commonwealth shared scholarship: a beneficiary's insight

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Commonwealth Shared Scholarship: A Beneficiary's

Insight

Foreword

Over the years, the UK government together with partner institutions have relentlessly supported

thousands of students from across the world in fulfilling their dreams for a world class Masters

education, through the prestigious Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme. The Shared

Scholarship Scheme, as the name suggests, is one that is funded jointly by the UK government

through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and by participating UK universities

also referred to as 'partner' or 'host' institutions. The scholarship is for students hoping to undertake

a one-year taught masters programme in a subject pertinent to the focal point of the scholarship's

objective, which is the development of Commonwealth states. So generally speaking, overseas

students who are citizens of Commonwealth countries, having met all stated criteria are eligible for

the award.

As far as a postgraduate study in the UK is concerned, only a few other scholarships share parity

with the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. The CSS not only takes care of the tuition fees but

also offers a wholesome cover for living expenses, and travel amid other benefits. Simply put, it's a

complete package for the serious minded scholar. And even though the beneficiaries are not of any

direct economic gain to the UK, the charity in the scheme still continues. So if you eventually bag

the award, I advise you take a course in Thanksgiving because you certainly won't stop being

grateful!

One other benefit I forgot to mention, although a bit personal, is that the scheme inspires a heart of

selflessness and charity in people, especially its beneficiaries. Looking back at how magnanimously

the CSS has transformed lots of lives, many of which would have been otherwise helpless as far as

the Masters and other future pursuits are concerned, beneficiaries like me cannot but be inspired to

replicate the charity anywhere there is an opportunity to do so. This truly is what the CSS is about. It

is what this write-up is about. And for me, such is the simple way of making the world a better place.

Now that you're on your way to becoming a part of the CSS scholars family - whether you're at the

point of making an application or you're already basking in the euphoria of the award letter - I like to

say a big congratulations to you. The journey is one that requires a deal of patience and

determination; a deal of fact-finding and of earnest preparation. So if at all you have set your foot to

come this far, you certainly desire a pat on the back.

Okay. Now let me start by asking: Are you - just like me - curious about the processes and

experience of the CSS going forward?

I'll tell you what - You're not alone. Most of the time while watching events relating to my enrolment

in the scheme unfold, I also found myself in those very shoes! For instance, I wanted to know when

exactly the outcome of my application would surface. Was there going to be a kind of substitute list



just in case I didn't make the final short-list? Was I going to get a free accommodation; and if yes,

where? I also wanted to know if there was going to be an arrival allowance. I was curious about the

mode of payment: bank deposit or cash. I heard of the regional network meeting; what was that

about? I had questions about the alumni network. What did they have in store? ...and so many more.

Really, I don't know why I had so many questions popping up every now and then. Maybe I was just

overly curious. But hey ...don't criticize me yet, because you certainly are too! Why would you be

reading this in the first place, if you're not?

The truth is obvious. You - just like me - also like to see things beyond the apparent. You like to see

something different from what you find on the CSC website or the scholarship page of your chosen

university. Maybe something a little like ”insider" information - like the kind that can be given by a

current or recent beneficiary; something like an experiential account; something from the

perspective of the recipient, and not the donor; something more colloquial like you'll have in a

discussion thread.

Well; I have good news for you: that "something" is here!

In this piece, I'll share with you briefly my experience so far with the CSS award. I'll make an

attempt to answer some of the questions that oozed from when I first came across the

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship on the internet, up to the time of my application, down the lane

till the end of my first month in studies. Information pertaining to all that period is about all that any

prospective scholar is anxious to have. So I hope it finds some relevance in your own case as you

journey through this eventful road of the CSS experience.

Before I forget, permit me to do a little introduction of myself. I'm Olamide Oguntoye, the curious

beneficiary of a 2014/2015 CSS award. I'm from Nigeria and I have a background in Mechanical

Engineering. Currently I am studying at Cranfield University UK for a masters in Design and

Innovation for Sustainability.

