What is the UK's Commonwealth Scholarship? Tuition fees waived at over 90 universities, plus a stipend of 200,000 rupees..

Scholarships for Studying in the UK: Fulfilling the dream of pursuing higher education abroad is no longer difficult. Many countries offer scholarships and fellowships to foreign students. One such scholarship is available in the UK, the Commonwealth Scholarship. Under this scheme, bachelor's degree holders who enroll in postgraduate and PhD programs at British universities receive full tuition fees, along with living and other expenses.

This scholarship is managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and funded by the British government and the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Scholarships are available at over 90 universities in the UK.

Who can apply?
For a Commonwealth Scholarship, you must be a permanent resident of India or a Commonwealth country.

For admission to a master's degree, you must have at least a four-year bachelor's degree or a combination of a three-year bachelor's degree and a one-year master's degree.

If you want to pursue a PhD, you need a master's degree in a relevant subject and a strong academic record with a research proposal.

This scholarship is available only to those who cannot afford to study in the UK without it.

IELTS is not often required because your course is in English, but some universities may ask for it.

What does the scholarship offer?
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a full scholarship. It covers full tuition fees, provides a living allowance, which ranges from approximately £1,347 to £1,652 per month (depending on the city). Additionally, a study travel grant is also available. Choice allowances are available for children, and disability allowances are also available for those with disabilities.

How many scholarships are available?

More than 90 UK universities participate in the Commonwealth Scholarship Program. Approximately 700 scholars are selected each year for master's and PhD programs. Top universities participating in the Commonwealth Scholarship Program:

University College London (UCL)
King's College London
University of Birmingham
University of Bristol
University of Manchester
University of Edinburgh
University of Glasgow
Durham University
University of Warwick

When do applications open?
Applications for Commonwealth Scholarships open in September-October each year. The deadline is December. Nomination results are released in January-February. Final results are released in April-May.
What documents should you have ready?
Academic marksheets + degree certificates (10th, 12th, Bachelor's, Master's)
Passport/Aadhaar ID
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Study Plan/Research Proposal (for PhD)
CV (in English)
2-3 reference letters (recommendation letter—from a professor)
Proof of financial support (must show that you cannot afford the tuition.)

How to Apply?
Step 1: Visit the CSC website and create your account.
Step 2: Select a course and university.
Step 3: Fill out the CSC Scholarship Form.
Step 4: Apply through the Nominating Agency (in India, the Ministry of Education (MoE) handles this. You must apply through the MoE portal as well as the CSC.)
Step 5: Shortlisting and Interview (if any)
MoE sends the shortlisted candidates to the CSC.
Step 6: Final Selection (By CSC) Email and offer letter are sent to you.

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