Applications are now open for the CSC Mentoring Programme 2026-27, offering Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni the opportunity to connect, share knowledge and skills, build professional networks, and support development impact.

The CSC’s Mentoring Programme connects Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni to support knowledge and skills development, and provide practical tools to support Scholars in achieving development impact.

Why Take Part in the CSC Mentoring Programme?

Commonwealth Scholars will have the opportunity to learn from an experienced Commonwealth Alumnus, and gain valuable insights, personalised guidance, and practical advice to help maximise their development impact.

Mentees will also be able to build professional connections, receive support in adapting to life and study in the UK, and develop their professional confidence for future career opportunities.

Commonwealth Alumni play a key role in shaping a new Scholar’s journey and future impact. As Mentors, they will provide advice on developing new skills and knowledge and applying this learning to drive development impact after the scholarship.

The programme offers a rewarding opportunity for Mentors to enhance their mentoring and leadership skills, expand their networks, and share their expertise and experiences within the wider CSC community.

The Mentoring Programme runs for one year from December 2026 until December 2027, with sessions taking place online.

How to Apply for the CSC Mentoring Programme 2026-27

All eligible Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni will receive full information about the programme and how to apply in September 2026.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is 23:59 (BST) on Sunday 11 October 2026.

You can find out more about the opportunity and read testimonials from previous participants on the CSC Mentoring Programme page.

For more information about the eligibility criteria, please read the CSC Mentoring Programme – FAQs.

If you have any questions about the CSC Mentoring Programme, or how to apply, please contact alumni@cscuk.org.uk for more information.

CSC Mentoring Programme

The Mentoring Programme enables Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni to connect and inspire each other to create real-world impact.

By matching new Scholars with experienced Alumni working in fields relevant to their studies, the programme offers a unique opportunity for one-on-one guidance and practical insight, helping scholars turn academic knowledge into meaningful action after their Scholarship.

How Does the Programme Work?

Applications open in August each year, with the programme running from the following January – December (one year cycle).

Successful applicants are matched with a Mentor or Mentee whose background and aspirations closely align with their own, ensuring a personalised experience.

Your mentoring partnership will progress through five stages, each designed to help you achieve key milestones and make the most of your time together. You’ll be supported throughout the year with programme handbooks, regular communications, and skills development resources, giving you the tools to succeed at every stage.

To help you get started and build a productive mentoring partnership, you will be invited to join online information sessions at the beginning of the programme. There’ll also be lively virtual meet-ups where you can connect with other Mentees and Mentors, share your experiences, and build best practice.

Who Can Join the CSC Mentoring Programme?

Commonwealth Master’s and Doctoral Scholars

Become a Mentee and unlock the chance to turn your academic achievements into real-world impact. Through personalised guidance from a Commonwealth Alumnus, you’ll learn how to translate your skills and knowledge into tangible development outcomes back home and gain invaluable insights on navigating life and studies in the UK.

As a Mentee, you’ll receive tailored support to help you excel both academically and professionally, with advice on everything from adapting to a new culture to building the employability skills that will set you apart after your Scholarship.

Commonwealth Alumni

By becoming a Mentor, you’ll play a crucial role in guiding and inspiring the next generation of Scholars, helping them to develop the skills and confidence needed to create meaningful change in their home countries and fields.

As a Mentor, you’ll have the rewarding opportunity to share your knowledge and offer practical advice, supporting a Scholar as they navigate their studies and future career. You’ll also expand your own skillset, enhancing your leadership, communication, and mentoring abilities.

You will receive information via email when applications open. If you have any questions, you can read our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact alumni@cscuk.org.uk.

Why Should I Take Part?

To find out what inspired previous Mentors and Mentees to join the programme, read the testimonials below.

“The Mentoring Programme exceeded my expectations in most areas, particularly in understanding how to apply my studies for development impact and learning from my Mentor’s expertise as a Commonwealth Scholar. My Mentor provided invaluable insights into practical applications of my field, helping me align my academic goals with real-world challenges. My Mentor also offered excellent professional development advice, which has been instrumental in shaping my career plans. While the advice on living and studying in the UK was helpful, it aligned closely with what I had anticipated. Overall, the programme has been a transformative experience.”

2023 Mentee from India

Commonwealth Alumni who have significant professional experience post-Scholarship can volunteer to become a Mentor.

