Commonwealth
Scholarships
HALI Access Network is an official nominating agency for the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Each year, we identify and support exceptional African students for these prestigious UK scholarships.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government's Commonwealth scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. Since 1960, the CSC has funded over 30,000 individuals to study in the UK and gain skills, acquire knowledge and build networks to tackle global development challenges.
HALI nominates candidates for the Master's and PhD awards. HALI nominees must meet CSC's eligibility criteria and have prior affiliation with a HALI member organization.
CSC Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Master's and PhD Candidates
To apply for these scholarships, you must:
Citizenship & Residency
Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country (or be a British Protected Person), and be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
September 2026 Start Date
Be available to start your academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2026.
Academic Qualifications
By September 2026, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard, OR a second-class degree (2:2) and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master's degree). The CSC would not normally fund a second UK Master's degree — if applying for one, you'll need to justify why.
Financial Need
Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
Transcripts & Documentation
Provide full transcripts detailing all your higher education qualifications, including to-date transcripts for any you are currently studying (with certified translations if not in English) — uploaded to the online application system.
Two References
Provide references from at least two individuals.
Plus, for PhD Candidates Only
No Prior PhD Registration
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 2027.
UK Supervisor's Statement
Provide a supporting statement from a proposed supervisor in the UK from at least one of the institutions named on your application form.
Types of Commonwealth Scholarships
HALI nominates candidates for the Master's and PhD award types each year, depending on academic background and career goals.
How to Apply
The path to a Commonwealth Scholarship runs through your HALI member organization. Here is how the nomination process works.
Apply on the CSC Website
Apply using the CSC's online application system, found on the CSC website. Each scholarship has a 'How to apply' section with guidance on the application process and a link to the online application system.
Get Nominated by HALI
Liaise with the HALI member organization you are affiliated with to be nominated by HALI.
HALI Reviews & Submits
Each year, HALI receives a list of nominees from member organizations and reviews their applications against the CSC eligibility criteria, focusing on the impact the nominee has had in their community and their plans post-award.
