King’s College Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025 | Fully Funded

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Scheme (CSSS) at King’s College London offers a life-changing opportunity for academically talented individuals from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. Fully funded and geared toward fostering development in the scholars’ home countries, this scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for a range of master’s degree programs at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

In this article, we provide a detailed overview of the CSSS program, including eligibility criteria, application guidelines, benefits, and selection processes.

Overview of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025

The CSSS is an initiative by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office designed to support students from eligible Commonwealth countries. The program aims to advance global development goals by providing opportunities for students to acquire knowledge and skills in fields critical to their countries’ socio-economic progress.

Key Highlights

• Host Institution: King’s College London (KCL), UK
• Eligible Programs:
  • MSc Mental Health Studies
  • MSc Global Mental Health
  • MSc Palliative Care
  • MRes Clinical Research
• Scholarship Type: Fully funded
• Awarding Body: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)
• Eligible Countries: Over 40 low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries (e.g., India, Kenya, Nigeria, Bangladesh, South Africa)
• Funding Includes:
  • Full tuition fees
  • Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
  • Travel costs to and from the UK

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the CSSS:

Citizenship and Residency

• Must be a citizen of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.

Academic Requirements

• Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class honors (2:1) or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g., a master’s degree).

Financial Need

• Demonstrate the inability to afford study in the UK without the scholarship.

Work and Study History

• Should not have studied or worked for one academic year or more in a high-income country.

Program-Specific Requirements

• Meet the entry requirements for their chosen degree program.
• Be proficient in English to excel in the coursework.

Commitment to Home Country

• Must confirm they will return to their home country upon completion of the scholarship program.

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients of the CSSS enjoy a range of benefits designed to ease financial burdens and allow them to focus entirely on their studies.

1. Full Tuition Fee Coverage
   • The scholarship covers all tuition fees for the duration of the eligible master’s program.
2. Living Allowance
   • Scholars receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses in the UK.
3. Travel Support
   • The scholarship includes airfare to and from the UK.
4. Admissions Fee Waiver
   • The admissions application fee for King’s College London is waived for CSSS applicants.

Application Process

Step 1: Submit Application to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)

• Deadline: 16:00 (UK Time) on 12 December 2024
• Applicants must complete the CSC’s online application form, providing all required documentation.

Step 2: Submit Application to King’s College London

• Deadline: 08 January 2025
• Complete the KCL online admissions application for one of the eligible programs.
• In the "Funding" section, select option 5 and enter "CSSS2025" in the "award scheme code or name" field.

Step 3: Request Admission Fee Waiver

• Deadline: 03 January 2025
• Submit the ‘Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme Application Fee Waiver Form.’ Ensure the waiver is processed in time to submit the application by the final deadline.

Supporting Documents

• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
• Personal statement and study plan
• References

Selection Process

The selection process is rigorous, ensuring only the most deserving candidates are awarded the scholarship.

1. Assessment by King’s College London
   • Applications are reviewed for academic merit and alignment with program objectives.
   • King’s nominates candidates to the CSC by 13 March 2025.
2. Evaluation by the CSC
   • The CSC evaluates nominees based on the following criteria:
     • Academic excellence
     • Quality of the proposed study plan
     • Potential impact on the development of the candidate’s home country
3. Notification of Results
   • Successful candidates are notified by July 2025.

Selection Criteria

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are awarded based on three primary criteria:

1. Academic Merit
   • Demonstrated excellence in prior academic achievements.
2. Study Plan Quality
   • A well-articulated plan detailing how the chosen program aligns with the candidate’s career goals and development impact.
3. Development Impact
   • Evidence of how the scholarship will enable the scholar to contribute to their home country’s socio-economic progress upon completion.

Programs Eligible for the CSSS at KCL

MSc Mental Health Studies

• Focused on advancing mental health practices and policies.

MSc Global Mental Health

• Aims to address global disparities in mental health care and services.

MSc Palliative Care

• Designed to enhance knowledge and skills in providing end-of-life care.

MRes Clinical Research

• Prepares students for impactful careers in clinical research and innovation.

Important Dates to Remember

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Start Early
   • Gather all required documents and submit applications well before the deadlines.
2. Tailor Your Study Plan
   • Highlight how the program aligns with your academic background and career goals.
3. Demonstrate Financial Need
   • Provide clear evidence of your inability to afford UK education without the scholarship.
4. Proofread Your Application
   • Ensure all sections are complete and free of errors.

Contact Information

For inquiries about the scholarship:

Email: doctoral-college@kcl.ac.ukFor program-specific queries:

Contact the relevant academic department via King’s College London’s online prospectus pages.

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025 at King’s College London represent a unique opportunity for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to gain world-class education and contribute to the development of their home countries. By providing comprehensive financial support and access to exceptional academic resources, this scholarship is a stepping stone toward transformative personal and professional growth.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, take the first step toward a brighter future by applying for this prestigious opportunity today.

Apply here

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