Overview / About the Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for Bangladeshi scholars to gain a world-class education in the United Kingdom. Funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these awards are aimed at individuals who can contribute to Bangladesh's sustainable development.
In Bangladesh, the scholarship is highly prestigious and competitive. It is primarily facilitated through the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, which acts as the official nominating agency for the Master's and PhD programs.
Scholarship Value / Benefits
For Bangladeshi students, the scholarship is a full ride, meaning all major expenses are covered:
Full Tuition Fees: No out-of-pocket costs for your UK university degree.
Monthly Stipend: A living allowance of approximately £1,452 per month (or £1,781 if your university is in London) to cover food and housing.
Airfare: Return economy flights from Dhaka/Chittagong to the UK.
Arrival Allowances: Includes a warm clothing allowance and study travel grants.
Family Support: Additional monthly allowances for students who are widowed, divorced, or single parents with children.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, you must:
Be a Bangladeshi Citizen: Permanent residents and those with refugee status are also eligible.
Academic Standing: Hold a minimum of an Upper Second Class (2:1) honours degree or a CGPA that meets the equivalent standard (usually 3.30+ on a scale of 4.00, though this varies by university).
Financial Status: Clearly demonstrate that you cannot afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
UGC Requirements: For the Master's/PhD track, you must not be currently registered for a degree at the same level in Bangladesh or abroad.
Level & Field of Study
The scholarship supports study across six development themes that are critical for Bangladesh's growth:
Science and Technology: Innovation in engineering, IT, and manufacturing.
Health Systems: Public health, nursing, and medical research.
Global Prosperity: Economics, finance, and entrepreneurship.
Peace and Governance: Law, international relations, and public policy.
Resilience and Crisis Response: Climate change, disaster management, and environmental science.
Access and Opportunity: Education, gender studies, and social work.
Host University / Provider Info
Bangladeshi scholars can study at any UK university that has an agreement with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).
Shared Scholarships: For direct applications, popular choices for Bangladeshi students include the
Distance Learning: You can stay in Bangladesh and earn a degree from institutions like The Open University or SOAS University of London.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare a Hard Copy dossier for the UGC and a digital one for the CSC:
NID or Valid Passport: Proof of Bangladeshi citizenship.
Academic Transcripts: All certificates and mark sheets (Secondary to University).
Offer Letter: Many tracks (especially Shared) require an unconditional or conditional offer from a UK university.
Language Proficiency: Valid IELTS/TOEFL scores (though some universities may waive this, the scholarship usually requires proof of English proficiency).
UGC Application Form: A specific form required by the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh.
How to Apply
- Monitor the UGC Bangladesh website for the advertisement, usually released in August/September.
- Submit the UGC Application Form (usually a hard copy submission to their office in Agargaon, Dhaka).
- Attend the Viva-voce/Interview if you are shortlisted by the UGC.
- Simultaneously, apply through the CSC UK Online Application System.
- Ensure your references (teachers or employers) submit their letters before the deadline.
- For Shared Scholarships: Apply directly to the UK university’s admission portal and the CSC portal—no UGC nomination is needed for this specific track.