I am aware that although the framework for the CSS award as defined by the Commonwealth

Scholarship Commission remains the same, there are yet variations in the way partner institutions

handle their respective scholars. So my experience might in particular be applicable only to those

who are towing my path. However those candidates with a different background and/or with a

different choice school or course may still take a cue from the insight given here. Also where

applicable, I state if there is possibly a difference in the way other schools handle the matter being

addressed. So in any case, you'll find this useful.

Finally, please note that the information given here is by no means a substitute to the official

statements provided by the CSC or your host institution or any other UK organisation connected

with your studies. The opinions expressed here are strictly personal and should not be considered

more seriously than an informal attempt. I repeat: an informal attempt! So keep on visualising this

as a watermark while you read through the pages.



Also remember that the questions dealt with here are not exhaustive - many readers are a lot more

inquisitive than I can imagine. For this reason, there may be be few future trials to update the

contents in order to better address the needs of readers. However I encourage you to surf the internet

further, talk to more people or send me an email at [email protected]. You'll surely find an

insightful answer in the middle of many words.

Okay then. Enjoy.

Questions

BEFORE APPLYING FOR THE CSS

What is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

How does it work?

Am I eligible to apply?

I meet all eligibility criteria but one. Can I still apply?

Which schools are involved in the CSS?

Which course can I study under the CSS?

My desired course is not listed. What should I do?

Can I make more than one application?

Where can I get the most recent official information?

DURING THE APPLICATIONHow do I apply?

What documents do I need to present for the application?

How many referees do I need for the application?

What deadline(s) do I need to consider?

Are there preferences in gender or race?

Who determines the final outcome of my application?

What factors give one the upper hand?

AFTER THE APPLICATION

Can I still make changes to the submitted application?

How do I check the status of my application?

When will I know if I'm successful?

If I'm not contacted, what happens?

Is there room for Substitutes in schools nominations?

IF YOU'RE NOT NOMINATED

Can I make an appeal for reconsideration?

What other options do I have?

Can I apply the following year?



IF YOU'RE NOMINATED

My school has nominated me. Is the award now certain?

When will I hear from the CSC?

If I still don't hear from the CSC, what should I do?

I'm on the substitute list. What happens now?

Who in my school should I contact if I have concerns?

THE ENROLMENT FORMS

What are the enrolment forms?

When should I return them?

Can I email the completed forms?

The enrolment forms are in PDF format. How then do I fill them?

Should the medical report form be returned separately by doctor?

What if I have multiple nominations: Should I return all forms?

Will I get an acknowledgement after returning the forms?

What happens next?

CONFIRMATION OF AWARD

What is the Confirmation of Award?

How will the Confirmation of Award be sent to me?

What do I need the Confirmation of Award for?

What if I don't get the parcel?

Do I need to send a copy to my school?

PREPARING FOR VISA APPLICATION

Will the scholarship cover my Tuberculosis test if I'm required to undergo it?

What's the appropriate time for taking a TB test?

Does my CAS need to be updated so as to reflect my award?

Do I need a bank statement of account?

How much will I pay for visa application?


COMPLETING VISA APPLICATION FORMS

What category of the tier 4 visa should I select from the dropdown list?

Has my tuition been paid yet?

Do I have accommodation arrangement already?

Has any part of my accommodation fees been paid yet?

What is 'maintenance fees'?

How much money do I need as maintenance fees?

How much money do I have as maintenance fees?

How much in total is my sponsor paying?

AFTER VISA APPLICATION

Will the visa be certainly granted?



How long does it take to get a feedback?

What happens if I'm denied visa?

If I'm granted, what should I do?

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTWho is responsible for my travel arrangement?

How will my travel arrangement be made?

After how long will I be sent my travel ticket?

Can I decide my departure date?

Can I specify a preferred airline, or a particular flight?

Can I travel with someone else?

How much luggage can I travel with?

ARRIVAL

Where will I be accommodated upon arrival?

How much pocket change do I need to travel with?

When will I be given an arrival allowance?

Do I need to have a UK bank account?

It's my first time in the UK. Where can I get useful travel tips?

Can I elect to be accommodated my own way?

LIFE AS A CSS SCHOLAR

What are the special considerations given to CSS scholars?

