Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships
The Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships fund South African and other Commonwealth citizens to complete a full Master's or PhD at a participating university in the United Kingdom. Run by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and funded by the UK FCDO, the award covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend, return airfare and additional grants, and is aimed at talented students who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. South African applicants are nominated through the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Eligible Fields of Study
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) (nominated for South Africa via the Department of Higher Education and Training; promoted by the British Council South Africa) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ Be a citizen of (or hold refugee status / be a British Protected Person in) an eligible Commonwealth country such as South Africa, and be permanently resident there
- ✓ Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours undergraduate degree (or a 2:2 plus a relevant postgraduate qualification); a PhD applicant needs an appropriate master's degree
- ✓ Be available to start studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year (September 2026)
- ✓ Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship (financial need)
- ✓ Provide full academic transcripts and at least two professional references
- ✓ Apply through a nominating agency (the DHET for South Africa) - direct applications to CSC are not accepted, and MBAs are not funded
What's Included
- ✓ Full tuition fees at the participating UK university
- ✓ Monthly living stipend (approx. GBP 1,452, or approx. GBP 1,781 in the London area)
- ✓ Approved return airfare from home country to the UK
- ✓ Warm clothing allowance (where applicable)
- ✓ Thesis/dissertation grant and study travel grant
- ✓ Child/family allowances for eligible scholars with dependent children
- ✓ Disability support assessment and additional funding where needed
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) (nominated for South Africa via the Department of Higher Education and Training; promoted by the British Council South Africa) bursary application
- 1
Check eligibility on the British Council South Africa and CSC pages, and confirm your subject fits one of the six CSC development themes
- 2
Secure an offer (or apply) for an eligible full-time Master's or PhD at a participating UK university
- 3
Register on the CSC Central online application system at portal.csccentralonline.org.uk/application and complete the form
- 4
Submit your application to the South African nominating agency (the DHET) before its closing date - direct applications to CSC are not accepted
- 5
The DHET shortlists and nominates candidates to the CSC by the December nomination deadline
- 6
The CSC assesses nominated candidates and communicates final decisions (typically by July)
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of your ID or passport
- 📄 Full academic transcripts for all completed qualifications
- 📄 Degree certificate(s), or proof of expected completion
- 📄 Proof of an offer or application to an eligible UK Master's or PhD programme
- 📄 At least two professional or academic references
- 📄 A research proposal (PhD applicants) or supporting statement / motivation
- 📄 Up-to-date CV
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships?
- Citizens of (or those with refugee status / British Protected Persons in) an eligible Commonwealth country such as South Africa, who are permanently resident there, hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (PhD applicants need a relevant master's), and could not afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
- How do South African students apply?
- South Africa applies through a national nominating agency, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). You complete the application on the CSC Central online system and submit it to the DHET by its deadline - the CSC does not accept direct applications. The British Council South Africa promotes the programme to SA students.
- What does the scholarship cover?
- It is a full scholarship covering full UK tuition fees, a monthly living stipend (approximately GBP 1,452, or about GBP 1,781 in the London area for 2026/27), approved return airfare, and additional grants such as a thesis grant, study travel grant and, where applicable, warm clothing, family and disability allowances.
- Are MBAs or self-funded courses eligible?
- No. MBA programmes are not funded. The scholarship supports eligible full-time Master's and PhD study at participating UK universities within the CSC's six development themes, and you must apply through the DHET rather than directly to the CSC.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 14 October 2025
Apply on Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) (nominated for South Africa via the Department of Higher Education and Training; promoted by the British Council South Africa)'s official siteInformation verified 2026-06-08. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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