Scholarship details
The Commonwealth Scholarships for Sierra Leone Students are available for students to pursue a Master’s program at the University of Oxford, for the 2022 academic session. Only eligible individuals will be considered for this program.
The scholarship is fully sponsored by the UK government. This helps Sierra Leone students to achieve their dreams educationally. Applicants must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria to avoid disqualification.
Just take your time and go through this article, the PickAScholarship has arranged all the details you need to be an applicant for the Common Wealth Scholarship.
What you need to know about the Commonwealth Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme is a joint initiative between the UK Department for International Development (DFID) to support students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK.
Commonwealth Scholarships are intended for students from developing Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue Masters and Ph.D. studies. study in the UK.
These scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID). Each scholarship provides airfare to and from the UK, tuition and exam fees, personal maintenance allowance, thesis allowance (if applicable), and an initial arrival allowance, among others.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) awards over 800 scholarships and scholarships for postgraduate study and professional development to Commonwealth citizens each year.
CSC’s aim is to contribute to the UK’s international development goals and to broader interests abroad, support excellence in UK higher education, and uphold Commonwealth principles. Candidates are selected based on merit and their potential to contribute to the needs of their home countries.
Level/field of study:
Scholarships are available to pursue a Master’s program in any field of study.
Host Nationality:
The scholarship is hosted at the University of Oxford UK.
Eligible Nationality:
The scholarship is open to international students from Sierra Leone.
Scholarship Benefits:
These opportunities are valued including course costs, university fees and a living costs grant of at least £12,780.
Scholarship Number:
The number of offers is not specified.
Eligibility for Commonwealth Scholarships for Sierra Leone Students
The following criteria must be met for applicants to be eligible for the Commonwealth Scholarships for Sierra Leone Students:
- Have a first degree at the first class level or above second class;
- Be citizens of Sierra Leone and not currently living or studying in a developed country;
- Not having completed studies lasting one year or more in a developed country;
- Being able to confirm in writing that neither they nor their families can pay for them to study in the UK.
- Be willing to return to your home country as soon as your award ends (Applications to extend leave to remain in the UK after the award will only be considered by the Commission for those wishing to progress from Masters to Ph.D. study and strict conditions will apply).
Application Procedure:
To be considered for the Commonwealth Scholarships for Sierra Leone students, please submit your application for postgraduate studies before the relevant January deadline (8 or 19 January depending on your course). If you meet the initial eligibility criteria, you will also be required to complete an application form produced by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
A notice will be posted on the scholarship website once successful candidates have been notified.
You can start the application by clicking on Online Application and get more details by clicking on the Scholarship Link.
Deadline for application:
Currently, the Commonwealth Scholarships for Sierra Leone students are not available, but we will keep you informed about the new date.
What are the basic things I need to know before applying for a UK student visa in Sierra Leone?
The Tier 4 – Student (Adult) Visa is for students who intend to undertake any type of post-16 education at a UK institution on a full-time course. The Tier 4 – Student (Adult) visa is flexible and allows students to participate in short- and long-term courses of at least 6 months duration.
To qualify, students must have a confirmed offer of enrollment from an authorized education provider (sponsor), be able to support and accommodate (or be supported and accommodated by a host) while studying, and demonstrate that they can afford their course fees.
Tier 4 – Basic Student (Adult) Visa Requirements
The UK Home Office has set out specific requirements that all applicants must meet to apply for a student visa in Tier 4 (Adult) category.
Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have been accepted to a recognized course of study at an approved UK institution, licensed by the UK Home Office.
Applicants will also need to provide evidence that they have sufficient funds (maintenance) available to support themselves while in the UK without having to work, apart from the part-time work and holidays allowed for adult students.
Tier 4 – Student Visa Rights (Adult)
Successful applicants will be granted a visa according to the length of their initial course of study.
The Tier 4 – Student (Adult) Visa offers the student the benefit of developing an educational base in the UK whilst being allowed to work between 10 to 20 per week during term periods depending on the course of study. Tier 4 – Student (Adult) visa holders are allowed to work full-time during holiday periods without seeking additional permission from UK Head Office.
In some cases, postgraduate students may be able to switch to a work visa category which could lead to a UK settlement.
How do I apply for and get a UK study visa in Sierra Leone?
To apply for a UK visa in Sierra Leone you need:
Apply online and follow the instructions to:
- pay your fee
- book your appointment
You have the option to pay your fee online using a credit card when you apply. Alternatively, you can make the payment in cash when you attend your appointment at the visa application center.
Your appointment will be at the British Embassy in Freetown – here you will:
- submit your application form and supporting documents
- have your photo and fingerprints (known as ‘biometric information) taken
British High Commission Freetown
6 Spur Road Freetown
Freetown
Sierra Leone
- Email: [email protected]
- General inquiries: +232 (0) 78200190
- Consular inquiries: +232 (0) 99 801 or +493 (44) 0 1908 516
- General Consular Inquiries Email: [email protected]
- Access and opening hours.