What conditions are required for my continued eligibility for the scholarship? Can I work part-time?

What social class will I belong to if the CSS allowance is all I get?

What is the CSC Evaluation survey all about?

SCHOLARS COMMUNITY

How can I connect with other scholars?

Where can I catch up on alumni?

back to Top ^

What is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (CSS) is an award jointly sponsored by the UK

government and partner higher institutions, for students from developing commonwealth nations to

undertake a one year taught masters course in the UK. It provides cover for tuition fees, living

expenses, return airfares, gratis visa application, as well as grants towards study travel and thesis (if

applicable). Each partner institution has a specified number of students to be awarded the CSS in a

given year.



How does it work?

1. Candidate secures admission into a one year taught masters programme for which CSS

sponsorship is available.

2a. Certain schools automatically preselect a few of their prospective students for the CSS Award.

They do this by using the information provided during course application to determine the

suitability of the prospective students for the CSS award.

2b. Other schools do not preselect candidates for the CSS. So all prospective students who have now

received an admission offer from them, as well as having met the CSS eligibility criteria may

proceed to applying for the scholarship.

The procedure adopted by each participating school (i.e. 2a or 2b above) will be indicated in the

scholarship's prospectus alongside deadlines and others)

3. Candidate logs on to the Electronic Application System of the Commonwealth Scholarship

Commission (CSC) by creating an account and then signing in, or by simply using the login details

provided by school (if applicable).

4. Candidate starts an application for CSS, completes, and submits it.

5. The submitted application is lodged with the school for review as well as for the final nomination

of preferred candidates.

Note that just like the candidates; the schools also have accounts at the CSC website. Through these

accounts, they're able to see which of their prospective students have applied for the CSS; able to

review applications; create user accounts for preselected students (in case of 2a above); set

deadlines for submission; send nominations and communicate in general with the

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission over matters of the CSS.

6. Schools nominate the best candidates for the scholarship.

7. The CSC reviews nominations.

8. If nomination is okayed by the CSC, the school sends nominated candidate certain CSS

enrolment forms.

9. The nominated candidate completes the forms as instructed and returns them to the CSC..

10. An award confirmation letter is finally sent to the successful candidate (scholar).

11. Scholar applies for a UK visa/entry clearance.

12. When visa is granted, the scholar gets in touch with school's contact person/officer for travel

arrangements.

13. Scholar travels to the UK in line with arrangements and commences studies.

14. Monthly stipends are received together with any other benefit.

15. Scholar participates in Commonwealth scholars network activities as well as CSC evaluation

exercise.

16. Scholar completes masters studies and returns to home country.

17. Scholar continues to be participatory through the alumni network.

The above is a high-level summary of how the scholarship works. It's pretty simple, and I'm sure

you agree.

Am I eligible to apply?

If you're ...



1. a citizen of a developing Commonwealth country

2. a holder of a first degree at a minimum level of upper second-class

3. a holder of an unconditional offer to study one of the CSS courses

4. certified as sufficiently fluent in English for your chosen course

4. not currently studying or living in a developed country

5. not formerly studied for at least a year in a developed country

6. unable to afford the UK study

7. sure to return to home country after studies

... then you're eligible

back to Questions ̂ | back to Top ^

I meet all eligibility criteria but one. Can I still apply?

The CSS is highly competitive attracting far many more qualified applications than the available

slots. So if you're not eligible, you need not apply. Also schools that preselect candidates already

check for eligibility before inviting students to apply.

Which schools are involved in the CSS?

A list of partner schools are given in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship prospectus found in

http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/apply/shared-scholarships/info-candidates/

Which course can I study under the CSS?

Courses for which there is CSS sponsorship in partner schools can be found in the scholarship

prospectus.

My desired course is not listed. What should I do?

Explore other funding options available for your desired course. Or change course.

Can I make more than one application?

Yes. If you've received offers of admission for different supported courses, then you may make

separate CSS applications for them. However you're allowed to pick only one of them in case you

end up with multiple CSS award offers.


http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/apply/shared-scholarships/




How do I apply?

