Scholarship Description: Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for International Students, set up by the Department for International Development (DFID) in 1986, represent a unique partnership between the United Kingdom government and UK universities. The aim of the scheme is to assist students from developing Commonwealth countries who are of excellent academic calibre but for financial reasons would not otherwise be able to afford postgraduate study in the UK.

Area of Study: Awards are for taught Master’s courses only. No awards will be made for Undergraduate or doctoral study.

Eligibility:

• Candidates are normally expected to hold a first degree at either first class or upper second-class level. Sponsoring institutions must confirm that candidates are sufficiently fluent in written and oral English to pursue their proposed studies immediately, as no pre-course English Language Teaching is available under these awards. Candidates who have already studied for one year or more in a developed country or who possess sufficient resources to self-fund are not eligible for an award.
• Candidates must certify in writing that they:
  
  
  • are nationals of a Commonwealth developing country, and not at present living or studying in a developed country;
  • have not undertaken studies lasting one year or more in a developed
    country;
  • are themselves, or through their families, unable to pay to study in the
    United Kingdom;
  • will return to their home country as soon as their award comes to an end.
    The commission will only consider requests to extend leave to remain in the UK post-award for those wishing to move from masters to PhD study. Strict conditions will apply.
  
  
• Candidates are advised that false declarations will cause at least DFID’s share of the award to be terminated, even if the course of study has started. In such circumstances, the candidate will be required to refund any payments made by DFID in connection with the award.

Scholarship Worth: DFID and participating UK institutions will jointly meet the full costs of an award holder’s study in the UK including air fares to and from the UK. Maintenance allowance is paid by the scholar’s host institution, at the level set by the UK Government: £1,091 per month for scholars based in London and £882 per month for the rest of the UK.(July 2011 figures) A grant of up to £225 to cover thesis (Master’s) costs is available; also available is £200 for study travel. The cost of up to 10 Kilograms of excess baggage (books only) is available for scholars returning home at the end of their awards. No additional allowances are paid for spouses or other dependants. How to Apply: Applications should be made directly to the institutions at which candidates wish to study. The sponsoring institutions will be the judges of academic calibre and will forward their nominations to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for its agreement. Institutions will normally advise candidates of the result not later than July. Candidates should note that although they may apply to more than one institution, only one offer of award may be accepted. Scholarship Application Deadline: Scholarship Application Deadline for the 2012 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme For International Students is based on the UK university you will be applying for. See the full list of participating universities for the 2012 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme For International Students. Note: Candidates should note that institutions are asked to forward their nominations to the CSC no later than 31 May 2012. Candidates should email the institution so as to ascertain the latest date that the institution is willing to accept applications. All applications should be made direct to the university. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are offered only for subjects relating to the economic, social and technological development of a candidate’s country. Visit the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme For International Students Webpage for more information about this Scholarship for International students.