Scholarship Overview
Overview
Canon Collins Trust serves as a nominating agency for Commonwealth Scholarships, selecting 14 candidates each year for fully-funded Master’s study at any UK university. This scholarship targets nationals from eight Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries who cannot afford UK study without financial support.
The scholarship operates under the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s framework, requiring applicants to align their proposed study with one of six development themes. Successful nominees receive comprehensive funding covering tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
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Development Themes
All applications must address one of these six themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
- Strengthening global peace, security and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
Your application must clearly demonstrate how your proposed Master’s programme contributes to your chosen theme and how this connects to development needs in your home country.
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Eligibility Requirements
To apply through Canon Collins Trust, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Nationality and residence: Be a national of, or have refugee status in, and be permanently resident in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, or Zambia
- Academic qualification: Hold a good first degree (minimum second class upper division or equivalent) OR be about to graduate in the year of application
- Programme type: Be applying for full-time Master’s study at a UK university
- Financial need: Be unable to afford UK study without this scholarship
- Documentation: Submit all supporting documents in the required format—applications with outstanding documents or reference letters will not be considered
Note that Zimbabwe is not included in the eligible countries list for this nominating route. Zimbabwean nationals should explore alternative Commonwealth Scholarship nominating agencies.
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Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online system, CSC Central. Follow these steps:
- Register on CSC Central, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s application platform
- Select Canon Collins Trust as your nominating body
- Complete all required sections, ensuring your study proposal aligns with one of the six development themes
- Upload all supporting documents in the specified format
- Submit before the deadline: 16:00 BST (15:00 GMT) on 20 October 2026
Do not email Canon Collins Trust to inquire about application outcomes. All notifications are sent by email to the address provided in your application.
Critical Rules
AI Use Strictly Prohibited
All application materials must be entirely your original work. Using artificial intelligence tools—including ChatGPT, Bard, or similar software—to generate, edit, or assist with any part of the application is strictly prohibited. Any application containing AI-assisted content will be immediately disqualified without further consideration.
Documentation Requirements
Incomplete applications are rejected. Ensure you have:
- All academic transcripts and certificates
- Two reference letters submitted in the required format
- Proof of citizenship or refugee status
- Admission letter or application evidence from your chosen UK university
Applications with any outstanding documents will not be considered, regardless of other merits.
What the Scholarship Covers
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are fully funded. While specific award amounts are not published in the source material, typical Commonwealth Scholarships cover:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Return airfare from your home country to the UK
- Arrival allowance and thesis grant (if applicable)
- Warm clothing allowance
For complete funding details, refer to the Commonwealth Master’s scholarships terms and conditions on the CSC website.
Selection and Timeline
Canon Collins Trust nominates 14 individuals annually. The selection process involves:
- Initial eligibility screening (applications with incomplete documentation are removed)
- Academic merit assessment
- Development impact evaluation (alignment with chosen theme and home country needs)
- Final nomination to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
The CSC makes final award decisions. Notification emails are sent to all applicants; ensure your email address is accurate and check spam folders regularly.
Strategic Advice for SADC Applicants
Given the competitive nature (14 nominations across eight countries), strengthen your application by:
- Choosing a UK programme with clear development relevance to your home country
- Articulating specific, measurable outcomes you will achieve post-study
- Demonstrating existing professional or volunteer experience in your chosen theme
- Securing references from individuals who can verify your development commitment
- Applying early to UK universities to secure admission evidence before the October deadline
