The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) provides this UK government scholarship scheme, led by international development objectives, as part of the commitment to the Commonwealth—in partnership with UK universities.

It is intended to support high-quality, aspiring students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study a Master’s programme in the UK and who have the potential to enhance the development of their home countries with the knowledge and leadership skills they acquire.

ELIGIBILITY:

Scholarship awards are decided by the CSC on an annual basis. For the September 2026 entry, there are up to three Shared Scholarships at the University of Exeter, available to eligible applicants entering one of the following full-time Masters programmes:  

MA Applied Security Strategy (MStrat) 

MA Conflict, Security and Development 

MA Diplomacy and Foreign Policy 

MA International Relations 

MA Politics of Energy and Infrastructure 

For more information, including country and candidate eligibility, please visit the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships section of the CSC website: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-shared-scholarships-applications/ 

Applications for the 2026 Commonwealth Shared Scholarships open on 12 November 2025 and close at 16:00 GMT on 9 December 2025.   

Candidates should apply—by the published deadline—for both: 

the scholarship itself—via the CSC’s online application system; and 

your chosen Master’s programme from the list above—online via the programme webpage. 

They encourage candidates to apply to the University well ahead of the scholarship deadline so that we can process an admission decision beforehand.  

Please note that all applicants for this scheme at the University of Exeter must have met our English Language requirements to be considered for nomination. If you have not met the English Language requirement for your programme by the scholarship deadline, then, as well as submitting your applications, please send an email to isrscholarships@exeter.ac.uk to tell us the steps you are taking to meet it. 

(Previous Shared Scholarship candidates who are holding a deferred programme offer and considering reapplying this year should check the list above to see if their program remains eligible before making their new scholarship application. If your programme is no longer eligible, then please visit the funding database to search for other opportunities. 

BENEFIT:

Value: Full tuition fees; living costs; airfares and allowances

Number of awards: 3