Commonwealth Scholarships: Shared vs General – What’s the Difference and How to Apply?

Ramsha Hasan
Jul 22
6 min read

Updated: Sep 3

Commonwealth Scholarships: Your Pathway to Postgraduate Success in the UK

by Sara Noor Ehsan

Commonwealth Scholarships are among the most competitive fully funded opportunities for students from low- and middle-income countries to pursue postgraduate study in the UK. Two major schemes under this program are Commonwealth Shared Scholarships and Commonwealth General Scholarships. Both offer full financial support, but their application routes, eligibility criteria, and timelines differ significantly.

In this guide, we break down the differences, processes, and what you need to know to apply successfully.

What Are Commonwealth Scholarships?

These scholarships are funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) to support future leaders and innovators who can contribute to sustainable development. They cover tuition fees, living costs, and travel for postgraduate study in the UK.

✅ Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (CSSS)

Who funds it?

A partnership between UK universities and the CSC.

What it covers:

✔ Full tuition fees

✔ Living allowance

✔ Return airfare

✔ Additional allowances for books, thesis, and travel

Eligibility:

Citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country.
Hold an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class (2:1 equivalent).
Open for Masters programs only in development-related fields.

Key Features:

Scholarships are course-specific, available only for programs listed on the CSC Shared Scholarships page.
You must apply to both:
✔ The UK university offering the course
✔ The CSC online application portal

Timeline:

Most universities will require you to complete the admission application WITH the scholarship application. Ensure you keep this in mind! Deadline for Shared is usually within December of each year.
CSC portal deadlines usually align with this period.

Here is what the eligible courses page mostly looks like.

✅ Commonwealth General Scholarships (Master’s & PhD)

Who funds it?

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) directly.

What it covers:

✔ Full tuition

✔ Stipend for living costs

✔ Airfare and travel costs

✔ Research support (for PhD programs)

Eligibility:

Citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country.
For Master’s: Upper second-class degree or equivalent.
For PhD: A strong academic track record and relevant research proposal.

Key Features:

Covers Master’s and PhD programs across a broad range of development-related subjects.
Applications go through two routes simultaneously:
✔ Your country’s nominating agency (e.g., HEC in Pakistan)
✔ The CSC online portal
Additional requirements may apply, such as HAT (Higher Education Aptitude Test) in Pakistan.

Timeline:

Applications usually open in September and close in October/November for both CSC and local nominating bodies.
University applications can be submitted after CSC deadlines, but confirm individual university requirements.

✅ Final Tips for a Strong Application

Applying for a Commonwealth Scholarship—whether Shared or General—requires far more than completing forms. The selection panel looks for clarity, feasibility, and evidence of your ability to create impact. Here are the essential strategies to strengthen your application:

1. Start Early – At Least 3–4 Months Before Deadline

The process involves multiple steps: identifying eligible programs, writing essays, collecting references, and applying on multiple platforms (universities, CSC, and in the case of General, nominating agencies). Starting early ensures:

You have time to research course content in detail, so you can explain why it fits your goals.
Your recommendation letters are strong and personalized rather than rushed.
You avoid missing university-specific deadlines (especially for Shared Scholarships, where they often differ from CSC timelines).

Action Point: Create a timeline with deadlines for each component and check them twice—university, CSC portal, and local agency (for General).

2. Build a Strong Development Narrative

Your essays—especially the Development Impact Statement—are the core of your application. The strongest narratives demonstrate:

A clearly defined problem: Use data or concrete observations from your country (e.g., “Pakistan loses 3% of GDP annually due to inadequate water governance”).
Your connection to the problem: Why does this matter to you personally or professionally?
A realistic solution: Propose actionable steps you can influence post-study, not vague ambitions like “end poverty.”
Direct link to the chosen course: Explain how specific modules, research projects, or faculty expertise in your UK program will equip you to implement your plan.

Action Point: Draft your problem-solution-goal framework before writing any essay. Every section should connect back to it.

3. Understand the Evaluation Criteria

The CSC assesses applications on three broad pillars:

Academic Merit: Your qualifications, grades, and relevant research/work experience.
Development Impact: How well you articulate the change you aim to create and how feasible it is.
Potential to Deliver Results: Evidence of leadership, initiative, and networks that can help you scale your solution after returning home.

