King’s College London Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025/2026 For Students From Developing Countries

Applications are open for the King’s College London Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (CSSS) for the 2025/2026 academic year. This prestigious opportunity provides full financial support to students from least developed and lower middle-income Commonwealth countries who aspire to study a master’s degree at one of the world’s leading institutions. This program is aimed at individuals with a commitment to sustainable development and a desire to bring positive change to their communities. Through a collaborative effort between King’s College London and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the scholarship offers a path to pursue advanced education in areas essential for global progress.

About the King’s College London Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are jointly funded by King’s College London and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). These scholarships are intended for talented students who may not otherwise have the financial means to study in the UK. By supporting students in gaining critical skills and knowledge, the CSSS program aims to contribute to sustainable development in eligible Commonwealth countries and empower future leaders in science, health, governance, and crisis management.

CSSS scholarships support studies in fields that align with six key Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) development themes:

Science and Technology for Development
Strengthening Health Systems and Capacity

Promoting Global Prosperity
Strengthening Global Peace, Security, and Governance
Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises

Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity

This scholarship program is intended to develop leaders who can positively impact their communities and address critical challenges faced by their countries.

Eligible Fields of Study

For the 2025/2026 Commonwealth Shared Scholarships at King’s College London, the awards are available to students applying to the following Master’s programs only:

MRes Clinical Research
MSc Palliative Care

These selected programs provide vital knowledge and skills in health and research, preparing graduates to take on impactful roles in their home countries and beyond.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the King’s College London Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: The applicant must be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
Residency: The applicant must be permanently resident in one of the eligible Commonwealth countries.

Academic Readiness: The applicant must be available to start academic studies in the UK by September 2025 and should hold:

A first degree with at least upper second-class honors (2:1), or
A lower second-class degree (2:2) with a relevant postgraduate qualification (such as a Master’s degree).

Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate they cannot afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
Professional Intentions: The applicant must agree to return to their home country upon completion of their studies, to contribute to sustainable development in their country.
Educational Requirements: The applicant must meet the entry requirements for their chosen program and demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English to succeed academically.

In addition, applicants must not have studied or worked for one academic year or more in a high-income country and should be ready to fully engage in the program, including returning home afterward.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be citizens of one of the following Commonwealth countries:

Bangladesh, Cameroon, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia.

Benefits of the King’s College London Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship at King’s College London offers a comprehensive package designed to support international students financially and academically:

Full Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for the eligible Master’s program.
Monthly Stipend: A monthly stipend is provided to help cover living expenses while studying in London, allowing recipients to focus on their academic and personal growth.

Return Airfare: The scholarship includes round-trip airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK, ensuring that travel costs are not a barrier.
Study and Equipment Grants: Additional funds are provided to cover study-related expenses and materials, as well as other necessary equipment.
Warm Clothing Allowance: Recognizing the UK’s cooler climate, a warm clothing allowance is available to help students adapt to new living conditions.

Thesis Grant: For those enrolled in research-based programs, there is a thesis grant to support expenses related to research, fieldwork, or lab work.

These benefits are tailored to meet the financial and practical needs of students throughout their academic journey, helping to ensure that recipients can fully engage with their studies and make the most of their experience at King’s.

How to Apply

The application process requires two steps, each with a separate deadline:

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) Application:

Submit an application to the CSC through their online application portal by 16:00 (UK Time) on 12 December 2024. This application is mandatory, and further details can be found on the CSC website.

King’s College London Admissions Application:

Complete an online admissions application to King’s College London for one of the eligible programs (MRes Clinical Research or MSc Palliative Care) by 08 January 2025.
In the “Funding” section of the King’s application, select Option 5 and enter CSSS2025 in the “award scheme code or name” field.

Note: Applicants are encouraged to submit both applications well in advance to avoid missing any deadlines, as failure to complete either step by the given dates will render the applicant ineligible for the scholarship.

Final Notes and Important Links

For additional information, applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements provided on the King’s College London and Commonwealth Scholarship Commission websites. Please ensure that all required documents are ready, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Successful applicants will be notified of their selection and receive guidance on preparing for their studies in the UK.

The King’s College London Commonwealth Shared Scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity to gain advanced skills, contribute to sustainable development, and join a vibrant community of scholars. Don’t miss your chance to apply and take the next step towards making a meaningful impact in your field and community.

Good Luck!

CLICK HERE TO APPLY