1. Logon to the CSC's Electronic Application System

at: https://csc.do-it-online.org.uk/csc/CSC_AppPortal.ofml

2. Sign in using the details provided by your school; or firstly create an account, and then sign in.

3. Start an application

4. Supply all required details including personal statements.

5. Make changes; save progress and return to it later if necessary.

6. Submit application.

What documents do I need to present for the application?

You're not required to upload or send any document for the application. This is because you must

have presented all pertinent documents to your school already while applying for your course of

study.

How many referees do I need for the application?

None.

What deadline(s) do I need to consider?

While the CSC has a single deadline for all schools to submit their nominations (usually end of

April), each school also has a deadline for its candidates to complete their applications at the CSC

website. These two deadlines should not be confused with each other as the latter can only be on or

before the former.

Deadlines for different schools can be found in the CSS prospectus. (Note that an admission offer

precedes everything else. So it's necessary to apply for admission into a chosen programme well

beforehand)

Are there preferences in gender or race?

The CSS is an 'equal opportunity' scholarship. So there are no restrictions based on gender, race,

physical disability or other such factors.

However in the bid to promote social inclusion for women in developing countries through

education; as well as to encourage women in contributing intellectually towards global development,

there may be deliberate efforts to ensure that the scholarship's demographics are balanced across

genders. Such balancing efforts may also apply in cases of other factors.




Who determines the final outcome of my application?

The CSC.

What factors give one the upper hand?

Meeting all the eligibility criteria is primary. Next to that, is that your applications for both the

chosen course as well as for the scholarship, need to coherently define you as the most suitable

candidate - the candidate who is passionate about using the skills gathered from the Masters

programme for the development of home country. You must be articulate in all essays. Draw

attention to your potentials where possible and showcase your short/long term plans in the best light.


Can I still make changes to the submitted application?

After submitting an application, it goes into the custody of the school. At this point, you will not be

able to make further changes (except maybe contact details like phone number, email address and

few others ...I don't fully remember)

It is best not to submit in a hurry. Be sure to review your application as thoroughly as necessary

before submitting. All applications submitted before the deadline will be equally considered. There

is no "first-come-first-served"

How do I check the status of my application?

The status of your application may change twice: from when it's still in progress (with you) to when

it's lodged with the school; and from when lodged with school to when with the CSC.

These changes can be tracked by logging into your account at the CSC website and viewing the

status of your application.

When will I know if I'm successful?

When you receive an award confirmation letter from the CSC.

If I'm not contacted, what happens?

It is very unlikely that you will be left in the dark, as schools always endeavour to update their

candidates via email. So whether you're nominated or not, you will be contacted. However if by a

week after the CSC's deadline for schools submissions, you've not been contacted, then send an

enquiry to the school about your CSS application.



Is there room for Substitutes in schools nominations?

Schools normally have primary nominees as well as an equal number of substitutes (for exigencies

where primary nominees do not make it to the end). Within a week after schools send their

nominations to the CSC, the school will contact nominees in both categories (primary or substitute)

informing them about their nomination, the category they belong to, as well as what to expect going

forward.

Afterwards primary nominees will hear from their schools latest July. Those nominated as

substitutes may or may not hear anything.


Can I make an appeal for reconsideration?

You need not because it won't be entertained.

What other options do I have?

Search for other funding opportunities available for your course of study.

Can I apply the following year?

Yes; you can.


My school has nominated me. Is the award now certain?

The award is not certain until you have received a hardcopy of the "Award Confirmation Letter".

This will be sent to you after you have satisfactorily completed and returned the enrolment forms to

the CSC.

When will I hear from the CSC?

If your nomination is okayed by the CSC, firstly expect to receive an email from your school having

certain attached forms which I like to refer to as the 'enrolment forms'. This email should come latest

in July (most likely June).

Complete and return the forms as instructed.

If you do these, then before the end of about three weeks after you have returned the forms, you'll be

contacted by the CSC.



If I still don't hear from the CSC, what should I do?

Be sure to have waited sufficiently. Then contact your school.

I'm on the substitute list. What happens now?

