The Commission's Shared Scholarship Scheme is no longer accepting applications from candidates for 2010 or bids from universities for 2011 awards. The text below is maintained for information only and will be updated once applications and bids are being invited again.
The Shared Scholarship Scheme is a joint initiative between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (with funding from DFID), and UK universities, to support scholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the United Kingdom.
Information for UK Universities
UK Universities have recently been invited to bid to joint-fund Shared Scholarships with the Commission in 2011/12. Invitations were sent to all Vice Chancellors and existing CSS contacts. The closing date for applications was the 11 June 2010. Please find full guidance on submitting a bid through the EAS in 2010 is given here.
Information for Prospective Scholars for 2010
How does the Scheme work?
Awards are for taught postgraduate courses only. All courses undertaken must be demonstrably relevant to the economic, social or technological development of the candidate's home country.
Awards are only available at participating institutions in the UK. The booklet giving details of the UK institutions offering Scholarships joint-funded with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in 2010 is available for download here or can be obtained in print copy from the Scheme Administrators (see below).
Please note that participating universities are required to support the student stipend for the award holder (at the rate set by the UK Government). The Commission funds the cost of tuition fees (at overseas rate), return airfares and other allowances. It is envisaged that around 170 Scholarships will be offered in 2010.
Who is eligible?
Applicants should:
a. be nationals of (or permanently domiciled in) a Commonwealth developing country, and not currently be living or studying in a developed country (please see the booklet for a list of eligible countries)
b. hold a first degree at either first or upper second class level;
c
. be sufficiently fluent in English to pursue the course
d. have not previously studied for one year or more in a developed country
e. not be employed by a government department (at national level) or a parastatal organisation (employees of universities are normally acceptable, however)
f. be able to confirm in writing that neither they or their families would otherwise be able to pay for the proposed course of study
g. be willing to confirm that they will return to their home country as soon as their period of study is complete
How can I apply?
All enquiries should be addressed to the University at which you wish to study and through which you should therefore apply for a Scholarship. They will advise you on how to make an application direct to them. Most universities will handle advertising and recruitment directly using their own application form and applications should therefore be addressed to the participating university direct (option 1).
A few universities want all candidates for their Shared Scholarship courses to apply via the Commission's Electronic Application System (EAS) (option 2). You will be advised by the institution if this is the case and should then access the EAS through the link above.
Following an option 1 university's closing date, the university will ask the candidates it selects to complete the CSC application form. Candidates should note that institutions are asked to forward their nominations to the CSC no later than 31 May 2010; where institutions have not specified a closing date candidates should contact the institution so as to ascertain the latest date that the institution is willing to accept applications.
Where can I get further information?
Although applications for specific courses should be addressed to the individual university concerned, general inquiries regarding the scheme should be sent to the scheme administrators at the address below. Please note that applications sent to this office will be disregarded and will not be passed on to the institutions.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
c/o Association of Commonwealth Universities
Woburn House, 20-24 Tavistock Square
London WC1H 9HF
Telephone : 44 (0) 207 380 6700
Fax : 44 (0) 207 387 2655
E-Mail : info@acu.ac.uk
Former Scholars' Views
Each year we carry out an anonymous survey of award holders. Here are some recent quotes on the relevance of the scheme:
"The course was a launching pad for my academic career and it did exactly that. I hope I can use my skills to turn around the education sector in my country. The scheme has definitely chipped into the forgotten area of professional/personal development which most African governments have ignored." (Education, Africa)
"The DFID scholarship has given me an opportunity not only to live and study in a new country but has also broadened my views and ideas. My course has benefited me to an extent which makes me feel I can use the expertise gained to enhance my career and for betterment of the environment."
(Social Science, South Asia)
"This was a unique academic learning experience, meeting with and sharing ideas with people from all over the world and an exposure to advanced knowledge." (Social Science, South Asia)
"It was great interacting with students from all over the world and learning new ways to solve problems." (Health, South Asia)
Click here to give feedback on the Shared Scholarships page
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