Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (UK)
by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK
About Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (UK)
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are funded by the UK government for students from lower and middle income Commonwealth countries who want to study a one-year taught master’s degree in the UK and who would not be able to afford it otherwise.
For India, applicants apply to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and are also nominated through the Ministry of Education, so the nomination stage is very competitive.
What it covers
- Approved tuition fees
- Monthly stipend (higher in London than outside London)
- Return economy airfare from India
- Warm clothing allowance
- Study travel grant and thesis grant where applicable
- Child allowance for eligible scholars
Eligibility
- Indian citizen and permanent resident of India
- Degree of upper second-class standard (about 60% in India)
- You must show that you cannot afford to study in the UK without this support
- MBA courses are not funded
- You should not have studied or worked for a year or more in a high-income country
- Your study plan should link to the Commission's development themes
How to apply
- Read the eligibility rules on the Commission's website
- Fill in the online application form and add references
- Write your study plan and how it will help development
- Complete the Indian Ministry of Education's national application step
- Apply to UK universities as advised so you have an admission offer
- Wait for the nomination and final selection results
Documents usually required
- Degree certificates and marksheets
- Passport
- Two academic or work references
- Study plan and development impact statement
- Proof of financial need
- University offer letter (when requested)
Frequently asked questions
Is a nomination a guarantee?
No. Nominated students are still selected by the Commission, so keep a back-up plan.
Can I do an MBA with this?
No, MBA courses are not funded.
Why is there a second application in India?
India's Ministry of Education runs the national nomination process, so both steps must be completed.
Who should apply?
Students with strong marks who can clearly show financial need and development impact.
Scholarship terms, amounts and dates change every year. Always confirm the latest details on the official website before you apply. Details last checked: September 2026. Open official website