Carry on with your plans without any scholarship expectation. The closer your school resumption

date draws, the less likely you are to substitute anyone. But if you eventually get to substitute

someone, thumbs up.

Who in my school should I contact if I have concerns?

The person or office from which the email that brought your nomination notice came.


What are the enrolment forms?

Enrolment forms are three namely: Acceptance Form; Medical Report Form and Data Processing

Form.

These forms are used by the CSC to officially document you as a CSS scholar. You'll both append

your signature to all of them as well as affix your passport photograph to one of them (medical

report form).

When should I return them?

As soon as possible!

The CSS Award Confirmation Letter which is both essential for your visa (if you need one), as well

as for your school to begin making arrangements for you, will not be sent until the CSC has received

the properly completed enrolment forms from you. So the earlier, the better.

Can I email the completed forms?

Yes, you can. In fact, the email sent to you should indicate that 'email' is the preferred medium for

returning the completed forms to a named contact at the CSC. So you don't need to send the forms in

hardcopy to the CSC's London office as indicated on the forms.

The enrolment forms are in PDF format. How then do I fill them?

Simply print them out; complete in ink; and scan (back) to computer.

Some people prefer to complete the forms with a computer (i.e without printing) by using



annotation tools, and/or by converting to another file format like .doc, which supports editing.

The method of completing the forms depends largely on you. But the most important thing is that

the completed forms must be ready as soft documents (preferably in PDF format) upon completion.

Should the medical report form be returned separately by doctor?

Not necessarily. After the medical report form has been duly completed by both you and the medical

doctor, you should send a soft-copy of it alongside the two other completed forms to the CSC.

In my opinion, sending the three documents altogether using your own email account is not only

acceptable to the CSC, but also precludes the possibility of mixups and confusion.

What if I have multiple nominations: Should I return all forms?

No. If you have been offered the CSS in more than one instance, then you need to decide at this point,

which course you're really going to pursue.

Fill only one of the multiple enrolment forms you've received and indicate this chosen course

therein.

If you accept offers for multiple courses, the CSC will only reckon with the first completed forms

they get from you.

Will I get an acknowledgement after returning the forms?

Owing to the large number of candidates, the CSC is unable to enter into correspondence with each

candidate at this point. So the CSC won't particularly send you an acknowledgement upon receiving

your forms.

However if you have unsatisfactorily filled a form, you may be contacted. This will attract some

delay: so it's better you do it right the first time.

What happens next?

Before the end of three weeks after you have returned your well completed enrolment forms, you'll

receive an email from the CSC notifying you of the dispatch of your Award Confirmation Letter.

Ideally, this is the first email you receive from the CSC.


What is the Confirmation of Award?

This is an official document that certifies that you have been awarded the Commonwealth Shared

Scholarship. It gives details of the course you're being sponsored for, the sharing structure between

your school and the CSC, information about visa application amid others.



How will the Confirmation of Award be sent to me?

It will be mailed in a parcel (envelope) to you at the contact address you supplied in the data

processing form.

There should be three leaves in this parcel. One is the Award Confirmation Letter, also referred to as

'Confirmation of Award'. This is the most important of the trio. Second is what I call a 'Personal

Note' by the chair of the CSC. The third is a flyer that sheds light on the Commonwealth scholars

community, activities and events, as well as where to visit for more information.

What do I need the Confirmation of Award for?

You need it as an evidence of your sponsorship during visa application, and perhaps during your

travel, or course registration or in any other case.

You also need it for the information it provides.

What if I don't get the parcel?

The email notifying you of the dispatch of your award confirmation will also ask you not to hesitate

to contact the sender, in case you do not receive the parcel by a certain date (most likely two weeks

later).

Simply go by this message if you don't get the parcel by the specified date, and a new copy will be

sent to you via a private courier service (likely DHL).

Emails pertaining to the resending action will soon arrive your inbox from both the CSC and the

courier service company.

Do I need to send a copy to my school?

No, you don't. The CSC already furnishes schools with copies of the Award Confirmation for their

CSS students.


Will the scholarship cover my Tuberculosis test if I'm required to undergo it?

No. It won't.

What's the appropriate time for taking a TB test?

