Deadline: 9 April 2021
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are for candidates from least developed, low, and lower middle-income Commonwealth countries, for full-time master’s study on selected courses, jointly supported by UK universities. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
The scholarship's purpose is to contribute to development needs of Commonwealth countries by providing training for skilled and qualified professionals and academics and to contribute to UK higher education and foreign policy aims by encouraging collaboration and links. High-quality postgraduate students who have not studied extensively overseas before, and who have the potential to enhance the development of their home countries with the knowledge and leadership skills they acquire.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are offered under six development themes:
1. Science and technology for development
The scholarship, which may be in any area of science or technology (including, for example, agriculture, veterinary science, or forestry), will develop knowledge and/or skills that are directly related to the specific needs of a low or lower middle income country. Where possible, applications should cite expressed national or local priorities.
2. Strengthening health systems and capacity
The scholarship will develop knowledge and/or skills that will improve health provision or outcomes for disadvantaged groups in low and lower middle- in com e countries. A range of approaches could be adopted, such as training staff to fill critical shortage areas; establishing better systems, processes, or management; health promotion and improving understanding of non-take up; or developing new treatments.
3. Promoting global prosperity
The scholarship will support economic prosperity in low and lower middle- i n c o m e countries. The knowledge and/or skills gained could lead to, for example, enhanced trade capacity; improved economic understanding or decision-making by business or government; new products and services; or long-term capacity building, through the development of entrepreneurial skills, for instance.
4. Strengthening global peace, security and governance
The scholarship will develop knowledge and/or skills that will strengthen peace and security at national, regional, or international levels. Multiple approaches could be used, such as strengthening open and transparent governance; improving mutual understanding within and between societies; or building systems that reduce the potential for conflict or encourage its resolution.
5. Strengthening resilience and response to crises
The scholarship will develop knowledge and/or skills which will help low and middle countries adapt to changing contexts, withstand sudden shocks, or increase capacity to preserve the continuity of operations following such events. This could apply to a broad range of threats, including natural and physical disasters; long-term threats such as climate change; interruptions to the supply of key resources; or sudden economic or technological disruption.
6. Access, inclusion and opportunity
The scholarship will develop knowledge and/or skills that will promote opportunity amongst historically disadvantaged groups in low and lower middle-income countries. This could be through, for example, expanding educational opportunities; conducting community outreach; enhancing access to decision- making; or increasing understanding of the barriers faced. A range of disadvantage can be addressed – including social, economic, gender, ethnic, regional, or political – provided that the need is clearly stated.
ELIGIBILITY
Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person
Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
Be available to start your academic studies in the UK, or remotely if required, by the start of the UK academic year in September/October 2021.
By September 2021, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard, or a second class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).
Not have studied or worked for one (academic) year or more in a high-income country
Be unable to afford to study at a UK university without this scholarship
Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format
HOW TO APPLY
You should apply to study one of the taught Master’s courses offered in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship scheme. These scholarships do not cover undergraduate courses, PhD study, or any pre-sessional English language teaching, and are usually tenable for one year only. For a full list o f eligible courses, visit the CSC website.
You must take the necessary steps to secure admission to your course at the same time as applying for a Shared Scholarship. You must check with your chosen university for their specific advice, admission requirements, and rules for applying. For a full list of contact details, visit the CSC website..
You must make your Shared Scholarship application using the CSC’s online application system, in addition to any other application that you are required to complete by your chosen university. The CSC will not accept any applications that are not submitted via the online application system. Information on how to use the online application system is available on the CSC website.
You can apply for more than one taught Master’s course and/or to more than one university though the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Scheme, but you may only accept one offer of a Shared Scholarship.
All applications must be submitted by 16.00 (GMT) on 9 April 2021 at the latest. You are advised to complete and submit your application as soon as possible, as the online application system will be very busy in the days leading up to the application deadline and the Commission cannot make allowances for local or personal difficulties which might affect your ability to submit
Your application must include the following supporting documentation in order to be eligible for consideration:
Proof of citizenship or refugee status – uploaded to the online application system
Full transcripts detailing all your higher education qualifications (with certified translations if not in English – uploaded to the online application system
References from at least two individuals – you must submit referee details on the online application system. We will request references from those stated on your application form only if you are nominated or a reserve candidate at the nomination stage.
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