How to Apply for the 2024/2025 Commonwealth Scholarships

The Federal Ministry of Education has officially announced the opening of the application window for the 2024/2025 Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). This prestigious scholarship, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), is designed to support outstanding individuals from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, enabling them to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom.

Application Period and Eligibility Criteria

The application period is set to run from September 10 to October 15, 2024. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online, following the guidelines provided by the Federal Ministry of Education.

To be eligible for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, applicants must have a First Class or Upper Second-Class Honours degree from their undergraduate studies. For those applying for PhD scholarships, a Second Class Lower Division degree is acceptable. Additionally, applicants must possess a valid NYSC discharge or exemption certificate and secure at least two admissions from UK universities before applying.

Important Requirements

The National Information Society (NIS) has confirmed that the application process is completely free of charge. It is mandatory for applicants to print their completed forms before submission. For PhD candidates, a supporting statement from a UK university supervisor is also required.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be citizens or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be British protected persons permanently residing in an eligible Commonwealth country. They must be available to begin their studies in the UK by the start of the academic year in September 2024.

Academic Requirements

By September 2024, candidates must hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree along with a relevant postgraduate qualification, typically a Master’s degree. It is important to note that the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) generally does not fund a second Master’s degree. Therefore, applicants seeking a second Master’s degree must provide a strong justification for their choice.

Financial Need and Supporting Documentation

Applicants must demonstrate that they are unable to afford studying in the UK without the scholarship. All supporting documents, including proof of citizenship or refugee status, full academic transcripts, and references from at least two individuals, must be submitted in PDF format through the online application system by the specified deadline.

The CSC will not accept documentation submitted outside the online system or after the closing date. References and supporting statements should be on official institutional letterhead or sent from a verified email address. These documents must address specific criteria regarding the applicant’s qualifications and potential impact.

Eligible Countries

Candidates from the following eligible countries can apply: Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, and Zambia.

Evaluation Criteria

The CSC will evaluate applications based on three main criteria: academic merit, the quality of the research proposal, and the potential impact on the candidate’s home country. The commission seeks individuals who are capable of contributing significantly to international development and who have the drive to use their education to benefit their home nations.

Further Information and Application Links

For more details, interested candidates can access the following links:

• Master’s candidates: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
• PhD candidates: Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

This scholarship represents an invaluable opportunity for those looking to further their education in the UK and make a meaningful impact in their communities upon their return. Don’t miss the chance to apply!