Are you an ambitious student dreaming of a master study in the United Kingdom but held back by the high cost of international education? You are not alone. Thousands of brilliant minds search annually for fully funded scholarships for masters in uk, hoping to find an opportunity that covers not just tuition, but the entire cost of living.

Enter the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme at UK Universities.

This prestigious award is more than just a scholarship for master degree in uk; it is a life-changing opportunity designed for future leaders who want to make a tangible difference in their home countries. Whether you are looking for top uk universities, specialized it courses in uk, or master degree fully funded scholarships, this guide is your roadmap.

In this definitive post, we will cover everything from eligibility and benefits to a step-by-step uk scholarship application strategy. We will also compare these options with united states universities to help you decide where to apply at a university abroad.

What is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme?

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is a joint initiative between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and participating uk institutions. Unlike other awards that might only cover tuition, this is a full scholarship for master degree students.

It is specifically designed for candidates from least developed and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in england scholarship or other parts of the UK.

Why is it “Shared”?

It is called “Shared” because the costs are shared between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the university in uk with scholarship for international students where you have secured admission. This partnership ensures that you receive comprehensive financial support.

Financial Benefits: What Does “Fully Funded” Mean?

When we say fully funded scholarship for masters in uk, we mean it. The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is designed to remove all financial barriers so you can focus entirely on your master courses in uk.

Here is what the scholarship typically covers:

Full Tuition Fees: 100% of your university apply fees are paid directly to the institution.
Airfare: Approved economy class airfare from your home country to the UK and return at the end of your award.
Monthly Stipend: A living allowance paid at the rate of approximately £1,347 per month, or £1,652 per month for those at universities london (rates subject to annual review).
Warm Clothing Allowance: A one-off payment to help you adjust to the UK weather.
Thesis Grant: A grant towards the cost of preparing a thesis or dissertation.
Study Travel Grant: Cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
TB Test Fees: Reimbursement of the cost of a mandatory tuberculosis (TB) test, where required for a visa application.

Note: This scholarship does not typically cover undergraduate studies or PhDs. If you are looking for an oxford undergraduate scholarship or scholarship in uk for undergraduate, you will need to look at different schemes, which we discuss in the alternatives section below.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

To successfully apply for master degree in uk under this scheme, you must meet strict criteria. The uk university application process is rigorous.

You must:

Citizenship: Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
Residency: Be permanently resident in an eligible developing Commonwealth country.
Availability: Be available to start your academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year (usually September/October).
Academic Merit: By the time you start, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard, or a lower second class degree (2:2) and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).
Financial Need: Be unable to afford to study master degree in uk without this scholarship.
No Previous Study in High-Income Countries: You must not have studied or worked for one (academic) year or more in a high-income country.

The 6 CSC Development Themes

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission does not just fund any study courses. They fund studies that align with global development goals. When you apply for university admission, your course must fall under one of these six themes:

Science and technology for development (Great for those seeking it courses in uk or engineering).
Strengthening health systems and capacity.
Promoting global prosperity.
Strengthening global peace, security and governance.
Strengthening resilience and response to crises.
Access, inclusion and opportunity.

Pro Tip: When writing your essays, clearly link your proposed postgraduate degree in uk to one of these themes and explain how it will help your home country.

Participating UK Universities and Courses

One of the unique aspects of this scheme is that you must apply to a specific course at a participating university. You cannot just apply to any good uk unis.

Dozens of major uk universities participate, offering hundreds of eligible courses. Some popular institutions often included are:

Universities London: University College London (UCL), Imperial College London, SOAS, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Top Unis in UK (Outside London): University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Leeds, University of Birmingham, University of Edinburgh.
Specialized Institutions: Royal Agricultural University, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

Whether you want to study it in uk, public health, development studies, or economics, there is likely a course for you.¹

Step-by-Step Application Guide²

The application to university and the scholarship are often separate but linked proc³esses. Here is how to navigate the uk scholarship application system.

Step 1: Research Eligible Courses

Visit the CSC website to see the list of “eligible courses” for the current year. Do not just apply to the university blindly; ensure the specific master’s course is approved for a Shared Scholarship.

Step 2: Apply to the University

You must secure admission to the uk institutions listed. Most universities require you to apply online via their own portals.

Pay attention to admission uk deadlines.
Submit your transcripts, CV, and references.
Some universities may charge an application fee, but many universities in uk for international students with low tuition fee or specific scholarship waivers might exist.

Step 3: Apply to the CSC

You must also submit an application via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online application system.

This is distinct from the university application in uk.
You will need to write essays on how your study relates to the development theme.

Step 4: The Selection Process

The university will review your bursary application and nomination. They nominate their top candidates to the CSC. The CSC then makes the final selection.

