About us

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the main UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives.

The CSC is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

The CSC operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and is a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. By supporting innovators and leaders of the future from across the Commonwealth, and by attracting outstanding talent to the UK’s universities, our work combines sustainable development with the UK national interest. We use rigorous procedures to ensure that our programmes promote equity and inclusion, reward merit, and deliver widespread access, especially to those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

FCDO is our lead department and main sponsor, funding awards exclusively for candidates from low and middle income countries.

Who we are

The CSC comprises up to 14 Commissioners and a chair, who are appointed by the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs in line with the Public Appointments Commissioner’s governance code.

The CSC’s secretariat is provided by the Association of Commonwealth Universities, based in London; overseas services are provided by the British Council.

The CSC manages the UK’s contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), an international programme under which member governments offer scholarships and fellowships to citizens of other Commonwealth countries.

Our scholarships and fellowships

The CSC offers the following scholarships and fellowships:

For low and middle income countries

For least developed countries and fragile states

For any participating high income Commonwealth country

Our responsibilities

We’re responsible for:

  • providing academic and professional scholarships and fellowships to able and motivated Commonwealth citizens
  • selecting candidates to receive Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships in the UK on the basis of merit, and particularly their potential to contribute to the needs of their home countries
  • placing Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows in universities or other host organisations in the UK, and providing support during their time on award to assist them in meeting the objectives of the scheme
  • effectively evaluating the impact of Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships, and maintaining contact with alumni to help make sure that this evaluation can take place

Anti fraud policy

Our anti-fraud policy and procedure states our zero-tolerance attitude to fraud. We require Commissioners, members of the Secretariat staff, members of selection committees, applicants, Commonwealth Scholars, Fellows and suppliers to act honestly and with integrity at all times, and to report all reasonable suspicions of fraud.

We will investigate all instances of actual, attempted and suspected fraud committed by the above named bodies and individuals and will where appropriate seek to recover funds lost to the CSC through fraud. Perpetrators may be subject to appropriate action, including legal action.

Corporate information

Access our information

Jobs and contracts

Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme.

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