What does the Commonwealth Scholarship cover?

The Commonwealth Scholarship covers: full tuition fees at a UK university, a monthly living allowance of GBP 1,347 (London) or GBP 1,084 (elsewhere), a return airfare, a thesis grant (for PhD students), and health insurance. It is one of the most comprehensive scholarship packages for UK study.

How competitive is the Commonwealth Scholarship for Nigerian applicants?

The Commonwealth Scholarship is highly competitive. Nigeria typically receives 20-30 scholarships per year across all categories. The selection is based on academic merit, development impact, and leadership potential. A strong academic record (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) and a compelling development impact statement are essential.

What is the development impact requirement?

Commonwealth Scholarships prioritise applicants who can demonstrate how their proposed study will contribute to development in their home country. Your application must include a development impact statement explaining how the knowledge and skills you gain will benefit Nigeria. This is weighted heavily in the selection process.

Commonwealth Scholarships 2026: UK-Funded Masters and PhD for Nigerian Students

Key figures (2026)
Monthly stipend: GBP 1,347 (London) / GBP 1,084 (elsewhere)
Tuition: 100% covered
Return airfare: included
Nigeria allocation: approximately 20-30 scholarships/year
Primary source: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk)

Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). They are available to students from Commonwealth countries including Nigeria for postgraduate study at UK universities.

Types of Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth Masters Scholarship

For: Masters degree study at a UK university.

Duration: 1-2 years depending on the programme.

What it covers:

Full tuition fees
Monthly living allowance: GBP 1,347 (London) / GBP 1,084 (elsewhere)
Return airfare
Thesis grant (if applicable)
Health insurance

Commonwealth PhD Scholarship

For: PhD research at a UK university.

Duration: Up to 3 years.

What it covers: Same as Masters scholarship plus a research allowance.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship

For: Part-time distance learning Masters at a UK university while remaining in Nigeria.

What it covers: Tuition fees only (no living allowance - you remain in Nigeria).

Requirements

Academic requirements:

Bachelor's degree with minimum 2:1 (upper second class) or equivalent
Strong academic record
Relevant work experience (preferred but not always required)

Development impact:

Clear statement of how your proposed study will contribute to development in Nigeria
This is the most important non-academic element of your application

Application documents:

Completed CSC application form
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
CV/resume
Personal statement
Development impact statement
Two academic reference letters
English language test results (if applicable)

Primary source: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/

The development impact statement - what the CSC wants

The CSC is not just funding your education - it is investing in Nigeria's development. Your development impact statement must answer: what specific problem in Nigeria will you address with this degree, and how?

Strong development impact statements:

Specific: "I will use this degree to improve maternal health outcomes in rural Kano State by training community health workers in evidence-based obstetric care"
Measurable: "I aim to train 200 community health workers in the first 3 years after returning"
Credible: Based on your existing work experience and professional network in Nigeria

Weak development impact statements:

Generic: "I will contribute to Nigeria's development"
Vague: "I will share my knowledge with colleagues"
Personal: Focused on your career advancement rather than Nigeria's development

Application timeline

Month	Action
August-September	Research eligible universities and programmes
October-November	Contact potential supervisors (PhD) or check programme availability
December	Applications open on CSC portal
January-February	Application deadline (typically mid-February)
March-April	Shortlisting and interviews
May-June	Results announced
September-October	Programme starts

Evidence note

All figures sourced from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission at https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/, retrieved October 2026. Stipend amounts and allocation numbers are subject to annual change. Verify current requirements on the CSC website before applying.