Commonwealth Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission annually awards Commonwealth Scholarships to financially struggling students with academic potential who can positively change the world. Each year, around seven hundred students from Commonwealth countries receive this scholarship to pursue higher studies in universities in the UK.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission covers tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses for selected Bangladeshi students, enabling them to pursue postgraduate degrees from reputable UK universities. Any student from a Commonwealth country pursuing a postgraduate degree at a UK university can apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship.

Here, we discuss eligibility requirements, benefits, the application process, and other key factors related to Commonwealth Scholarships, ensuring that any Bangladeshi student can easily apply. Follow along to learn everything you need to know before applying for a Commonwealth Scholarship.

What are the Commonwealth Scholarships?

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission awards Commonwealth Scholarships to talented students from Commonwealth countries pursuing postgraduate degrees at UK universities. The UK government funds this scholarship through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, offering it to Bangladeshi students seeking postgraduate studies in the UK.

Funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

The UK government funds the Commonwealth Scholarships through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. The goal is to support the educational journey of promising individuals, enabling them to bring measurable changes to their countries and society. All permanent citizens and postgraduate students of Commonwealth countries are eligible for this scholarship.

Covers All Cost

The Commonwealth Scholarship for Bangladeshi students covers all costs, including tuition fees, transportation, travel fare, living expenses, and other related costs. The UK government funds these expenses through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

Aim of the Scholarship

This scholarship’s main goal is to help postgraduate students from developing Commonwealth countries pursue their academic journey at their chosen UK university. It targets individuals with high potential who can bring positive changes to their countries and the world.

Benefits of the Commonwealth Scholarship

The Commonwealth Scholarship offers Bangladeshi students financial support, access to events, and the opportunity to study at top-ranked universities.

Full Financial Support for Postgraduate Degree

The Commonwealth Scholarship provides full financial support for postgraduate degrees, including master’s and PhD courses. It covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs, allowing students to pursue their academic journey without financial difficulties.

Access to Networking Events

This scholarship also offers exclusive networking events, allowing students to attend various seminars and workshops. The focus is to develop future leaders and entrepreneurs, and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission organizes multiple networking events to prepare students for upcoming challenges.

Opportunity to Study at the Top UK Universities 

Top-ranked universities in the UK often charge hefty tuition fees for postgraduate degrees, which can be difficult for students to bear. The Commonwealth Scholarship covers these tuition fees along with related costs such as living expenses, travel costs, and transportation. This scholarship makes it financially easier for students to pursue their dreams at the UK university of their choice.

Commonwealth Scholarship Eligibility for Bangladeshi Students

Here, we will discuss the requirements for applying for a Commonwealth Scholarship for Bangladeshi students. A student must meet all of the eligibility criteria mentioned in the passages below; otherwise, he will not be able to apply for the scholarship.

Permanent Residency

A student must be a permanent resident of Bangladesh if they want to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship as a Bangladeshi student. This scholarship is only reserved for citizens of commonwealth countries. Citizens with dual passports can not apply for this scholarship. Refugees staying in Bangladesh can also apply for the scholarship.

Unconditional Offer Letter

Students must receive at least one unconditional letter from a UK university for postgraduate programs. The scholarship reserves itself for one-year master’s or PhD programs. Students must get an offer letter from a UK university before applying for this scholarship so that the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission can fund the degree.

Undergraduate Degree

This scholarship is reserved for postgraduate degrees only meaning students must have an undergraduate degree before applying for the scholarship. Students must have a bachelor’s degree before applying for the Commonwealth Scholarship. This scholarship is only for the students.

Types of Commonwealth Scholarships

There are different types of Commonwealth Scholarships. All of these different types of scholarships are discussed in detail in the below passages.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (For Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships reserve themselves for students from least-developed countries and vulnerable states. The goal of this scholarship is to help students from these countries enhance their individual teaching skills and research capacity. Moreover, these scholarships reserve themselves for high-quality graduates who possess the potential to do world-class research and become influential leaders, teachers, or researchers in their countries.

Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarships (For Low and Middle Income Countries)

The Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships are for students from low—and middle-income countries. This scholarship aims to widen access to equipment and expertise for quality doctoral candidates from Commonwealth Countries. Moreover, it is targeted to attract individuals with outstanding potential from all backgrounds and turn them into leaders and innovators who will shape their home countries.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to enable talented students who cannot afford to study in the UK to better their skills. Candidates from low and middle-income Commonwealth Countries are eligible for this scholarship to undertake a full-time master’s degree at a UK university.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships program is another master’s program offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. This scholarship aims to attract individuals with outstanding talent and potential from all backgrounds to turn them into leaders and innovators who can bring considerable changes to their home countries. High-quality postgraduate students from least-developed and middle-income countries who have not previously studied in a high-income country are eligible for this scholarship.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships program aims to attract students with outstanding talent and high potential from all backgrounds and help them become leaders and innovators. This scholarship is offered to low—and middle-income Commonwealth countries to help students complete their master’s degrees at a UK university while remaining in their home countries.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (For High Income Countries as Defined by the OECD)

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship for high-income countries is reserved for students from wealthy countries. This scholarship aims to enhance individual teaching and research capacity, leading to an increase in institutional capacity in academic and other sectors. Moreover, this scholarship is for high-quality graduates possessing the potential to undertake world-class research.

Commonwealth Professional Fellowships

The Commonwealth Professional Fellowships are reserved for mid-career professionals from low—and middle-income countries. They are offered time at a UK host organisation to gather experience in their relevant professional sector. Additionally, this scholarship aims to create talented individuals with the potential to make considerable changes to society.

Application Process for Commonwealth Scholarship

Here, we will go through the entire application process for receiving Commonwealth Scholarships. Make sure to follow all of the steps thoroughly.

Step 1: Check Eligibility and Required Documents

Go through the eligibility requirements, such as university courses, university choices, student qualifications, and so on. The Commonwealth Scholarship is reserved for master’s and PhD programs, and students must be permanent Commonwealth country residents.

Step 2: Choose a UK University and Course

Before applying for the scholarship, make sure to choose a UK University and course approved by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Remember that the commission only approves scholarships for selective courses from specific universities.

Step 3: Submit an Online Application

Submit an online application when the Commonwealth Scholarship program opens for application. Keep an eye on the official Commonwealth Scholarship sites to find out when the application opens.

Step 4: Write a Strong Essay

Write a meaningful essay during the application process to increase your chances of getting the Commonwealth Scholarship. Make sure to be clear, confident, and precise in your writing to create a lasting expression.

Step 5: Attend the Interview

Attend the interview if you are selected for the Commonwealth Scholarship. Make sure to check your email to find out if you have been chosen for the scholarship. Try to be straightforward and confident while speaking to leave a good expression.

Key Documents Required for Commonwealth Scholarship Application

Here, we will discuss all the documents you require to apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship. Make sure to go through the list thoroughly and do not miss any documents. Otherwise, your application might not be granted.

Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates

Attach all the necessary academic transcripts and degree certificates obtained from your school, colleges, and universities. All of these will be necessary to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship.

English Proficiency Proof

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission also requires English proficiency proof such as IELTS, TOEFL, or MOI. Attach language proficiency certificates as necessary for the scholarship application.

Reference Letters

You will also require reference letters from your school, college, university, or workplaces so that the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission can verify your excellence. Attach all the necessary reference letters with your application.

Offer Letters

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission requires offer letters from universities that they have approved. Go through the approved universities and courses listed on the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission 

Updated CV/Resume

Attach your updated CV or resume with your application, and follow international standards while preparing it. Use accepted templates from previous applicants to enhance your acceptance chances.

Frequently Asked Question

Conclusion

The Commonwealth Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships the UK Government provides to talented students pursuing postgraduate degrees from UK universities. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission bears all of the educational costs so that students from less fortunate countries can enhance their knowledge and skills and bring considerable changes to their home countries.