2025 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship – Fully Funded Study in the UK
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2025 is one of the most prestigious scholarship opportunities available for students from developing countries, including Nigeria. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this scholarship aims to support highly talented but financially disadvantaged students who want to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
With this program, you can study at top universities across the UK without worrying about tuition fees, living costs, or travel expenses. For many students, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain a world-class education, expand their global network, and contribute to development back home.
About the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is part of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), which has funded more than 30,000 scholars since 1959. The Shared Scholarship specifically focuses on students who cannot otherwise afford to study in the UK but who have the potential to make a significant impact in their countries.
The scholarship covers a wide range of study fields, particularly programs that align with sustainable development goals (SDGs) such as:
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Science and Technology for Development
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Strengthening Health Systems and Capacity
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Promoting Global Prosperity
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Strengthening Resilience and Crisis Response
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Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity
By targeting these areas, the scholarship prepares future leaders who will use their expertise to drive progress in their home countries.
Check Also: 👉 [Apply Now for Erasmus Mundus 2025]
Benefits of the Scholarship
Successful applicants will enjoy a fully funded package, which includes:
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Full tuition fees paid directly to the university.
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Monthly living stipend to cover accommodation and personal expenses.
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Round-trip airfare from your home country to the UK.
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Thesis grant to support research-related costs (if required).
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Warm clothing allowance for winter expenses.
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Study travel grant for academic-related travel within the UK.
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Additional allowances for students with families (in certain cases).
This comprehensive support ensures that students can fully concentrate on their studies without financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2025 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
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Citizenship: Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country (Nigeria included).
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Degree Requirement: Hold a bachelor’s degree with at least a second-class upper division (2:1). Applicants with a second-class lower may be considered if they have relevant experience.
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Study Status: Be applying for a full-time Master’s degree at a UK university.
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Financial Need: Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
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Work Experience: Demonstrates potential to contribute to development in their home country.
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Time Abroad: Must not have studied or worked for more than 12 months in a high-income country.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents before applying:
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A valid international passport.
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Bachelor’s degree certificate and official transcript.
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Two academic reference letters.
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An admission offer letter (or proof of application) from a participating UK university.
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A detailed statement of purpose or study plan.
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Updated CV or resume.
All documents should be uploaded in PDF format during the online application.
Eligible Countries
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is open to citizens of eligible low and middle-income countries across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Some eligible countries include:
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Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and other African nations.
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India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka.
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Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad & Tobago.
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Pacific countries, including Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to apply successfully:
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Visit the CSC Application Portal – Start by creating an account on the official Commonwealth Scholarships website.
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Complete the Online Form – Provide accurate academic, personal, and professional details.
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Upload Documents – Ensure all required documents are clear, scanned, and in the correct format.
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Apply to Universities – Apply for admission to participating UK universities that accept Shared Scholars.
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Submit Before Deadline – Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
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Check for Updates – After submission, monitor your email and the CSC portal for updates.
Tips for a Strong Application
Many students apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship each year, making the competition intense. To improve your chances:
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Write a clear and compelling personal statement that connects your chosen program to your country’s development needs.
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Highlight relevant academic or professional experience that shows your leadership potential.
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Demonstrate how you will use your UK education to impact your community after graduation.
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Apply to more than one eligible university to increase your chances.
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Double-check your documents before submission to avoid disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply without an admission letter?
Yes, you can apply, but it is strongly advised to also apply for admission to eligible UK universities.
2. Can I apply for more than one course?
Yes, you may apply for multiple eligible courses at different universities, but each must align with CSC guidelines.
3. When is the deadline?
Applications usually close in December 2024. Always check the CSC website for exact deadlines.
4. Do I need IELTS?
Some universities may require IELTS or another English test, while others may waive it if your prior education was in English.
5. Is the scholarship renewable?
No. The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship only funds a one-year Master’s program.
Why Nigerian Students Should Apply
Every year, hundreds of Nigerian students are awarded the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. By studying in the UK, they gain advanced knowledge in fields such as public health, agriculture, engineering, and education, which they later use to contribute to Nigeria’s growth.
For example, many alumni have returned to Nigeria to work as university lecturers, health professionals, policy makers, and NGO leaders. This makes the program not just a personal opportunity, but also a way to contribute to national development.
Conclusion
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2025 is a golden opportunity for Nigerian and other Commonwealth students who dream of earning a Master’s degree in the UK but lack the financial means. With full funding and access to some of the world's top universities, this scholarship opens doors to academic excellence and a brighter future.
👉 Don’t miss your chance – Apply Now before the deadline.