Overview
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is one of the largest international scholarship schemes. Funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), it offers full funding for Master's and PhD studies at UK universities for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries.
🎓 What's Covered
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend — £1,236/month (London), £1,043/month (elsewhere)
- Return economy airfare
- Thesis grant (research students)
- Warm clothing allowance (one-time)
- Study travel grant for fieldwork or conferences
- Family allowance — if accompanied by spouse/children (for PhD students)
Eligibility
- Citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country (includes Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Nigeria)
- Permanently resident in your home country
- Have a first degree (minimum upper second class or equivalent)
- Not yet held a Commonwealth or Chevening award for the same level
- Available to start study in the UK by October of the award year
Award Categories
| Category | Level | Duration | Key Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's Scholarships | Taught Master's | 12 months | Development impact |
| PhD Scholarships | Doctoral research | Up to 36 months | High-quality research |
| Split-site PhD | PhD (12 months in UK) | 12 months | Collaborative research |
| Distance Learning | Master's | Variable | Flexible study |
Application Process
Check Eligibility & Nominating Body
Each country has a nominating body (typically HEC, UGC, or national scholarship agency) that screens applications before forwarding to CSC.
Apply Online via CSC Portal
Complete the application on the CSC online system. Provide development impact statement, study plan, and references. Deadline: usually October–December.
Nominating Body Review
Your national nominating body shortlists and ranks candidates. They forward recommendations to CSC. Some countries conduct interviews.
CSC Selection
CSC in London makes final selections based on academic merit, development impact, and value for money. Results: March–May.
Country-Specific Tips
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Nominated through HEC (Higher Education Commission). HEC conducts its own screening and interview process. Apply through both HEC portal and CSC online system. Priority given to faculty members of public universities.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
Nominated through the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh. Academic merit and development relevance equally weighted. Apply early as UGC has its own deadline before CSC.
🇮🇳 India
Large allocation for Indian students. Nominated through Association of Indian Universities (AIU) or Ministry of Education. Very competitive — strong research background essential for PhD.
🇳🇵 Nepal
Nominated through the Ministry of Education. Smaller cohort but consistent allocation. Development-focused applications from education, health, and infrastructure fields perform well.
🇳🇬 Nigeria
Nominated through the Federal Ministry of Education and National Universities Commission. One of the largest African cohorts. Governance, agriculture, and health fields well-represented.