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Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships provide an opportunity for Commonwealth nationals from developing countries to receive a fully-funded scholarship on a Taught Masters programme at Durham University.

Postgraduate Scholarships
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Summary

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

The scholarships are available thanks to a partnership with the Department for International Development. The scholarships provide an opportunity for Commonwealth nationals from developing countries to receive a fully-funded scholarship on a Taught Masters programme at Durham University. The scholarships are open to applicants from one of the eligible countries who are also wishing to study one of the eligible programmes. Details of the eligibility criteria along with information specific to applicants applying for a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship at Durham University are included below for information.

Amount Rates for 2024-25 (2025-26 rates to be confirmed):
  • Full payment of approved tuition fees
  • Airfares to and from the UK (booked in line with CSC policy)
  • Excess baggage allowance on return home, up to CSC rate
  • A stipend of £1,378.00 per month
  • Warm clothing allowance of £534.00
  • Tuberculosis test fees (where required by the UK)
Year of Entry Applicants for eligible programmes commencing in September/October 2025
Number of awards available 2
Level of study Taught Masters Degree programmes
Mode of study Full-time
Programmes
Duration One year
Everything was achievable because of the scholarship awarded to me. I would like to give A BIG THANK YOU to Durham University and Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for rewarding me with such a wonderful year of my life.
Mohammad Samawat Ullah
MSc Internet Systems and Ebuisiness

Eligibility

Applicants must

  • Be a citizen of or be granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person
  • Be permanently or continually resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
  • By 1st August 2025, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard, or lower second class level plus a relevant postgraduate qualification usually a Masters degree
  • By 1st March 2025 have met all English Language conditions, as stated in your academic offer letter from Durham University,
  • The CSC cannot assess work experience in lieu of this minimum academic qualification
  • Not have studied or worked for one (academic) year or more in a developed country
  • Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship

Applicants are required to sign an undertaking at the time of application that they:

  • Have not studied for one (academic) year or more in a high income (developed) country
  • Have not worked for one year or more in a high income (developed) country
  • Are themselves, or through their families, unable to pay to study in the UK
  • Will return to their home country within one month of the end date of their award

In order for Durham University to consider your application, you must ensure you complete both an academic application to the University and the online Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application form.

Links to the relevant application forms are provided below for information.

Not sure if you're eligible? Contact us for advice.

How to apply

  1. Apply for an eligible academic programme at Durham University

    Submit an academic application to Durham University.   Please ensure that you submit your academic application and provide any academic references required to support your academic application, to Durham University as soon as possible and no later than the scholarship application deadline date of 16:00 (GMT) on 12 December 2024.

     

    You must ensure that you meet the English Language conditions attached to your offer of a place at Durham University by 1st March 2025.  

     

    Provide evidence of your Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application to colleagues in our admissions service.

     

    Durham University Applicant Portal

  2. Complete a scholarship application

    Submit an online scholarship application via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission before 16:00 (GMT) on 12 December 2024.

     

    Please note: both your academic application, including references, and your scholarship application must have been submitted  by the 16.00 (GMT) on 12 December 2024.

     

    Applications accepted from

     

    11 November 2024

     

    Application deadline

     

    16:00 (GMT) on 12 December 2024

     

    When candidates will hear the outcome of their application

     

    Mid-June 2025

Guidance

Durham University makes every effort to ensure that the information published or contained on its website is accurate. However, the University cannot guarantee the information may not subsequently be altered owing to circumstances beyond the University's reasonable control. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) changes in Government policy or change of law. Whilst any changes will be incorporated into the University's website any person wishing to clarify the details of a particular scholarship/s should contact the University at [email protected].

 

Get in touch

If you have any questions about whether you are eligible for a scholarship or the application process, get in touch with our Scholarships and Student Funding Office:

Scholarships and Student Funding Office

Durham University

Palatine Centre

Stockton Road

DH1 3LE, UK