- The European Union has now opened an application for a fully-funded 2024/2025 Commonwealth Split-site scholarship for Nigerians
- The EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS said the Erasmus+ Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is ready to welcome students
- Up to 800 Nigerians have been awarded scholarships via the programme since 2014.
The European Union delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS announced the beginning of the application phase for the Erasmus+ Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for 2024/2025.
The programme will allow Nigerians to pursue Masters and Ph.D. degree programmes in European countries fully funded and paid for by the EU.
The Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships is designed to target candidates from low and middle-income countries within the Commonwealth, offering them the opportunity to conduct research at a UK university for 12 months.
Administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), this very scholarship is aligned with international development goals and is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).
It also operates within the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), showcasing the UK's commitment to the Commonwealth.
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Purpose of Scholarship
The primary goal of this scholarship programme is to broaden access to UK resources and expertise for high-quality doctoral candidates from Commonwealth countries.
This is by fostering collaboration and partnerships as the scholarship aims to contribute to higher education and research in both the UK and the Commonwealth.
The ultimate focus here is to nurture individuals who, upon their return home, can emerge as influential leaders, educators, or researchers.
Who are the Beneficiaries of the Scholarship?
This scholarship caters to graduates from Least Developed and middle-income countries, including those in fragile and conflict-affected states.
The target candidates are those who are unable to afford a UK education otherwise, possess the potential to make substantial contributions to their home countries.
Their proposed research should center on developmental and leadership themes.
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Award Duration
The scholarship award duration is 12 months, therefore allowing flexibility for candidates to undertake it either as a single 12-month period or two six-month periods.
Commonwealth Split-site Scholarship Application Guide
Interested candidates have been asked to visit the website of the Erasmus+ Scholarship for details on application procedures, eligibility criteria, and fields of study.
The ambassador stressed the EU's commitment to skills development in partnership with Nigeria, stating that the initiative nurtures and strengthens the bonds between Nigeria and the EU via the power of education.
Since 2014, the EU has awarded over 800 young Nigerians postgraduate scholarships.
- Deadline: The deadline for applications for the 2024/25 academic year is 16:00 GMT on 5 December 2023.
- How to Apply: Applications are directly accepted from candidates through the CSC's online application system.
- Early Submission Advised: Due to expected high volumes, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the deadline.
- University Selection: Candidates must apply to a UK university with a part-funding agreement with the CSC.
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Supporting Documents for Your Application
Applicants must include the following with their application:
- Proof of Eligibility: Valid passport or national ID card confirming citizenship or refugee status.
- Educational Qualifications: Complete transcripts for higher education qualifications, including ongoing courses.
- References: Two references in PDF format from referees, including home and proposed UK supervisors.
- Supporting Statements: Statements in PDF format from proposed UK and home supervisors, confirming institutional links.
Eligibility Criteria: Commonwealth Split-site Scholarship
To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must:
- Be citizens or refugees of eligible Commonwealth countries.
- Be permanent residents of eligible Commonwealth countries.
- Be registered for a PhD at a home university in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Ensure an institutional or departmental link between the home and proposed UK university.
- Be available to start academic study in the UK in September 2024.
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class honours standard or equivalent.
- Demonstrate financial need for studying in the UK.
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Eligible Countries for the Commonwealth Split-site Scholarship
Please note that only applicants from the following eligible countries can apply for Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships in 2024/2025:
- Bangladesh
- Belize
- Botswana
- Cameroon
- Dominica
- Eswatini
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guyana
- India
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Montserrat
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Papua New Guinea
- Rwanda
- Saint Helena
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Sierra Leone
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Zambia
NOTE: Applicants should carefully follow the detailed application checklist, which includes providing a development impact statement and a plan of study.
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Financial Assistance from Commonwealth
Each Commonwealth Split-site scholarship includes the following:
- Approved airfare to and from the UK.
- Full tuition fees.
- Monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Warm clothing allowance.
- Study travel grant.
- Child allowance for eligible candidates.
- Disability support upon assessment.
Various conditions are in play for this scholarship, including scholarship coverage, due diligence checks, and adherence to UK immigration regulations, apply. Scholars are expected to reside in the UK during their award, with no concurrent paid employment.
The scholarship does not support a study period at the home country university.
For detailed information, applicants are encouraged to consult the current Handbook for Commonwealth Scholars and check for any updates or changes.
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