If the CSS award is your only hope for undertaking the masters programme, then ideally the TB test

should be taken when you're certain about your award. Speaking more broadly, (whether CSS or



not), the test should be taken when you're certain that, if granted visa, you'll travel for the masters

programme.

However, note that the TB test result is only valid for six months and this should advisably jut into

your studies by a one month minimum.

Does my CAS need to be updated so as to reflect my award?

For the apparent coherence of all your documents, it may be nice to have your CAS updated to

reflect your award. This formally shows that your school acknowledges that your tuition is taken

care of already. In fact, some schools will automatically provide you with an updated CAS, while for

others, you may need to send a request to that effect. (Note that the school must have received a

copy of your confirmation of award for this update top be possible.)

However, if the CAS is not updated, it still shouldn't matter because the CSS Award can be verified

by the UK Visas and Immigration or any other authority without necessarily using the CAS.

Do I need a bank statement of account?

No, you don't. For visa application, the Award Confirmation Letter is all you need to present as

evidence of funding.

How much will I pay for visa application?

Nought.


https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa


What category of the tier 4 visa should I select from the dropdown list?

PBS Tier 4 Student;

Visa Sub type: Tier 4 (Scholarship) Student.

The above selection ensures that you do not pay a visa application fee

Has my tuition been paid yet?

Yes. And when asked how much, state the full amount for your tuition.



Do I have accommodation arrangement already?

As far as the current time is concerned, No.

Has any part of my accommodation fees been paid yet?

No.

What is 'maintenance fees'?

Maintenance fees, also called 'living expenses', is the money needed to cover your personal

spendings while studying in the UK. It includes the cost of your accommodation, local

transportation, feeding, books and others.

Every year, the UK government specifies a value for maintenance fees in two categories - those

studying within the London boroughs, and those studying outside those boroughs. These set values

are found

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/343718/T4_Guidan

ce_08-14.pdf .

How much money do I need as maintenance fees?

The value set by the UK government for your year of study multiplied by the duration of your

programme.

For example, the maintenance fees for a 12-calendar-months masters in in the 2014/15 session in a

school outside the London Boroughs is £948 × 12 ( =£11,376).

(Note: '£948 per month' is the government set value as stated in the Policy Guidance Document for

student visa)

How much money do I have as maintenance fees?

The monthly allowance stated in your Award Confirmation Letter × 12

How much in total is my sponsor paying?

Your Tuition + Your Maintenance Fees.

These two constitute the primary concern of the UKVI ( UK Visas and Immigration). You need not

add any other.




Will the visa be certainly granted?

Many factors outside official sponsorship affect the outcome of visa application. So the scholarship

does not make your getting a visa certain.

However it does help you in claiming points for your point-based visa application process.

How long does it take to get a feedback?

Three weeks should be the maximum turnaround time.

What happens if I'm denied visa?

Inform your school about it. And you may also ask for further guidance.

If I'm granted, what should I do?

By now, you know whom in your school to contact with respect to your CSS award. So go ahead and

report. The earlier you do this, the earlier you are ready for travel arrangements.


Who is responsible for my travel arrangement?

Your school.

How will my travel arrangement be made?

Simply ensure you pass across the good news of your visa grant on time to your school. Not very

long after, you'll hear from them about your travel arrangement.

Firstly, you'll be asked to confirm your traveling details. That is: information on the data page of

your international passport, your departure airport, and any other relevant information.

Next expect to receive (most likely as an email attachment) a copy of your flight

booking/reservation, or what you sometimes call "ticket".

After how long will I be sent my travel ticket?

Well, it all depends on your school. Airfares typically go up as the travel date draws nearer. So it's

nice to make bookings well in advance. Your school is conscious of this fact, and will therefore get

your ticket ready as soon as it is possible.

Can I decide my departure date?



Usually schools will get their CSS scholars coming into the UK on the eve of their course

registration days, but no earlier.

Also you shouldn't expect to be asked for a departure date because it is selected at the schools

discretion.

However if you do have a preferred date due to circumstantial reasons, you must pitch this with your

school before it is too late. There may be consideration given to you.