Living in the UK: Costs and Lifestyle

While the scholarship covers your basics, understanding living expenses for students in uk is vital for budgeting your stipend.

Cost of Living

UK living expenses for students vary greatly by location.

London: Living in universities london is expensive. Rent can eat up 60-70% of your stipend. However, the London stipend rate is higher to compensate.
Outside London: Cities like Sheffield, Glasgow, or Cardiff are cheaper. Your money will go further here.

Work Rights

Can you study and work in uk?

Yes. On a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4), you can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. However, the CSC may have restrictions on how much paid work you can do so that it does not interfere with your master study.

Accommodation

Most uk unis guarantee accommodation for international postgraduate students for the first year. This is often the safest option for overseas students in uk universities.

Comparison: UK vs. United States Scholarships

Many students also search for united states scholarships or scholarship in united states. How do they compare?

Feature	UK Scholarships (Commonwealth)	United States Scholarships (e.g., Fulbright)
Duration	Usually 1 year (one year courses in uk)	Usually 2 years for a Master’s
Funding	Fully funded (Travel + Stipend + Fees)	Fully funded options available, but competitive
Standardized Tests	rarely require GRE/GMAT. IELTS/TOEFL may be needed.	GRE/GMAT often required. TOEFL essential.
Application Cycle	Apply to uk universities roughly 1 year in advance.	Application process can take 1.5 years.
Work Rights	20 hours/week (study work permitted)	Strict restrictions on off-campus work.

If you want a faster route to the workforce, the uk postgraduate system (1 year) is often superior to the 2-year US model.

Alternatives for Undergraduate and PhD Students

This guide focused on master scholarship international students. But what if you are looking for something else?

Undergraduate: Scholarship in uk for undergraduate is rare for full funding. However, specific universities offer partial bursaries. The oxford undergraduate scholarship (Reach Oxford) is one of the few fully funded options for developing country students.
PhD: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission also offers fully funded scholarships for masters in uk and PhDs, but the PhD application is usually a separate stream called “Commonwealth PhD Scholarships.”
Distance Learning: If you cannot travel, look for uk distance learning universities. The CSC also offers “Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships” for those who want to study from home.

Mastering the Application and Life in the UK

Continuing from our overview of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme at UK Universities, we now delve into the practicalities. Securing a fully funded scholarship for masters in uk is competitive. Success requires more than just meeting eligibility; it requires a strategic approach to your uk scholarship application and a deep understanding of the uk institutions you are targeting.

Crafting a Winning Scholarship Application

The heart of your application lies in the essays. When you apply for master degree in uk through the Commonwealth Commission, your written statements must be compelling.

1. The “Development Impact” Statement

This is the most critical part of your bursary application. You must articulate how your master study will benefit your home country.

Be Specific: Don’t just say “I want to help my country.” Instead, say, “By studying it courses in uk, specifically Data Science, I will return to Nigeria to implement digital health records in rural clinics.”
Link to Themes: Ensure your goals align perfectly with the CSC theme (e.g., Science and Technology for Development).
Measurable Outcomes: Judges looking for scholarship for master degree for international students want to see measurable impact. Will you train 50 people? Will you change a specific policy?

2. The “Study Plan”

When you apply to uk universities, you choose a specific course. Here, you must explain why that course.

Why this University? Do not just list top uk universities. Explain why this specific university in uk with scholarship is the best fit. Is it a specific professor? A unique module in the msc degree in uk?
Why the UK? Why can’t you do this course at home? Perhaps the uk universities offer access to labs or uk international scholarships networks that are unavailable locally.

3. The “Voluntary and Leadership” Experience

This section separates the good candidates from the great ones. Whether you are applying for oxford undergraduate scholarship (for context) or masters programmes in uk, leadership is key.

Highlight roles where you led a team or initiated a project.
This proves you are worth the investment of a full scholarship for master degree.

Choosing the Right University: Strategic Selection

With so many universities in uk with scholarship for international students, how do you choose? Your choice affects your living expenses for students in uk and your future career.

Universities London vs. Regional Universities

London: Studying at a london university scholarship provider like UCL or King’s College is prestigious. You are in the hub of business and culture. However, uk living expenses for students in London are high. While the stipend is higher, rent can be crippling.
Regional Hubs: Consider major uk universities in cities like Manchester, Birmingham, or Leeds. These are good uk unis with lower living costs. You often get a better quality of life and larger accommodation for your money.

UK Distance Learning Universities

If you cannot relocate, do not ignore uk distance learning universities. While the Shared Scholarship is for on-campus study, the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship covers master degree fully funded scholarships for those studying from home. This is ideal for professionals who cannot leave their jobs but want a uk postgraduate qualification.

Universities in UK for International Students with Low Tuition Fee

If you miss out on the fully funded Shared Scholarship, you might look for partial funding. Many applicants search for universities in uk for international students with low tuition fee.

