For the academic year 2025–2026, the University of Birmingham and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) are collaborating to offer the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme.
Academically gifted students from developing Commonwealth nations who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK are supported by this esteemed award.
Part of the Russell Group from its inception, the University of Birmingham is an iconic redbrick university. Almost 5,000 international students from 131 different countries call it home.
International students make up about 31% of the academic workforce at Birmingham. Additionally, the university plays a significant role in the UK’s participation in the Erasmus program, which promotes collaborations among top European universities.
Scholarship Overview:
- Studies will take place in the UK
- Supports postgraduate taught masters studies
- Studies will take place at the University of Birmingham
- Open to students from Commonwealth countries
- The application deadline is 18th December 2025.
Benefits of Scholarship:
Pays for all of the tuition associated with your master’s program.
A monthly payment to cover living expenses while residing in the UK.
The cost of returning from your native nation to the UK.
The cost of your medical insurance while visiting the UK is covered by the Immigration Health Surcharge.
A one-time payment to assist with travel-related expenses.
Assistance with travel expenses associated with academic requirements is provided via the Study Travel Grant.
This financial package ensures that you can focus fully on your studies without the burden of financial worries.
Selection Criteria:
To qualify for this scholarship, you need to fulfill the following requirements:
Hold a nationality from a Commonwealth developing country and not be a resident or student of a developed nation at the moment.
Excludes studies completed in a developed nation lasting a year or longer.
Prove that without financial assistance, you or your family is unable to afford to study in the UK.
Commit to go back home after earning your degree in order to work or pursue additional education.
Subject to stringent requirements, only candidates advancing from a master’s to a doctoral degree are eligible to apply for an extension.
You must demonstrate that you meet the university’s prerequisites for admission in order to be admitted.
How to Apply:
Apply first to one of the University of Birmingham’s master’s programs that meet the requirements.
Use the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship website to submit your application for a scholarship.
Make sure you prepare and submit the required paperwork in time for the deadline.
