2026 Cohort Closed
Scholars Without Borders
Study Across the Commonwealth
Pursue your Master’s or PhD at a leading university in another Commonwealth nation, with full funding to support every stage of your journey.
Application Portal
Scholars Supported
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K+
Who We Are
The Commonwealth Exchange Scholarship Council has worked in partnership with participating members of the World Chambers Federation throughout 56 Commonwealth member nations.
Championing a wide range of scholarship and exchange programmes that enable Commonwealth citizens, particularly those from developing countries, to pursue higher education abroad, with the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia serving as the principal study destinations.
Our Objectives
To empower Commonwealth citizens to advance their academic and professional aspirations through international scholarship and exchange opportunities.
Our Strategy
We collaborate with institutions, governments and partners across Commonwealth member nations to create pathways for academic exchange and research collaboration.
Our Commitment
We are committed to advancing international collaboration, cultural understanding and academic excellence through enduring scholarship and exchange programs.
United Nation SDGs
Driving progress toward UN sustainability goals across the Commonwealth.
Quality Education
Through international study scholarships, access to advanced research and premium higher education is broadened for lifelong learners.
SDG 4
Reduced Inequalities
Prioritizing opportunities for citizens from developing Commonwealth countries helps reduce disparities in educational access and professional advancement.
SDG 10
Partnerships for the Goals
Collaborative networks are built with universities, governments, and stakeholders across 56 member nations to support education and development.
SDG 17
Decent Work And Economic Growth
International exposure equip scholars with the skills, expertise and leadership capabilities needed to contribute to economic growth and workforce development.
SDG 8
Commonwealth Awards
Fully Funded Commonwealth Scholarship Programmes Available to Member Nations
The scholarship awards listed are supported by a range of key institutions, including the UK Department for Education (DfE), the CESOC Partner Network, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and the CSFP Endowment Fund. Collectively, these initiatives have enabled more than 50,000 individuals to pursue educational opportunities across Commonwealth member states.
Commonwealth Exchange Scholarship
➥ By CESOC Partner Network
A fully funded postgraduate mobility programme for graduates across the Commonwealth, enabling them to pursue study at partner universities in other member countries. Funded by a network of private institutions across the Commonwealth, the scholarship covers tuition fees, a living allowance, travel costs and a one-off settling in grant to support the transition into a new Master’s or PhD programme. Its aim is to strengthen academic networks, encourage cultural diplomacy and promote international collaboration.
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship
➥ By CSFP Endowment Fund
Enables students from any Commonwealth country to pursue a two-year Master’s degree at a participating university in a low- or middle-income Commonwealth country, with funding provided by the CSFP Endowment Fund and managed by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). It is designed for change-minded candidates who wish to broaden their horizons through international cultural exchange while gaining competitive skills to address global development challenges. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return economy flights, and a one-off arrival allowance, and applicants apply directly through the ACU portal for specific eligible courses.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
➥ By United Kingdom’s FCDO
Enables students from low and middle income Commonwealth countries to pursue a Master’s degree at a UK university, with funding jointly provided by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the host university. It is designed for candidates who would not otherwise have the means to study in the UK and prioritises courses that contribute to development in the student’s home country. The scholarship covers tuition fees, a living allowance, and travel costs, and applicants typically apply through a specific university partnership rather than a general open call.
Commonwealth High-Income PhD Scholarship
➥ By UK Department for Education
Supports PhD students who are already registered at a university in their home Commonwealth country to spend a portion of their doctoral studies, usually around 12 months, at a UK institution. The aim is to strengthen research capacity and collaboration without requiring the student to relocate permanently, allowing them to access specialist supervision, facilities, and resources in the UK before returning home to complete their degree. This model helps build long term academic links between institutions while ensuring the qualification and primary affiliation remain with the home university.
Commonwealth Split-site Scholarship
➥ By United Kingdom’s FCDO
Supports PhD students who are already registered at a university in their home Commonwealth country to spend a portion of their doctoral studies, usually around 12 months, at a UK institution. The aim is to strengthen research capacity and collaboration without requiring the student to relocate permanently, allowing them to access specialist supervision, facilities, and resources in the UK before returning home to complete their degree. This model helps build long term academic links between institutions while ensuring the qualification and primary affiliation remain with the home university.
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship
➥ By United Kingdom’s FCDO
Allows candidates from developing Commonwealth countries to study towards a UK Master’s qualification without leaving their home country, using distance or online learning methods. It is particularly suited to professionals who need to continue working while studying, and it removes the costs and disruption associated with relocation. The scholarship typically covers fees and related study costs, and priority is given to applicants and courses connected to development priorities in the student’s home nation.
