Commonwealth/DFID Shared Scholarship Scheme 2010

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 are invited to bid to joint-fund Shared Scholarships with the Commission. The next bidding round will be advertised at the end of March 2010 and a form will be made available then for bids to be submitted to the Commission.



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).

Booklet for 2010 Shared Scholarship Scheme (112 KB)
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?


Most universities will handle advertising and recruitment directly 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 Electronic Application System (option 2). 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

Web: http://www.dfid.gov.uk
Fax : 44 (0) 207 387 2655
E-Mail : info@acu.ac.uk

or

Contact:
The British Council Office/DFID Office in Nigeria,
in Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt.

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)