Commonwealth Master's Scholarship (UK)
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), UK Government · All India
| Scheme Name | Commonwealth Master's Scholarship (UK) |
| Provided By | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), UK Government |
| Eligibility Summary | Postgraduate · No income limit |
About the Program
The Commonwealth Master's Scholarship is a fully funded programme offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), UK, for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries including India. It covers one-year taught Master's programmes at UK universities. Indian students must be nominated by the Indian Ministry of Education via the SAKSHAT portal, making it a two-step application process.
Benefits & Financial Support
£1,712/mo (approx. ₹35.0 Lakh+)
The Commonwealth Master's Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship. It covers full tuition fees, approved airfare from India to the UK and a return ticket at the end of the course, and a monthly living allowance (stipend). The stipend is approximately INR 2,15,712 per month for universities outside London and INR 2,52,000 per month for universities in London (estimated based on £1,712 and £2,000 respectively, using an approximate exchange rate of 1 GBP = 105 INR, which may vary). Additionally, it includes a warm clothing allowance, a study travel grant for approved academic travel, and a thesis grant where required. For single parents, child allowances are provided for up to three children under 16 years living in the UK (£622 per month for the first child, £154 for the second and third child). Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) details to Aadhaar-seeded accounts are not explicitly mentioned in the search results; funds are typically disbursed directly to the scholar and university by the CSC.
100% tuition fees, monthly living allowance, return international flights, study travel grants, and warm clothing allowance.
Note: Must hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1/60%+) honours. Cannot afford to study in the UK without scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Postgraduate |
| Course / Stream | Relevant courses |
| Minimum Marks | 60% |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | Open to all |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Proof of citizenship/refugee status
- ✓Class 10 and 12 certificates
- ✓Bachelor's degree transcripts (showing 2:1/60%+ upper-second class)
- ✓Two reference letters
- ✓Admission offer from a UK university
Selection Process
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The selection process involves two main stages
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First, applicants from India must apply through the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, which acts as the national nominating agency
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The MoE reviews and shortlists candidates from its applicant pool before nominating a limited number (typically around 39) to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)
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Being nominated by the MoE is not a guarantee of a scholarship
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Second, the CSC assesses nominated candidates against three primary criteria: candidate merit (including academic record), the quality of the proposed study or research plan, and the potential impact of their study on development in their home country
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Applicants must also demonstrate financial need, proving their inability to fund UK study without the scholarship
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A minimum of 60% marks in the undergraduate degree (or an upper second-class (2:1) honours) is generally required by September of the award year
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However, for fields like Engineering and Technology, Science, and Agriculture, a minimum of 65% marks might be required.
Renewal Policy
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The Commonwealth Master's Scholarship is typically for a one-year, full-time taught Master's program and is generally not renewable for a second Master's degree
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The CSC does not normally fund a second UK Master's degree
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If an applicant is applying for a second Master's degree, they must provide strong justification
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Throughout the award, scholars are expected to reside in the UK and must seek approval from the CSC for any overseas travel or paid employment
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The scholarship can be terminated for reasons of unsatisfactory conduct, academic progress, or attendance, or if the university suspends or terminates registration.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1
Secure University Admission (Crucial First Step) * Before the scholarship portals open, identify and apply to at least three UK universities that participate in CSC-scheme programs. Many university admissions close between January and July, often *before* the CSC scholarship deadline. * You *must* secure an offer of admission from an eligible UK university for a one-year taught Master's program. The Ministry of Education will not nominate you without a confirmed admission letter. * Ensure your chosen course aligns with one of the six CSC development themes; MBA programs are not funded.
- 2
Apply on CSC Central (Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's Online Application System) * Register and complete your application on the CSC's online application system (CSC Central). This is where you submit your academic history, employment details, referee information, study plan, and Development Impact statement. * The CSC does not accept applications or supporting documents through any other channel. * The CSC Central deadline for the 2027/28 cycle is expected to be around October 20, 2026. * Required Documents (to be uploaded on CSC Central): * Valid passport or national ID copy (showing photograph, date of birth, citizenship). * Full academic transcripts for all higher education qualifications, including current courses, with certified translations if not in English. * Names of three referees, with at least two full reference letters uploaded by the deadline. * A compelling Development Impact statement (explaining how your study connects to a CSC theme, how you'll apply new skills, and expected development impact). * A personal statement. * Up to 10 publications or awards (if applicable). * Employment history and its relevance to your program.
- 3
Submit on the MoE's SAKSHAT Portal (Ministry of Education, Government of India) * This is a mandatory second application. Completing only one portal will disqualify your application. * After completing your CSC Central application, save a PDF copy of your submission. * Register and apply through the Ministry of Education's SAKSHAT portal. You will need to upload the saved PDF of your CSC Central application here as part of your Ministry submission. * The SAKSHAT deadline is set independently by the MoE and typically falls several months after CSC Central closes, or sometimes slightly earlier. It is crucial to check the MoE's official website for the exact opening and closing dates for Indian nominations.
- 4
MoE Shortlisting and CSC Results * The Ministry of Education will review applications received through the SAKSHAT portal and nominate a limited number of candidates to the CSC. * The CSC then assesses these nominated candidates. Final results are typically announced from mid-June, with outcomes confirmed by July of the year the study begins. Status Tracking:** * While there isn't a dedicated 'status tracking guide' publicly available, applicants should regularly check both the CSC's online application system and the Ministry of Education's scholarship portal for updates and notifications. Direct communication regarding selection outcomes will be sent to successful candidates. For general updates, frequently visit the Ministry of Education's website (www.education.gov.in/en/scholarships).
Common Questions (FAQs)
Is the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship a fully funded opportunity?
Yes, the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship is fully funded. It covers all approved tuition fees, return economy-class airfare from your home country to the UK, a monthly living allowance (stipend), a warm clothing allowance, a study travel grant, and a thesis grant if required. Additional allowances for dependent children are also available for single parents.
Are there any age limits for applying to the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship?
No, there is no upper or lower age limit explicitly stated by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for its applications. However, applicants are advised to check with their current employers regarding any age-related restrictions on leave entitlements they may have in place.
Does the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship fund MBA programs?
No, the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship explicitly excludes MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs. The scholarship supports one-year, full-time taught Master's programs that align with one of the six CSC development themes.
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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), UK Government website before final submission.