birmingham:
- MA Africa and Development
- MSc Development Policy and Politics
- MSc Conflict, Security and Development
- MSc Clinical Oncology
- MSc Environment, Development and Politics
Application Process
To apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme:
- University Admission: First, apply for one of the eligible master’s programs at the University of Birmingham.
- Scholarship Application: Submit your scholarship application through the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship website. Ensure all necessary documents are prepared and submitted before the deadline.
- Official Announcement:
Deadline for Applications
The provisional deadline for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme is 18 December 2025.
