Postgraduate scholarships for applicants from low and middle income Commonwealth countries. Funded jointly with the UK Department for International Development (DFID).

Key facts

Entry For courses starting in September 2026. Scholarships cannot be deferred.
Eligibility

To be eligible for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, you:

  • Must be from one of the countries included in the scheme (visit the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships website for full details)
  • Are expected to hold a first degree at either first-class or upper second-class level
  • Must meet the English language requirements and have them in place before the application deadline
  • Must not presently be living or studying in a developed country
  • Must not have previously studied in a developed country
  • Must have applied to study the following course at BU:
Exclusions Applicants for Postgraduate Diplomas are not eligible for this award. You cannot be in receipt of any other BU scholarships.
Value

The Shared Scholarship covers:

  • Tuition fees
  • Maintenance/living cost stipend
  • Return flights
  • Thesis grant
  • Study travel grant (if applicable)
  • A one-off arrival allowance
Number available 2
Do you need to fill in an application? Yes, you must apply for the scholarship using the Commonwealth Commission's online application system. You will also need to apply for a place on MSc Disaster Management at BU.
Application deadline The external deadline for applying is 16:00 GMT on Thursday 9 December 2025