The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2024/25 Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships. With a legacy of supporting over 30,000 people since 1960, the CSC remains a pillar of global development, using education as a tool for transformation. The HALI Access Network is proud to partner with the CSC, sharing a commitment to empowering generations in Africa through higher education.

From the 2023/24 cycle, the HALI Access Network nominated 29 outstanding candidates from across the diverse Commonwealth nations for the Commonwealth Scholarships. We are proud to announce that 6 of these candidates were selected: 4 for Master’s programs and 2 for PhD programs.

What’s Next?

The 2024/25 cycle will run from 10 September 2024 to 15 October 2024. We encourage all our member organizations to identify and support potential candidates for this invaluable opportunity.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for these scholarships, you must:

  • Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
  • Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
  • Be available to start your academic studies in the UK by September 2025.
  • Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honors standard by September 2025, OR a second-class degree (2:2) and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree). If applying for a second UK Master’s degree, provide justification for undertaking this study.
  • Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
  • Provide full transcripts of all higher education qualifications (with certified translations if not in English).
  • Provide references from at least two individuals.

For PhD candidates only:

  • NOT be registered for a PhD or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at a UK university or in your home country before September/October 2025.
  • Provide a supporting statement from a proposed supervisor in the UK from at least one of the institutions named on your application form.

Agency Selection Criteria

The HALI Access Network will only nominate applicants already affiliated with one of our member organizations. All potential nominees must be submitted to the network by our member organizations. Applicants without prior affiliation with a HALI member organization cannot apply to become a member of the network to gain a nomination.

How to apply

Candidates must apply using the CSC’s online application system which can be found on the CSC website. Each scholarship has a ‘How to apply’ section which will have information and guidance on the application process and the link to the online application system. The CSC is unable to accept any applications that are not submitted via the online application system or after the closing date listed above.

For more information, please contact the HALI Member Organization you are affiliated with. All the best!