Can I specify a preferred airline, or a particular flight?

This is done at the school's discretion. You may however pitch your preference with the school and

see if it will be entertained.

Can I travel with someone else?

Absolutely Yes! Only that your CSS award, and travel arrangement reckon with you alone. So your

travel companion must be catered for independently.

How much luggage can I travel with?

As much as is not considered 'excess' by the airline you're booked to fly.


Where will I be accommodated upon arrival?

That depends on you. You're responsible for deciding on where you like to stay upon arriving the

UK. However, if applicable the school might give a helping hand by making a reservation for you in

their hostel facilities (perhaps at a subsidized rate). If you're interested in this, simply tag along.

(You'll pay for it later though). And if not, ensure there's an independent concrete arrangement you

have made for your accommodation.

How much pocket change do I need to travel with?

Due to factors like student registration, bank account opening, finance department procedures, and

others which may delay your being paid a stipend by as much as two weeks or even a month, it is

advisable to travel with pocket change deemed sufficient to last at least for a month.

When will I be given an arrival allowance?

A special "arrival allowance" different from the monthly stipends may apply in some schools

(definitely not all) so as to assist scholars in settling in quickly and conveniently for their studies.

However usually no payment is made until processes like student registration, school's authorisation,



and bank account opening have been concluded.

The time taken for these varies from school to school, but a two-week average may be considered.

Do I need to have a UK bank account?

Usually payments will made to you via electronic transfers. So you'll need to have a UK bank

account to receive these payments.

Opening one is not that difficult though: all you need is go to any bank of your choice with a valid

means of identification (travel passport, UK drivers licence etc. but not a student ID card), together

with a letter from your school introducing you as it's student while also furnishing the addressee

with few other details. Banks officials are usually in campuses on first days of registration to

expedite the account opening process for new students.

It's my first time in the UK. Where can I get useful tips?

ukcisa.org.uk,

savethestudent.org,

thestudentroom.co.uk,

educationuk.org,

britishcouncil.org,

folks with experience;

... and many others.


Can I elect to be accommodated my own way?

Sure. Matter of fact: it's your responsibility to choose where you want to live.

What are the special considerations given to CSS scholars?

These vary from school to school. An automatic accommodation offer may be one of them (you'll

pay for your accommodation though).

Subsidies that are demonstrably supportive to the CSS objectives may also apply. For instance,

when participating in a school-organised seminar that borders on international development, a CSS

scholar in that school may get free admittance.

Also in a case of the health breakdown of a CSS scholar, the CSC could be supportive.

What conditions are required for my continued eligibility for the scholarship?

Abiding by all rules and regulations pertaining to the scholarship offer, to your school, and to the



UK territory.


Can I work part-time?

The full-time curriculum in schools is not designed to allow students work-part-time. Also the

sponsors of CSS believe that the provisions made for scholars is sufficient to sustain them

economically throughout their studies. For these reasons, CSS scholars are not allowed to take up

any employment except with consent from the authorities.

What social class will I belong to if the CSS allowance is all I get?

The scholarship makes you comfortable during your masters by providing you with the basic

financial support necessary for successful studies. This certainly is a "dream-come-true" for many.

As a matter of fact, the monthly allowance you get is not only able to cater for your modestly

arranged accommodation, but also also for decent meals on each day of the month. Some CSS

scholars, being more frugal than others are also able to make smart savings off their allowances,

later using these savings for special personal purposes. So the CSS is certainly a great mainstay.

However, having said that, I do not expect you to have an unduly bloated expectation: the allowance

is just commensurate with what may be accurately described as the "economy class".

What is the CSC Evaluation survey all about?

It's a continual effort by the CSS sponsors to maintain a high standard, improve performance and

appraise the impact of the scholarship scheme.


How can I connect with other scholars?

LinkedIn: http://linkd.in/commonwealthscholarships

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commonwealthscholarships

Twitter: http://twitter.com/commschols

Flicker: http://www.flickr.com/cscuk

Where can I catch up on alumni?

http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/alumni/

commonwealth shared scholarship: a beneficiary's insight

Documents