It would help if you know what it takes to be selected as a winner for the commonwealth scholarship; common mistakes students’ makes and how to avoid them.

Fortunately, the organizers of the commonwealth scholarship program provide a detailed feedback for unsuccessful candidates, based on past experience, so that new applicants can get a glimpse at the nature of the rigorous selection process involved.

Below is a summary of the reasons why many of the applications received do not pass through to the next stage.

1. All of the CSC scholarship and fellowship schemes are highly competitive. On average only some 1.5% of the original applications submitted to the nominating agencies are successful. Only outstanding candidates are likely to be successful.
2. The selection committee assesses applications using three key criteria (academic merit, impact of the work on development, and study/research plan), and considers all of the information provided on the application form.
3. The CSC aims to make decisions on who receives a scholarship or fellowship purely on the basis of the information provided in applications.
4. Successful applicants are those with the highest academic grades. Many have a first-class honours undergraduate degree and a Distinction for their Master’s degree. Applicants with upper second-class undergraduate degrees or a Pass at Master’s level do indeed receive Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships, but all candidates must recognise that they are highly competitive in terms of academic quality.
5. It is important for candidates to identify referees who will provide references that are detailed enough and contain sufficient information to be evaluated.
6. Candidates are strongly encouraged to ensure that full supporting documentation is provided at the time of application.
7. The selection committee places great emphasis on the case made by an applicant for how their proposed work will have an impact on development when they return home. A mere 50-100 words written in this section is unlikely to be as convincing as a well-crafted argument that uses the full 500 words available.
8. Candidates focusing on how Commonwealth scholarship or fellowship would help them become rich and successful rather than how their work can specifically contribute to development are unlikely to be successful.
9. A fully completed application will be at advantage over a partly completed one.
   

   Commonwealth Scholarship Guard