Commonwealth Masters and Phd Scholarship (Fully Funded) For Nigerians and other Developing Countries

The Commonwealth Masters Scholarship for Nigerians is part of the broader Commonwealth Scholarships scheme, specifically tailored to citizens of Nigeria and other developing Commonwealth countries. The scholarship provides opportunities for talented individuals to pursue a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom, with a focus on contributing to the development of their home country.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Citizenship: You must be a citizen or have refugee status in Nigeria.

2. Residency: You must be permanently resident in Nigeria.

3. Academic Qualifications: You should hold an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class (2:1) or its equivalent. In some cases, a lower qualification combined with relevant work experience might be considered.

4. Lack of Resources: You should be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.

5. Area of Study: Preference is given to courses that are relevant to the development of Nigeria, such as those in the fields of climate change, health, technology, and economic development.

Coverage

The scholarship typically covers:

- Tuition Fees: Full tuition for your chosen course.

- Living Stipend: Monthly allowance to cover accommodation and living costs.

- Return Airfare: Flights from Nigeria to the UK and back.

- Thesis Grant: If applicable, for costs related to preparing a thesis or dissertation.

- Warm Clothing Allowance: For those studying in colder regions of the UK.

- Study Travel Grant: For travel related to your studies within or outside the UK.

Application Process

1. Online Application: Applications are usually submitted through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s Electronic Application System (EAS).

2. Supporting Documents: You will need to provide academic transcripts, a personal statement, a development impact statement, and references.

3. Nominating Agency: Applications must be made through a nominating agency. In Nigeria, this is typically the Federal Ministry of Education or specific universities that partner with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

4. Deadline: The application period usually opens in August/September and closes around December. However, specific dates may vary year by year.

Selection Criteria

- Academic Merit: Strong academic background and achievements.

- Potential Impact: The potential of your chosen course to contribute to the development of Nigeria.

- Personal Statement: Your ability to demonstrate leadership qualities and your plans for post-study development in Nigeria.

Key Tips for Nigerian Applicants

- Choose a Relevant Course: Ensure that your selected course aligns with Nigeria's development priorities.

- Strong Personal and Development Statements: Clearly articulate how your studies in the UK will benefit your home country upon your return.

- Early Preparation: Gather all necessary documents well in advance and apply early to avoid last-minute issues.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to regularly check the (Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Official website) and the Federal Ministry of Education's announcements in Nigeria.

The Commonwealth Scholarships are prestigious awards offered to students from developing Commonwealth countries. They are funded by the UK government, with the aim of supporting talented individuals to acquire advanced education and return to contribute to the development of their home countries. The two main types of scholarships under this scheme are the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship and the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship.

 1. Commonwealth Masters Scholarship

   - Eligibility: Typically, applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of a Commonwealth country. They should hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to at least an upper second-class honors degree (2:1) in the UK. Some scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria based on the region or field of study.

   - Study Areas: Scholarships are offered across various fields, often with an emphasis on themes such as climate change, global health, and development.

   - Coverage: The scholarship generally covers tuition fees, living expenses (stipend), return airfare, and other allowances.

   - Duration: This scholarship is usually awarded for a one-year master’s program.

 2. Commonwealth PhD Scholarship

   - Eligibility: Similar to the Masters Scholarship, applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of a Commonwealth country and should typically hold a first degree of at least upper second-class honors, and in some cases, a relevant master's degree.

   - Study Areas: The focus is on fields that align with development priorities of the home country. Proposals with a clear link to these areas are often prioritized.

   - Coverage: It generally includes tuition fees, a living stipend, research support, return airfare, and other associated costs.

   - Duration: PhD scholarships are usually awarded for three to four years, depending on the length of the program and the nature of the research.

Application Process

   - Application Submission: Applications are typically submitted through an online portal. The process usually involves submitting academic transcripts, references, a personal statement, and a research proposal (for PhD applicants).

   - Deadlines: Deadlines vary, but they generally fall between November and December for courses starting the following academic year.

   - Selection Criteria: Applicants are assessed based on academic merit, the potential impact of their work on the development of their home country, and the quality of their research proposal (for PhD candidates).

Additional Information

   - Some Commonwealth Scholarships are administered by specific universities or organizations, so it's important to check the specific details of the scholarship you are applying for.

   - Successful candidates are expected to return to their home countries upon completion of their studies to contribute to development.

For more specific details, it's best to consult the (Commonwealth Scholarship Website ) or contact relevant authorities in your home country.