Teesside University
University of Hull
University of Chester
These institutions often have lower sticker prices and may offer partial international student master degree scholarship waivers of £2,000–£5,000.

The Visa and Immigration Process (Student Route)

Once you secure your admission uk and the scholarship, the next hurdle is the visa.

Applying for the Visa

You will apply for a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4).

CAS Number: You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university. You cannot apply for the university visa without it.
Financial Proof: As a Commonwealth Scholar, you are exempt from showing bank statements for living expenses for students in uk because your award letter acts as proof of full funding. This makes the university application in uk visa process much smoother than for self-funded students.

Health Surcharge (IHS)

Usually, students must pay a healthcare surcharge to access the NHS. For fully funded scholarships for masters in uk holders like Commonwealth scholars, the CSC typically pays this for you or reimburses it. This is a massive saving, often worth over £700 per year.

Life in the UK: Study, Work, and Culture

Study and Work in UK

One of the biggest attractions of uk study is the work right.

20 Hours Rule: You can work 20 hours per week during term time. This is a great way to earn extra cash for uk living expenses for students.
Job Types: Students often work in retail, hospitality, or as university ambassadors.
Post-Study Work: After your master courses in uk, you might be eligible for the Graduate Route Visa, which allows you to stay and work for 2 years. Note: Commonwealth Scholars must check their contract. Some are required to return home immediately to fulfill the development impact pledge.

UK Universities Offering Scholarships for Dependents?

A common question: “Can I bring my family?”

Generally, for a one-year master study scholarship, bringing dependents is financially difficult. The Shared Scholarship stipend is calculated for one person.
If you bring family, you must prove you have funds to support them. There are very few full scholarship in uk options that cover family costs for Master’s students.

Comparison: UK vs. USA vs. Europe

When looking for international education, you likely compare uk institutions with united states universities or universities from uk with those in Europe.

Feature	UK Universities	United States Universities	European Universities (e.g., Germany)
Duration	1 Year (one year courses in uk)	2 Years	1.5 – 2 Years
Cost	High tuition, but 1 year saves time.	Very high tuition. Scholarship in united states is vital.	Low/No tuition, but high living costs.
Application	Apply to uk universities apply online (UCAS or Direct).	Common App / Direct. complex essays.	Varying.
Standardized Tests	IELTS/TOEFL. GRE rarely needed.	GRE/GMAT often mandatory.	Varies.

If your goal is a fast return on investment, a master degree in london universities or other uk unis is often superior because you re-enter the workforce a year earlier than your peers in the US.

Final Checklist

To wrap up this uk university application guide, here is your definitive checklist for the upcoming cycle:

Identify 3-5 Courses: Don’t just apply to a university randomly. Find courses that match your background perfectly.
Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the foreign students uk universities criteria (residency, refugee status, etc.).
Draft Essays Early: The questions for the scholarship for master degree rarely change. Start writing about your “Development Impact” now.
Secure References: You need referees who can speak to your academic ability and your potential impact.
English Language: Book your IELTS/TOEFL if the university apply page says it’s required. Some uk universities waive this if your degree was in English (e.g., in Nigeria or Ghana).
Submit On Time: The application to university and the scholarship application often have different deadlines. Never miss them.

Expanding Your Search

If the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship isn’t the right fit, keep searching for:

Chevening Scholarships: Another massive fully funded scholarship for masters in uk.
Great Scholarships: Partial funding from the British Council.
University-Specific Awards: Search terms like “universities in uk with scholarship” + [Your Country].

By targeting the right uk universities and crafting a narrative that fits the donor’s goals, you can turn your dream of a postgraduate degree in uk into reality.

FAQs

Q: Can I bring my family?

A: The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship usually provides a spouse/child allowance only if you are a PhD scholar or under very specific long-term schemes. For one-year masters, you typically have to support your family yourself if they join you.

Q: Do I need an agent to apply?

A: No. You can apply to uk universities apply online yourself. Be wary of agents asking for money for bursary application help. The CSC application is free.

Q: What are “universities from uk” that accept low GPA?

A: Most top uk universities require a 2:1. However, if you have extensive work experience, some uk universities offering scholarships might accept a 2:2.

Q: Is there an interview?

A: The CSC usually does not interview for Shared Scholarships, but the nominating university might interview you for admission uk.

Conclusion

Securing a scholarship for master degree for international students is a marathon, not a sprint. The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme at UK Universities is your ticket to a world-class education without the debt.

To recap your action plan:

Identify your development theme.
Search for universities in the uk offering eligible courses under that theme.
Prepare your documents (References, Transcripts, Essays).
Monitor the application to a university deadlines for the 2027/2028 intake (usually opening late 2026).

Do not let the opportunity to study abroad uk pass you by. Start preparing your essays today!