|
|
 |
|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
|
 |
|
|
|
QUESTIONS ABOUT COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP PLAN |
|
|
 |
|
What is the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)? |
|
|
The Commonwealth Scholarship/Fellowships Plan UK are 55 annual Scholarships and up to 70 Fellowships for Indian academic staff.
You can get awarded a Scholarship in specific subjects, but you must be studying for either:
- a one-year Master's
- a three-year PhD
- or a one-year Clinical Training Award.
As the Scholarships are for postgraduate study or research, you must have a university degree or equivalent qualification. If there are no undergraduate courses in a particular subject in your own country or regional university, you can sometimes apply to do a first degree course under this scheme.
With Academic Fellowships, you are meant to be a staff member of an Indian university (in specific subjects) and be nominated by the executive head of the university you work full time at. |
|
|
|
What these Scholarships cover |
|
|
Most of these Scholarships cover:
- cost of travel
- tuition fees
- living expenses.
In some cases, you may also get an allowance for books and clothes or living costs for your spouse. |
|
|
For these Scholarships, the selection is carried out by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Department of Education, Government of India. The Association of Commonwealth Universities, London, makes the final selection on the basis of the nominations sent by the MHRD.
To be selected for a Scholarship, you'll need to:
- be a resident of India
- make an application (at least one-year before the course starts)
- get on the shortlist
- go for a personal interview in New Delhi (they're usually held in November/December).
Every year, the MHRD advertises these scholarships in July or August for the next academic year. Deadlines do vary, so you'll need to double-check when the deadline falls before you apply. |
|
|
|
Academic Fellowship selection |
|
|
For Academic Fellowships on the other hand, selection is carried out in India by University Grants Commission (UGC). The Association of Commonwealth Universities. (ACU), London, will make the final selection on the basis of the nominations sent by the UGC.
To be selected for an Academic Fellowship you'll need to:
- be a resident of India
- be nominated by an executive head of a university you work full time at
- make an application (at least one year before the academic year starts)
- get on the shortlist
- go for a personal interview in New Delhi (they're usually held in November/December).
Every year, the UGC sends circulars to all universities in July or August for nominations for the next academic year. Deadlines do vary, so you'll need to double-check the deadline falls with your respective executive heads before you apply.
Some tips
- do not write to the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) in London as they cannot allocate individual scholarships
- contact the Commonwealth Scholarship Agency in your own country
- if you are already in the UK, contact the ACU ( for general information about the scheme (it cannot issue application forms).
For more information on Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, visit the Department of Education
|
|
|
|
Can I arrange for my own tickets under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan? |
|
|
Yes, you can arrange your own ticket.
However, before you buy a ticket to the UK ask your local British Council office for a fare quoteWhen you buy your ticket, make sure that's priced within the quote and get a receipt from your travel agent to show the amount you have spent. |
|
|
|
Can I postpone my course under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan in case of
an emergency? |
|
|
Not under normal circumstances.
However, if your emergency was unavoidable write to your course co-ordinator or award administrator in the British Council office in Manchester to let them know your change of plans. You'll also need to ask them if there are any other people that need to informed.
If your case is accepted for extension of stay in the UK, you will be informed. |
|
|
|
