UK Cranfield University Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are for candidates from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries to undertake full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government scholarship scheme led by international development themes. The programme is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

The scholarships are aimed at individuals who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. Applicants must apply to a UK university which has a part funding agreement with the CSC. Candidates apply through a nominator route rather than direct applications to the CSC.

Participating nominators put forward an agreed number of candidates to the CSC for consideration. The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships. Each nominator oversees its own selection process and may have additional eligibility criteria, so applicants must check with the nominator for its rules.

Support includes approved airfare from the home country to the UK and return at the end of the award, approved tuition fees covered by agreement between the CSC and the UK university, and a stipend paid at £1,378 per month (quoted at levels). It also includes a warm clothing allowance where applicable, a study travel grant, and possible family allowances. Scholars must be able to supplement any family allowances because the CSC states these are only a contribution toward maintenance costs.

• Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected PersonBe permanently resident ineligible Commonwealth countryBe available to start academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in the following September/OctoberBe unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship

• All tuition fees (approved tuition fees: full fees are covered by agreement between the CSC and the UK university)Approved airfare from home country to the UK and return at the end of the awardStipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,378 per month (rates quoted at 2025-2026 levels)Warm clothing allowance, where applicableStudy travel grant towards costs of study-related travel within the UK or overseasFamily allowances: child allowance of £590 per month for the first child; £146 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if children are living with the Scholar at the same address in the UK (and where the Scholar is widowed, divorced, or a single parent)Disability support: if a Scholar shares that they have a disability, a full assessment of needs and eligibility for additional financial support will be offered by the CSC

1. Applications are typically open for 6 weeks, opening September each year and closing in October; check the CSC website for more information.
2. Apply to the CSC and apply to a nominator.
3. Apply to one of the following nominating bodies in the first instance: National nominating agencies; Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies.
4. Confirm with the nominator the specific advice and rules for applying, including any additional eligibility criteria and the nominator’s own closing dates.
5. Submit your nomination through the nominator; a nomination is not a guarantee of selection.
6. Await the outcome; applicants can expect to hear outcomes by July.