The Commonwealth Scholarships Commission (CSC) awards over 800 scholarships and fellowships for postgraduate study and professional development each year. Since 1959, the UK government has funded over 30,000 Commonwealth scholars and fellows. Uganda boasts a portfolio of over 1,800 alumni.
These scholarships are designed to enable talented and motivated individuals, who might not otherwise afford to study in the UK, to gain the knowledge and skills required to positively impact the development priorities of their home country.
The Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) and are delivered by the British Council.
Contributing to Sustainable Development
Commonwealth Scholarships are offered under six development-related themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting global prosperity
- Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion, and opportunity
Available Scholarships and Fellowships
In Uganda, the following scholarships and fellowships are available:
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships: For full-time doctoral study at a UK university for applicants from least developed countries and fragile states.
- Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships: For PhD candidates to spend up to 12 months at a UK university as part of their doctoral studies in their home country.
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: For full-time Master’s study at a UK university.
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: For full-time Master’s study on selected courses jointly supported by UK universities.
- Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships: For part-time Master’s study by distance learning on selected courses offered by UK universities.
- Commonwealth Professional Fellowships: For mid-career professionals from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to spend time at a UK host organisation on a programme of professional development.
Equal Opportunity and Access
The CSC is dedicated to identifying talented individuals who have the potential to effect change. We believe that a diverse scholar cohort leads to greater research impact. Additionally, the CSC is committed to supporting outreach activities and encouraging scholarships for individuals with disabilities. We collaborate with disabled people’s organisations to promote participation, assist with applications, and provide necessary support to candidates with disabilities.
How to Apply
Depending on the scholarship you are applying for, you may need to apply through a National Nominating Agency, a university, or a Non-Governmental Organisation. For specific details on how to apply for each type of scholarship, please visit the CSC Apply Page
For Master’s and PhD Scholarships, applications must be made through a nominating body. Each nominating body is responsible for its selection process and may have additional eligibility criteria. Please check with your nominating body for their specific advice, rules for applying, and closing dates for applications.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be considered based on:
- Academic merit of the candidate
- Quality of the research proposal
- Potential impact on the development of the candidate’s home country
Additional Information
For more detailed information about the scholarships, eligibility criteria, and the application process, please visit the following links: ·
Resources and Support:
- British Council Uganda: Acts as a local point of contact for the Commonwealth Scholarships Programme, providing information and support to applicants.
- Alumni Networks: Support the integration of returned scholars into their professional fields and promote continuous professional development.
We encourage all eligible candidates to apply and take advantage of these opportunities to further their education and contribute to the development of their home countries.
Commonwealth Scholarships Alumni Associations
To date, over 31,000 people have taken up a Commonwealth Scholarship or Fellowship since the first group of 175 Scholars arrived in the UK in 1960. Commonwealth Alumni include Prime Ministers and cabinet ministers, Nobel Prize winners, academics, diplomats, writers, and leaders in major NGOs and businesses.
Upon finishing their Scholarship or Fellowship, recipients join a thriving global community. Through the alumni network, Commonwealth Alumni can build contacts with a diverse range of scholars and alumni in their home country and across the Commonwealth though a range of activities.
Impact Stories
Empowering Ugandan Farming Communities through Bees and Black Soldier Flies