As a Mentor, you will have the opportunity to share your expertise to support a new Scholar in developing appropriate skills and knowledge to achieve development impact post-Scholarship and provide advice on how these skills can applied in their home country or home country region. Through the programme, you will develop mentoring and professional skills, such as leadership, communication, and knowledge-sharing.

Image of Commonwealth Scholars discussing

“The CSC Mentoring Programme provided a well-structured platform for personal and professional growth, offering both the resources and guidance necessary to foster meaningful Mentor-Mentee relationships. The programme enabled me to enhance my mentoring skills, while also giving me the opportunity to make a positive impact on my Mentee’s academic, professional, and social development. The collaborative aspect was particularly rewarding, as it allowed me to share knowledge and learn from my Mentee’s fresh perspectives. I feel that the programme successfully met its objectives, and I would recommend it to fellow Alumni seeking to develop as Mentors.”

2023 Mentor from Pakistan

How Does the Programme Work?

Applications open in September 2025 and pairings will be announced in November 2025. The programme runs for one year from December 2025 to December 2026.

Image of Commonwealth Scholars discussing

Successful applicants are matched in a one-to-one mentoring pairing based on their application responses.

The programme consists of 5 stages, which help guide pairs through important milestones to achieve their goals for the programme. Mentees and Mentors will have access to resources including programme handbooks and a range of skills development resources. All participants will have the opportunity to attend virtual information sessions at the start of the programme and virtual meet-up sessions to connect with fellow Mentees and Mentors and share best practice.

How Can I Apply?

All eligible Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni will receive full information about the programme and how to apply in September 2024. You can find out more about the by reading Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

If you have any questions about the programme, contact the CSC Alumni Team at alumni@cscuk.org.uk.

CSC Mentoring Programme Eligibility

Who Can Apply to Take Part in the Programme?

Mentees

• All 2026 Commonwealth Scholars studying in the UK
• Continuing PhD Scholars

Mentors

• All Commonwealth Alumni who have studied in the UK and have at least one year post-Scholarship
• Current Mentors may apply to take part for another year

What Does It Mean If I Apply and Am Not Paired?

There are a greater number of eligible Commonwealth Alumni than incoming Scholars. This typically means the programme receives more applications for Mentors than Mentees and as such, not all Mentor applications can be paired.

Pairings are made based on application responses across a number of areas, including: pairing country preference; Mentor and Mentee subject and/or field of study; topic area; key words; motivations for becoming a Mentor/Mentee; and the professional experience of a Mentor.

Will I Receive Feedback on My Application?

We are unable to provide feedback on individual applications. We encourage all unsuccessful applicants to apply to the programme in future, or submit a request to volunteer for any similar opportunities by contacting the CSC Alumni Team at alumni@cscuk.org.uk.

About the CSC Mentoring Programme Pairing

Will I Have the Same Mentor/Mentee Throughout the Programme?

Yes, you will have the same Mentor/Mentee for the duration of the year-long cycle.

Will I Be Paired With a Mentor/Mentee From the Same Subject Area?

Pairings are based on a range of factors, including home-country or cross-country pairing preference, subject and/or field of study, topic area, key words, motivations for joining the programme, and the Mentor’s professional experience.

While subject area and field of study are considered, they are not the primary criteria for pairing. The CSC aims to create pairings that support meaningful knowledge-sharing, professional development, and mentoring relationships.

Where possible, applicants will be matched using the information provided in their applications. However, direct matches, where a Mentor and Mentee studied the same subject or attended the same institution, are uncommon and are not the primary aim of the programme.

Are All Pairings Successful?

During the programme, there is the possibility that not all pairings will continue for the full duration of the programme. In these situations, the Alumni Team will terminate the pairing. Reasons for unsuccessful pairings vary and some are outlined below:

• Mentor/Mentee has not submitted their agreement form confirming participation
• Mentor/Mentee is unable to continue due to personal, professional, or other unforeseen commitments
• Mentor/Mentee mutually agree that the pairing is not suitable

The CSC cannot guarantee an alternative pairing if a mentoring pairing ends early. However, participants are encouraged to seek out alternative means of support through CSC activities.

What Should a Mentor/Mentee Do If There Is a Disagreement?

You should refer to the section on constructive feedback in Mentoring Programme Handbooks available on the CSC website. The information on constructive feedback will support pairs in having healthy and positive mentoring conversations.

