The Commonwealth Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity awarded by the UK government to students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including Bangladesh. It supports students who would not otherwise be able to study in the United Kingdom and who have the potential to contribute to the development of their home countries.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country, including Bangladesh. They must be a permanent resident in Bangladesh.
• Applicants must be available to start academic studies in the UK by the beginning of the UK academic year (September/October).
• Applicants must hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honors standard, or a second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).
• They must not have studied or worked for more than one year in a high-income country.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need and inability to afford study in the UK without the scholarship.
• They must provide a plan on how they will contribute to Bangladesh’s development upon returning.

Benefits

• Full tuition fees
• Living allowance (stipend)
• Return airfare from Bangladesh to the UK
• Thesis grant (if applicable)
• Warm clothing allowance (where applicable)
• Study travel grants (for study-related travel within or outside the UK)
• Child allowance and spouse allowance (for scholars with family)

Application Process

Applicants must apply through a nominating agency such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh or directly through a participating UK university. Applicants should check the nominating agency deadlines and requirements separately as they may differ.

Submitting the Online Application

Applicants must submit an online application via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s Electronic Application System (EAS): https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/

They must choose a course and university listed under the CSC’s partnerships.

The application must include details on academic qualifications, employment history, and a personal statement.

Preparing the Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Valid passport or National ID copy
• References from at least two people
• Admission letter or proof of application to a UK university (if available)
• Development Impact Statement
• Proof of English language proficiency (if required by the chosen university)

English Language Proficiency

While the CSC does not require an English test score at the scholarship application stage, candidates must meet the language requirements set by their chosen UK university, which may typically require IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT.

Shortlisting and Interview

Nominating agencies and universities shortlist candidates based on academic merit, quality of study plan, and potential to impact development. There may be an interview or written assessment depending on the nominating body’s process.

Final Selection

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission makes the final selection based on recommendations from nominating bodies and universities. Selected scholars receive formal offers, subject to meeting all conditions.