The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan CSFP supports outstanding professionals researchers entrepreneurs and students from eligible Commonwealth countries through fully funded training research and academic opportunities in the United Kingdom.
In 2025 multiple programs are offered including professional fellowships shared scholarships postdoctoral placements and startup fellowships. Citizens from Pakistan and other Commonwealth nations are eligible to apply.
1 Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2025
Overview
This fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals with at least five years of relevant work experience It supports short-term placements of 6 weeks to 3 months at UK host institutions for knowledge exchange and capacity building.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must
- Be citizens or refugees from eligible Commonwealth countries including Pakistan
- Have permanent residence in a Commonwealth country
- Have at least five years of relevant full-time work experience
- Be currently employed and committed to returning after the fellowship
- Provide at least two references
- Not have received this fellowship in the past five years
Benefits
- Return airfare to and from the UK
- Visa fee reimbursement
- Monthly stipend £2057 outside London or £2553 in London
- Arrival allowance
- Up to £3000 support for travel or conferences
Application Process and Deadline
Applications must be submitted online through the Commonwealth portal The Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2025 Deadline is expected in early 2025 for fellowships starting in February.
2 Commonwealth Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025
While not offered as a central CSC UK program postdoctoral fellowships may be available through national scholarship bodies and UK university partnerships under the Commonwealth scheme These support advanced researchers from Commonwealth countries to continue research in the UK Eligibility criteria and application deadlines vary by country and host institution.
3 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025
Overview
This is a new initiative to support early-stage entrepreneurs from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries The program includes a virtual learning phase and a 2-week bootcamp in Accra Ghana It focuses on accelerating innovative startups and developing leadership skills.
Key Dates
- Applications Open June 1 2025
- Applications Close June 30 2025
- Bootcamp Dates November 14 to 30 2025
- Final Capstone Event London May 2026
Eligibility and Benefits
Applicants must
- Be citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries including Pakistan
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Have a startup with proven traction
- Be available for travel and full program participation
Benefits include
- Fully funded bootcamp in Ghana with travel accommodation meals and visa covered
- Mentorship networking and a final event in London
4 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2025 2026
This scholarship supports talented students from low-income Commonwealth countries to study at UK universities for a fully funded master’s program Pakistani students are eligible. The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2025 2026 deadline usually falls between November and December 2024 depending on the partner university.
5 Commonwealth Fellowships 2025 for Pakistan
Citizens of Pakistan are eligible for several Commonwealth-funded opportunities in 2025 including
- Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2025
- Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2025 2026
- Select postdoctoral research fellowships through national and institutional channels
Applications are submitted online through the Commonwealth portal or individual UK university platforms.
6 Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2026
This program will continue in 2026 with a similar structure and benefits. Applications are expected to open in mid-2025 for placements in early 2026 Professionals interested in applying should prepare in advance by gathering experience records recommendations and relevant documents.
Commonwealth Fellowship Summary
| Fellowship Type | Duration | Audience | Application Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Fellowship 2025 | 6 to 12 weeks | Mid-career professionals | Early 2025 |
| Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 | Varies | Advanced researchers | Varies by institution |
| Startup Fellowship 2025 | 6 months | Early-stage entrepreneurs | June 1 to 30 2025 |
| Shared Scholarship 2025 2026 | Masters program | Students from low-income countries | November to December 2024 |
| Professional Fellowship 2026 | 6 to 12 weeks | Mid-career professionals | Mid 2025 |
Application Tips
- Select the fellowship that best matches your qualifications and goals
- Check eligibility carefully including age work experience and academic background
- Prepare documents early including CV references and motivation statements
- Submit your application online before the respective deadline
- Stay updated through official channels and fellowship pages
- Plan travel and availability for bootcamps or placements
Final Note
The Commonwealth Fellowships 2025 offer exceptional fully funded opportunities to build expertise advance careers and foster international collaboration Whether you are a mid-career professional an aspiring entrepreneur or a postgraduate student from Pakistan or any other Commonwealth country there is a fellowship tailored for you.