If you still have any concerns about how to go about this or are unable to reconcile differences, please contact alumni@cscuk.org.uk.

Can a Mentor Engage a Third Person or Expert to Help Their Mentee Regarding a Specific Need?

The CSC Mentoring Programme is based on a one-to-one relationship between a Mentor and Mentee. However, where appropriate, a Mentor may recommend or facilitate contact with a third party who can provide specialist advice or expertise relevant to the Mentee’s needs.

Before introducing a third party, the Mentor must obtain the consent of both individuals and must not share any personal information, including names or contact details, without their prior agreement.

Can Mentors Proof-Read Essays?

Mentors can provide guidance, look at sections of work, but should not edit whole chapters or essays, as this is not the purpose of a Mentor.

If a Mentee Goes to the Same University as Their Mentor, and Is Doing a Similar Course, Can They Share Notes or Past Exams Papers?

This practice can be frowned upon in some UK institutions. Mentees should contact their course coordinator if they wish to view or access these materials.

Meeting Your Mentor/Mentee

Who Should Initiate the First Introduction?

The Mentor should make the first contact by email and introduce themselves to their Mentee. This initial introduction helps establish the mentoring relationship, set expectations, and begin planning future communication.

You can read guidance on the type of information to share in initial communications in the Mentoring Programme Handbooks.

Is a Physical Meeting Between Mentors and Mentees Allowed?

The CSC Mentoring Programme is designed primarily as a virtual programme, as Mentors and Mentees are often based in different countries during the Scholarship period.

If a Mentor and Mentee happen to be in the same location and both wish to meet in person, they may do so at their own discretion. Any in-person meeting should be arranged by mutual agreement, take place in a safe and appropriate setting, and comply with any relevant local guidance or regulations (for instance, COVID regulations).

Neither Mentor nor Mentee should feel obligated to meet in person, and either party may decline such a meeting if they are uncomfortable doing so.

What Is the Minimum Commitment to Meet Every Month?

The minimum commitment of engagement is two hours every month. You can organise this time in whatever way works best for your goals and time commitments.

Can I Meet With My Mentor/Mentee More Than 2 Hours in a Month?

Yes, you can. You will both need to agree meetings and time commitments.

What If I Do Not Hear From My Mentor/Mentee?

When contacting your Mentor/Mentee, keep in mind that they may have reasons to not respond immediately. The reasons could include important work/study deadlines, travel, illness, or other personal reasons. Always provide a sufficient deadline for them to respond by and if you still fail to hear back, notify the CSC Alumni Team at alumni@cscuk.org.uk.

CSC Mentoring Programme Goal Setting

What Type of Goals Can I Set?

It is important to set clear goals at the start of the cycle so you know what support your Mentor/Mentee needs to provide, and you understand what you can ask them about. Goals may relate to academic, professional, and personal growth. Please refer to the SMART goals framework in the Mentoring Programme Handbooks.

Should Mentors Set Goals?

Yes. The CSC Mentoring Programme is a two-way learning experience, and Mentors are encouraged to set goals for their own development, as well as support their Mentee in achieving theirs.

As a Mentor, consider what you hope to gain from the experience, the skills you would like to develop, and what you would like to learn from your Mentee.

Examples of Mentor goals include: developing mentorking, leadership and professional skills, building meaningful connections, expanding knowledge of a different sector, country, or professional context, building meaningful connections within the Commonwealth community.

Please refer to the SMART goals framework in the Mentoring Programme Handbooks.

After the CSC Mentoring Programme

Will I Get a Certificate for Participating in the Programme?

Participants who complete the full mentoring cycle and complete the final feedback survey will receive a certificate confirming their participation.

Can Mentors and Mentees Stay in Touch After the Programme?

We encourage Mentors and Mentees to discuss whether they would like to keep in contact following the end of the formal programme and you should discuss this during the final stage. It is important to remember that the dynamics of this relationship may be different post-programme.

Apply for the CSC Mentoring Programme 2026-27

The CSC Mentoring Programme 2026-27 provides Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni with an opportunity to build meaningful professional connections, exchange knowledge, strengthen mentoring and leadership skills, and support development impact.

The application deadline is 23:59 (BST) on Sunday 11 October 2026.

For further information, visit the CSC Mentoring Programme page and read the CSC Mentoring Programme – FAQs.

For questions about the programme or how to apply, contact alumni@cscuk.org.uk.