Commonwealth Scholarships are prestigious awards offered by the UK government to individuals from Commonwealth countries, enabling them to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. These scholarships aim to support future innovators and leaders who might not have the financial means to study in the UK independently.
Eligibility Criteria:
Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of a Commonwealth country. Refugees or British protected persons are also eligible.
Academic Qualifications: A minimum of an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate honors degree is required. For those wishing to pursue a PhD, a relevant master’s degree is also necessary.
Financial Need: Candidates must demonstrate the inability to afford UK study without the scholarship.
Available Scholarships:
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers various scholarships, including:
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
Each scholarship aligns with specific development themes such as science and technology, health systems, global prosperity, peace and governance, resilience to crises, and access and inclusion.
Application Process:
Prospective applicants typically need to apply through a National Nominating Agency, a university, or a Non-Governmental Organization, depending on the specific scholarship. The application process generally requires:
A scanned copy of the passport
Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
Two references
An admission letter (if available)
Annual application deadlines are usually in December, but specific dates can vary. Applicants should consult the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s website for detailed information and deadlines.
Eligibility for Nigerian Applicants:
As Nigeria is a member of the Commonwealth, Nigerian citizens are eligible to apply for Commonwealth Scholarships, provided they meet the academic and financial criteria outlined above. This opportunity enables qualified Nigerian students to pursue advanced studies in the UK, contributing to their personal development and the broader development goals of their home country.
BRITISH COUNCIL NIGERIA
For more detailed information and application guidelines, please visit the Commonwealth Scholarships page on the British Council Nigeria website.
