Commonwealth Scholarship

The Commonwealth Scholarship at Bangor University represents one of the most comprehensive funding opportunities for international students. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these scholarships are designed for students who lack the financial means to study in the UK but possess the academic brilliance to make a difference in their home nations. At Bangor University, Commonwealth Scholars are particularly prominent in the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences.

The university is a world leader in fields such as Tropical Forestry, Agroforestry, and Public Health, which align directly with the Commonwealth's development themes. Bangor often hosts Distance Learning Commonwealth scholars, as well as on-campus Master's and PhD students. The award focuses on six key development themes, including Strengthening Global Peace and Promoting Global Prosperity. As a scholar, you aren't just gaining a degree; you are entering a lifelong global network of innovators and leaders. The rigorous selection process ensures that only those with a clear "Development Impact Statement" and top-tier academic marks are chosen to join this elite cohort in North Wales.

Full Tuition Fees: 100% coverage of university fees for the duration of the program.

Monthly Living Allowance: A stipend of approximately £1,347 per month to cover living costs outside of London.

Travel and Flights: Economy class return airfare from your home country to the UK.

Additional Grants: Includes a warm clothing allowance, study travel grants, and a thesis grant toward dissertation costs.

Visa & Health Support: Assistance with the cost of your UK Student Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge.

To be eligible, a candidate must:

• citizen of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard by September 2026.
• would be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
• Be available to start your academic studies in the UK by September 2026.

Level: Postgraduate Taught (One-year Master’s) or Postgraduate Research (PhD).

Field of Study: Available across disciplines that align with CSC development themes. Popular fields at Bangor include:

Environmental Management & Forestry

Public Health & Health Sciences

Sustainable Development & Economics

Exclusions: Programs not aligned with Commonwealth development goals or second Master's degrees.

Bangor University is a premier research-led institution with a history dating back to 1884.

Research Excellence: Ranked in the top 30 in the UK for Research Power (REF).

Specialised Expertise: A global leader in Ocean Sciences, Forestry, and Environmental Psychology.

Student Satisfaction: Consistently rated as one of the best universities in the UK for student support and teaching quality.

Location: A stunning location between the mountains and the sea, offering a safe, inclusive, and affordable community for global scholars.

Valid Passport: Proof of citizenship or refugee status.

Academic Transcripts: Complete records of your higher education.

Reference Letters: Three letters of recommendation from qualified referees.

Development Impact Statement: A detailed plan on how your studies will solve specific issues in your home country.

University Offer: Proof of admission for an eligible course at Bangor.