The University of Birmingham invites applications for two Commonwealth Shared Scholarship for MSc applicants from Commonwealth countries for 2018 academic session.
IDD announces that the University has secured two Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for the 2018/19 study. The scholarships are available to study two of the MSc programmes offered by IDD: MSc Environment, Development and Politics and MSc Conflict, State building and Development.
One of the two scholarships is only available for these programmes and the other is available for other University programmes in addition to these two in IDD. Candidates must have an offer from the University to be considered for a scholarship.
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme is a joint initiative between the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and UK universities, including the University of Birmingham, to jointly support scholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the United Kingdom.
Worth of Award
The award is financed jointly by the University and the DFID. The award will cover:
- Full tuition fees
- Maintenance stipend
- Airfare to and from the United Kingdom
- Immigration Health Surcharge costs
- A one-off arrival allowance payment of approximately £950
- Thesis expenses of £225
- Study travel grant up to £200
- Excess baggage allowance for books up to 10kg on the return flight
Eligibility
Candidates are expected to hold a first degree at first-class level and be commencing a course in September/October 2018.
Candidates must also certify that they:
- are nationals of a Commonwealth developing country, and not at present living or studying in a developed country;
- have not undertaken studies lasting one year or more in a developed country;
- are themselves, or through their families, unable to pay to study in the United Kingdom;
- agree to return to their own country to work or study as soon as the award ends. The commission will only consider requests to extend leave to remain in the UK post-award for those wishing to move from Masters to PhD study. Strict conditions will apply.
- DFID requires that the University certifies when submitting its shortlist of candidates that they are sufficiently proficient in the English language to cope with the course for which they have applied. This will normally mean that you will have to have satisfied any requirements concerning competence in the English language which are a condition of your offer of admission.
Candidates must also have been offered a place at the University of Birmingham on one of the following postgraduate programmes:
- MA Africa and Development
- MA Social Research (African Studies)
- MSc Environment, Development and Politics
- MSc Conflict, Statebuilding, and Development
- MPH Public Health
How to Apply
- In order to apply for this scholarship, you must submit an application to both the University of Birmingham and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
- You can complete the University’s application via their online Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application form once the competition opens on 23 February 2018. You may submit the application form before you have received an offer from the University, however, you must have secured your offer before the deadline of 31 March 2018 in order to be considered for a scholarship.
- To submit your Commonwealth Scholarship Commission application, you must complete the Commission’s Electronic Application System (EAS). Guidance on completing this form can be found at http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/apply/shared-scholarships/info-candidates.
Deadline: applications close March 31, 2018.