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
➥ By United Kingdom’s FCDO
Provides short term placements in the UK for mid career professionals from Commonwealth countries who want to develop their skills, knowledge, and networks in a specific professional field. Fellows are hosted by a UK organisation relevant to their area of work, where they gain practical, hands on experience and exposure to best practice that they can bring back to their home institution. The programme is intended to build leadership capacity and strengthen professional ties across the Commonwealth, with applicants usually expected to have several years of relevant work experience and a clear plan for applying what they learn upon return.
➥ By CESOC Partner Network
A fully funded postgraduate mobility programme for graduates across the Commonwealth, enabling them to pursue study at partner universities in other member countries. Funded by a network of private institutions across the Commonwealth, the scholarship covers tuition fees, a living allowance, travel costs and a one-off settling in grant to support the transition into a new Master’s or PhD programme. Its aim is to strengthen academic networks, encourage cultural diplomacy and promote international collaboration.
➥ By CSFP Endowment Fund
Enables students from any Commonwealth country to pursue a two-year Master’s degree at a participating university in a low- or middle-income Commonwealth country, with funding provided by the CSFP Endowment Fund and managed by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). It is designed for change-minded candidates who wish to broaden their horizons through international cultural exchange while gaining competitive skills to address global development challenges. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return economy flights, and a one-off arrival allowance, and applicants apply directly through the ACU portal for specific eligible courses.
➥ By United Kingdom’s FCDO
Enables students from low and middle income Commonwealth countries to pursue a Master’s degree at a UK university, with funding jointly provided by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the host university. It is designed for candidates who would not otherwise have the means to study in the UK and prioritises courses that contribute to development in the student’s home country. The scholarship covers tuition fees, a living allowance, and travel costs, and applicants typically apply through a specific university partnership rather than a general open call.
➥ By UK Department for Education
Supports PhD students who are already registered at a university in their home Commonwealth country to spend a portion of their doctoral studies, usually around 12 months, at a UK institution. The aim is to strengthen research capacity and collaboration without requiring the student to relocate permanently, allowing them to access specialist supervision, facilities, and resources in the UK before returning home to complete their degree. This model helps build long term academic links between institutions while ensuring the qualification and primary affiliation remain with the home university.
➥ By United Kingdom’s FCDO
Supports PhD students who are already registered at a university in their home Commonwealth country to spend a portion of their doctoral studies, usually around 12 months, at a UK institution. The aim is to strengthen research capacity and collaboration without requiring the student to relocate permanently, allowing them to access specialist supervision, facilities, and resources in the UK before returning home to complete their degree. This model helps build long term academic links between institutions while ensuring the qualification and primary affiliation remain with the home university.
➥ By United Kingdom’s FCDO
Allows candidates from developing Commonwealth countries to study towards a UK Master’s qualification without leaving their home country, using distance or online learning methods. It is particularly suited to professionals who need to continue working while studying, and it removes the costs and disruption associated with relocation. The scholarship typically covers fees and related study costs, and priority is given to applicants and courses connected to development priorities in the student’s home nation.
➥ By United Kingdom’s FCDO
Provides short term placements in the UK for mid career professionals from Commonwealth countries who want to develop their skills, knowledge, and networks in a specific professional field. Fellows are hosted by a UK organisation relevant to their area of work, where they gain practical, hands on experience and exposure to best practice that they can bring back to their home institution. The programme is intended to build leadership capacity and strengthen professional ties across the Commonwealth, with applicants usually expected to have several years of relevant work experience and a clear plan for applying what they learn upon return.
Application Closed
Activities
Upcoming Events.
01
Mentorship Forum
Future Leaders Retreat
July 30, 2026
Melbourne, Australia
02
Anniversary Conclave
30th Alumni Reunion
Aug 23, 2026
London, United Kingdom
03
Policy Roundtable
Cultural Diplomacy Forum
Sep 18, 2026
Nairobi, Kenya
04
Student Expo
International Education Fair
Oct 09, 2026
Ottawa, Canada
Submission form
For general enquiries,
Get in touch
[email protected]
118 Fenchurch St, London
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direct specialized requests to the relevant department
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For press inquiries, publications, partnership announcements, and public engagement.
Partner Institutions
For universities, colleges, and academic bodies seeking to manage institutional agreements.