The Commonwealth Scholarship scheme is aimed at students from across the Commonwealth nations and now India who are not able to afford to study in the UK. This scholarship was only restricted to students who lived in one of the commonwealth countries but now this scholarship has opened up for Indians as well. The scheme aims to encourage future creators and leaders by funding postgraduate studies.

The Commonwealth Scholarship programme helps 800 students approximately per year to pursue a postgraduate degree in the UK without the financial burden that comes with it. This scheme is considered one of the most prestigious in the UK, and its graduates include prominent politicians and Nobel Prize winners.

It aims to attract intellectual and great talent to UK universities and at the same time, it also supports sustainable development overseas. In this article, we'll go over all you need to know about the scholarship, including how it benefits you and how to apply.
What exactly are Commonwealth Scholarships and who funds it?

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom funds the Commonwealth Scholarships (FDCO). Applications are accepted from 42 Commonwealth countries, including India. It is aimed at those who cannot afford to study in the UK otherwise so students from middle and lower-income countries within India and the Commonwealth.

These scholarships are granted under six ‘development themes’, as decided by the FDCO. The development themes range from promoting international peace and security to strengthening healthcare capabilities.

Commonwealth Scholarships and India

The Government of India's, Ministry of Education has sought to extend this fund to eligible applications for the '2023 Commonwealth Master's Scholarship in the United Kingdom, for pursuing a full-time Master's degree course which begins in September/October next year. The ministry stated that it will nominate 39 candidates for the scholarship and that it will play no part in the selection of candidates.

What does the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship cover for Indian students?

Being as generous as it is, the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship covers the cost of your chosen degree which includes the tuition fees, living expenses and any other additional costs.

The winners receive:

● Tuition fees are fully covered.
● A monthly stipend of £1,256 (or £1,516 in London) approximately which helps you with the living costs
● To cover the travel costs to and from India at the beginning and end of your course they provide funds
● Study-related travel is covered as well (within or outside of the UK)
● A grant towards the costs of Masters's dissertation.

An allowance will be granted if you're a single parent, widowed or divorced and also an allowance to support your family if they live in the UK.

Eligibility

The eligibility for students from India looking to study in the UK on a Commonwealth scholarship must fall under the stated conditions:

● Indian citizen (or have been granted refugee status)
● A permanent resident of India
● Completed Bachelor's degree graded at 2:1 or above. If you have completed a 2:2 undergraduate degree, you will also need to have a postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
● If you are unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship

Requirements

The following is required:

● All your undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications
● 10 publications and prizes (if applicable)
● Explain how each past position is helpful and relevant to your choice of program (up to 100 words per employment)
● A 300-word statement on how and why you are an ideal candidate by mentioning your previous work experience
● Details of two references at least, one being your current employer
● Passport or national identity card
● Developmental Impact statement which explains how your future plans will contribute to the development themes of CSC. A total of 1,600 words, this statement is divided into four questions.

How can Indian students apply for a Commonwealth Masters Scholarship?

The application process to apply for the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship is a two-step process. The first step consists of you applying to the Indian Ministry of Higher Education and this can be done through the Ministry's website. The second step requires you to apply to the CSC directly, using their online portal.

Application Months

For courses that start the following autumn, the application opens in September and closes in October.

How is Commonwealth Masters Scholarship Indian winners selected?

The CSC, the body which is responsible for choosing students, analyses the following criteria while going through your application process:
● Academic merit
● Research done for your chosen programme and how it relates to your long-term plans
● The skills gained from your programme and how will you use it to develop your home country
● The Commonwealth Masters Scholarship is mainly interested in seeing how your skills and knowledge will be put into use to make a difference in your home country, India.

It's crucial to know about the CSC’s development themes; the more specific you are about your development themes that relate to your study and career, the better. For a comprehensive guidance for UK Education, reach Global Tree now.