Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit

Mandatory Documents Checklist

• ✓Proof of citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country (copy of a valid passport or national ID card showing photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship).
• ✓Full transcripts detailing all higher education qualifications, including up-to-date transcripts for any courses currently being studied, with certified translations if not in English.
• ✓Degree certificate for the highest degree completed (a statement of result can be used if the certificate is not yet available).
• ✓Names and positions of three referees who are qualified to comment on both your capacity to benefit from the proposed Scholarship and your ability to deliver development impact afterwards. One referee must be a current employer (if applicable).
• ✓A Development Impact statement and a detailed Plan of Study, outlining how the proposed study relates to development issues, how new skills will be applied, expected developmental changes, and how impact will be measured.
• ✓Proof of English language proficiency, if required by the UK host university and/or UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
• ✓A complete online application to an eligible Master's course at a participating UK university (an admission offer may be required before final scholarship shortlisting or confirmation).
• ✓Completed CSC online application form (via CSC Central).

Selection Process

Renewal Policy

How to Apply Online

Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.

• 1

  Secure University Admission

  First, identify and apply for admission to an eligible one-year taught Master's course at a UK university that partners with the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship scheme. It is crucial to obtain an offer of admission from a UK university, as the Ministry of Education (MoE) in India typically requires this for nomination.

• 2

  Apply via CSC Central

  Submit an application through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's (CSC) online application system, 'CSC Central'. This is a mandatory step. Candidates are advised to complete and submit applications as early as possible.

• 3

  Apply via MoE SAKSHAT Portal (for Indian applicants): Indian applicants must also apply separately through India's national nominating agency, the Ministry of Education, via its SAKSHAT portal. Failing to apply through both CSC Central and the MoE portal will result in disqualification. Required Documents generally include: * Proof of citizenship (e.g., valid passport or national ID). * Full academic transcripts for all higher education qualifications (with certified English translations if necessary). * Two signed academic references, submitted by the referees through the online system. * A supporting statement from a proposed supervisor in the UK (if applicable, for certain programs). * A UK university admission letter (or proof of application, check specific university requirements). * English language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL) if native language is not English. Status Tracking: After submitting applications, nominated candidates are usually informed around March (by universities) or April/May (by LSE as an example for nominations) by the CSC or their nominating university. Regularly check the application portals and your email (including spam/junk folders) for updates.