Scholarships

The University of Birmingham has been awarded ten Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom (CSCUK) for students from low or middle income Commonwealth countries joining the distance-learning MSc International Development (Conflict, Security and Development), commencing their studies in September 2023.  

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are offered for citizens of certain Commonwealth countries. These scholarships are funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), with the aim of contributing to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth.

Please note: due to the high demand for these scholarships candidates will only be considered if they have a strong academic record at undergraduate level and clear evidence of a commitment to the strengthening global peace, security and governance theme scholarship theme, demonstrated through their ‘Development Impact’ and ‘Career Plans’ statements on the scholarship application form.

The deadline for applying to UoB for applicants who want to be considered for a Commonwealth Scholarship on the International Development (Conflict, Security and Development) Programme will be 3rd April 2023. Applicants must state clearly on their application that they are applying for the Commonwealth Scholarship. 

Commonwealth Scholarship applicants also need to apply direct to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. (CSC) by 28th March 2023.

The scholarship is provided by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and is for a two-year programme, with the successful candidate undertaking the full one-year MSc programme, as well as an integrated one-year internship. The internship enables the successful candidate to spend six months with IDD working on research with academics and the GSDRC and then six months with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in London working alongside the team on a variety of the Foundation’s initiatives that aim to “put governance at the centre of Africa’s development”. This includes participating in the Now Generation Forum, a new forum for African emerging leaders and young professionals as part of the Ibrahim Forum and the Ibrahim Governance Weekend.

The deadline is 31 March 2023.

Find out more about the Internship

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is open to citizens of certain developing countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts. At the University of Birmingham, scholarships are offered for those who wish to apply to the MSc Conflict, Security and Development programme.

Application Window 1: 16 January - 20 February (Noon Washington time)

Application Window 2: 27 March 2023 - 26 May 2023 (noon Washington Time)

In 2022-23, IDD will award up to two bursaries to UK/EU applicants to cover up to 50% of the successful applicants' tuition fees for the MSc Poverty Inequality and Development programme, please apply for the programme via the application portal. 

Selection will be based on academic merit. If you wish to be considered for a bursary for the above programme, please complete the programme and application form and please also submit by email:

• A covering letter outlining why you are applying and why you should be selected as a bursary recipient (please include your application ID number if you have already applied for the programme)
• Your CV
• Two references (at least one of the referees should be able to comment on academic performance). Please note that if you already have an offer of a place on the MSc Poverty Inequality and Development programme, you do not need to re-send these references.
• A short essay, maximum 1500 words, on a topic related to poverty reduction, and development 

Deadline for applications is Monday 14th June 2022.

Applications to be sent to Debra Beard, Postgraduate Administrator via email at D.L.Beard@bham.ac.uk.

The University has a number of awards for UK/EU and overseas candidates starting a one-year Masters programme for PhD study, some of which are region- and country-specific scholarships. Interested candidates are strongly urged to apply. More information on the Scholarships and grants page.

In-Country scholarships and government awards

The large majority of study fellows are funded by their own organisation, the British Council or an associated funding source.

Opportunities vary from country to country and the British Council is best placed to advise on potential funding opportunities for you. Contact details of all British Council offices can be found on the British Council website

Grant-making bodies

Many grant-making bodies have funds available for international students to undertake postgraduate study in the UK. Awards vary greatly according to the subject area and to the country of the applicant.

The Directory of Social Change provides a comprehensive guide to funding possibilities.

Donor agencies

Many bi-lateral and multi-lateral donor agencies offer awards for students to undertake postgraduate study in the UK. These include the World Bank, UN agencies such as UNICEF, UNESCO or UNDP, and the European Commission.

Many of these agencies have local offices and you are advised to address them first to ask about funding opportunities for students from your country.

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

IDD is recognised by the British Economic and Social Research Council as a centre of excellence for postgraduate research and for training in research methods.

Eligible applicants may apply to the ESRC for funding to undertake research (+3) and should contact the ESRC directly for information.

(Please note that in order to be considered for an ESRC scholarship, you will need to be nominated by the School of Government and Society.)

Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships

'Ambassadorial Scholarships, the Rotary Foundation's oldest and best-known program, is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program. 

'The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. While abroad, scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors to the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country.'

Rotary Foundation's Ambassadorial Scholarships