Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom (CSC) is responsible for managing Britain's contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).

The CSC supports around 750 awards annually. Awards are funded by the Department for International Development (for developing Commonwealth countries), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in partnership with UK universities (for developed Commonwealth countries). The CSC also nominates UK citizens for scholarships to study in other Commonwealth countries under the CSFP.

The CSC makes available seven types of award:

• Scholarships for PhD research

• Scholarships for Master’s study

• Shared Scholarships with UK universities in support of Master’s programmes

• Academic Fellowships for staff serving in developing country universities

• Split-site Scholarships for PhD students to spend up to one year in the UK

• Professional Fellowships for mid-career professionals in developing countries

• Distance Learning Scholarships for developing country students to study UK Master’s degree courses while living in their own countries.

The CSC is a non-departmental public body in its own right, and members are appointed in line with the Code of Practice of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Commission’s secretariat is provided by the Association of Commonwealth Universities; financial and welfare support for scholars is provided by the British Council. The CSC is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009 with a programme of events and activities.

The CSFP is an international programme under which member governments offer scholarships and fellowships to citizens of other Commonwealth countries. The Plan was established at the first Commonwealth education conference in 1959 and is reviewed by Ministers at their triennial meetings – the only scholarship scheme in the world to receive such high-level recognition.

For further information, visit the CSC website.