Action Point: Showcase achievements that align with these three criteria throughout your application—resume, essays, and recommendations.

4. Secure Strong References Early

Both schemes require two recommendation letters, and weak or generic letters can undermine an otherwise strong application. Choose referees who:

Know you well academically or professionally.
Can provide specific examples of your leadership, resilience, and problem-solving skills.
Understand the purpose of the Commonwealth Scholarship and its emphasis on development impact.

Action Point: Share your CV, draft essays, and a brief note on CSC values with your referees at least 6–8 weeks before the deadline.

5. Pay Attention to Formatting and Consistency

Review every section for clarity and alignment:

Ensure the same course names appear in both university and CSC applications.
Use concise, professional language—avoid jargon unless it’s discipline-specific.
Proofread thoroughly; grammatical errors signal carelessness in a highly competitive process.

Action Point: Before submission, download the PDF version from the CSC portal to confirm everything displays correctly.

6. Demonstrate a Clear Post-Study Plan

Remember: CSC scholarships are not migration programs. They are for individuals committed to returning home and creating measurable development impact. Your plan should:

State where you intend to work (government, NGO, private sector, academia).
Show awareness of challenges you will face and how you plan to overcome them.
Mention any networks or partnerships you already have that can support your work.

✅ Pro Tip for Maximum Impact

Always test your application against this question: “Would someone reading this believe I am uniquely positioned to solve a real problem in my country, and that this UK degree is the missing link?”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Commonwealth Scholarships

1. Can I apply for both Commonwealth Shared and Commonwealth General Scholarships in the same year?

Yes. You are allowed to apply for both schemes simultaneously if you meet the eligibility criteria for each. Many applicants do this to maximize their chances.

2. Can I use the same essays for both applications?

Partially, yes. Both schemes ask for a Development Impact statement and explanations about your study plans and post-study contribution. You can use the same core content, but always adapt the essays to the specific scheme and route.

3. Do I need to apply to a UK university for both schemes?

Yes. For Shared Scholarships, you must apply to UK universities offering eligible courses (from the CSC list). For General Scholarships, you also need a UK university admission offer—but the timing can be later, as your CSC application is processed in parallel. Always check individual university deadlines.

4. Does Commonwealth General require a test?

Yes, in many countries. For example, in Pakistan, you must take the HAT test (Higher Education Aptitude Test) as part of the HEC nomination process. Check your country’s nominating agency requirements.

5. How competitive are these scholarships?

Extremely competitive. Both schemes attract thousands of applications annually. Shared Scholarships have fewer seats per course, while General Scholarships involve multiple stages—local nomination and CSC shortlisting—making the competition even more intense.

6. Can I pursue a PhD under Commonwealth Shared?

No. Commonwealth Shared is for Master’s programs only. For PhD funding, you need to apply under the General scheme.

7. Do I need to return to my home country after the degree?

Yes. Both schemes require scholars to return home for at least two years after completion of the award. This condition aligns with the scholarship’s development impact goal.

8. How many universities should I apply to under Commonwealth Shared?

Apply to multiple universities offering your eligible course to increase your chances. Each university manages its own nomination process, so securing multiple nominations improves your odds.

10. Where can I find the list of eligible courses for Shared Scholarships?

The official list is published on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website when applications open. Always confirm eligibility directly from CSC and the participating university’s page.

Conclusion: Your Future Awaits

Commonwealth Scholarships provide a unique opportunity for aspiring leaders to gain invaluable education and experience in the UK. With careful preparation and a strong application, you can unlock the door to a brighter future. Remember, the journey begins with a single step—start your application today!

About the Author

Sara Noor Ehsan is a Commonwealth Shared Scholar with an MSc in Sustainable Energy Systems from the University of Warwick. She holds a graduate degree from NUST and brings over 5 years of experience in the energy research and education sectors. As Senior Consulting Coordinator at Ramsha’s Consulting, Sara guides high-achieving applicants through scholarship and graduate school processes, leveraging her first-hand experience and sector insights to help them secure top-tier opportunities.