Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
- IELTS
- 6.5
- Components
- L 5.5 / R 5.5 / W 5.5 / S 5.5
- Level
- PG
- Deadline
- Varies by university; typically December (for 2026 entry)
Last verified: 2026-03
About Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are jointly funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and participating UK universities. They support students from least developed and lower middle income Commonwealth countries to pursue one-year taught master's programmes in the UK. The programme focuses on subjects relevant to the development needs of the scholar's home country.
IELTS Required
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 79, PTE Academic 58
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1The requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5 — the same as Chevening. Prioritize getting all bands above 5.5 before pushing for the 6.5 overall.
- 2Some host universities may have higher IELTS requirements than the CSC minimum. Always check the specific university's requirements for your chosen programme.
- 3Practice reading academic journal articles and writing structured essays, as these mirror the academic English skills you will need during your master's programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IELTS requirement for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?
Can I apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarship without IELTS?
Which countries are eligible for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?
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