The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK offers Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), to support talented individuals from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who cannot otherwise afford to study in the UK. These scholarships provide opportunities for full-time Master’s study at UK universities, aiming to equip future leaders and innovators with the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable development, while also strengthening international collaboration and the UK’s commitment to the Commonwealth.

Basic Information about the Commonwealth Graduate Scholarships 2026

The Commonwealth Graduate Scholarships 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship program offered by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This scholarship supports talented and motivated individuals from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree at leading universities in the United Kingdom. The academic session for this scholarship will begin in September/October 2026. The application deadline for both Master’s and PhD scholarships is October 14, 2025. This scholarship aims to empower candidates who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK and equips them with skills required for sustainable development in their home countries.

University and Institution Details

Scholarship recipients are eligible to study at any approved UK university or higher education institution covered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s funding agreements. The universities offering programs under this scholarship are among the best and recognized globally for academic excellence. The final decision regarding the university placement is made by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, considering the course suitability and value for money. Candidates typically list their preferred universities and programs during the application process but should apply independently to these institutions in advance.

Available Study Areas (Programs)

The Commonwealth Graduate Scholarships cater mainly to full-time taught Master’s and doctoral degree programs. The scholarship priorities align with development themes set by the CSC (Commonwealth Scholarship Commission), emphasizing areas crucial for the development of the scholars’ home countries. Available courses span diverse fields, including but not limited to science, technology, health, agriculture, education, and public policy. The scholarship does not fund MBA degrees or parallel studies, focusing instead on single degree courses.

Eligible countries (Masters)

Please note that only candidates from the eligible countries listed below can apply for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.

Bangladesh
Belize*
Botswana
Cameroon
Dominica*
Eswatini
Fiji*
Gabon
The Gambia
Ghana
Grenada*
Guyana*
India
Jamaica*
Kenya
Kiribati*
Lesotho
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives*
Mauritius*
Montserrat
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru*
Nigeria
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea*
Rwanda
Saint Helena
Saint Lucia*
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines*
Samoa*
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands*
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
Togo
Tonga*
Tuvalu*
Uganda
Vanuatu*
Zambia

Eligible Countries (PhD)

Please note that only candidates from the eligible countries listed below can apply for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships.

Bangladesh
Cameroon
The Gambia
Kenya
Kiribati
Lesotho
Malawi
Mozambique
Nigeria
Pakistan
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
Togo
Tuvalu
Uganda
Zambia

Commonwealth Graduate Scholarships Benefits

Masters – Financial Support

• Return airfare (scholar only).
• Full tuition fees.
• Monthly stipend: £1,452 (outside London) / £1,781 (London).
• Warm clothing allowance (if needed).
• Study travel grant (UK or overseas).
• Child allowance for single parents: £622 (first child) + £154 (2nd & 3rd child under 16).
• Additional disability support (if applicable).

PhD – Financial Support

• Return airfare (scholar only).
• Full tuition fees.
• Monthly stipend: £1,452 (outside London) / £1,781 (London).
• Warm clothing allowance (if needed).
• Study travel grant.
• Contribution to fieldwork travel costs.
• Paid mid-term visit to home country (if no spouse/child allowance claimed).
• Family allowances:
  • Spouse: £313/month (up to 9 months).
  • Spouse + children: spouse £313 + child £313 (first child), £154 (2nd & 3rd child under 16).
  • Single parent: £622 (first child) + £154 (2nd & 3rd child under 16).
• Additional disability support (if applicable).

Benefits Not Included

The scholarship does not cover visa application fees, some minor incidental expenses, or costs associated with family members’ travel and stay unless specified (child allowances apply only under specific conditions). It also excludes support for fossil fuel industry-related studies, reflecting the UK’s commitment to sustainable development. Scholars must arrange their accommodation and personal travel aside from study or research-related travel grants.

Eligibility Criteria for the Commonwealth Graduate Scholarships

Masters – Eligibility

• Must be a citizen/refugee/British Protected Person from an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Start studies in the UK by September 2026.
• Hold at least a 2:1 bachelor’s degree, or a 2:2 plus a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually Master’s).
• Must not be able to afford UK study without the scholarship.
• Submit all required documents.
• Disabled applicants with lower academic results may still be considered.

PhD – Eligibility

• Same as Masters: citizen/refugee/British Protected Person + resident of eligible country.
• Start studies in UK by September 2026.
• Hold at least a 2:1 bachelor’s degree, or 2:2 plus relevant Master’s.
• Not already registered for PhD/MPhil leading to PhD in the UK or home country.
• Must not be able to afford UK study without the scholarship.
• No age limit (but check employer leave rules).
• Must return home after studies (cannot switch to UK work visa).

Required Documents for Application

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

• Detailed academic transcripts and certificates.
• Proof of citizenship or refugee status from an eligible country.
• Degree certificates verifying academic qualifications.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) including employment history.
• Personal statement highlighting development impact intentions and leadership experiences.
• Referee reports (minimum two, including one from the current employer if applicable).
• Development impact statement detailing how studies will contribute to home country progress.
• Any additional documents required by the nominating agency or specific program guidelines.

Commonwealth Graduate Scholarships Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm that all eligibility criteria are met before proceeding.
2. Prepare Documents: Collect academic records, references, personal statements, and development impact statements.
3. Apply Online: Submit the application through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s official online application system CSC Central.
4. Nominating Agency: Also apply to and get nominated by the relevant nominating agency in the applicant’s home country.
5. Submit Before Deadline: Complete both applications by the deadline, October 14, 2025.
6. University Application: Apply for admission to preferred universities before or during the scholarship application period (depending on university rules).
7. Await Selection: The nominating agency forwards applications to the CSC for selection based on merit and development impact.
8. Receive Outcome: Selected scholars receive official notifications and proceed with visa and travel arrangements.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Start the application process early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
• Prepare answers and documents in advance outside the online system.
• Address all questions with clear links to the scholarship’s development themes.
• Highlight leadership skills, community impact, and academic excellence.
• Follow formatting and word limits carefully to make the application readable and professional.
• Secure strong, supportive letters of recommendation, especially from current employers or academic mentors.
• Check all eligibility and supporting documents thoroughly before submission.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (USD Equivalent)

Living expenses vary depending on location, but approximate monthly costs for international students in the UK are:

• London: $2,000–$2,500 (equivalent to £1,650)
• Other UK cities: $1,500–$1,800 (equivalent to £1,350)
  This includes accommodation, food, transportation, study costs, and personal expenses. The scholarship stipend generally matches or slightly exceeds these amounts to ensure comfortable living standards.

Why Choose This Scholarship? Top 5 Reasons

1. Fully Funded: Covers tuition, living costs, travel, and other essential expenses.
2. Prestigious Recognition: Supported by the UK government and recognized worldwide.
3. Development Focus: Aligned with sustainable development and global impact.
4. Comprehensive Support: Includes allowances for children, disabilities, thesis, and travel.
5. Networking Opportunities: Access to an international community of scholars destined to be leaders and innovators.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is eligible to apply for the Commonwealth Graduate Scholarships?
A1: Applicants must be citizens or refugees of eligible Commonwealth countries with a minimum academic qualification of an upper second-class undergraduate degree or equivalent.

Q2: What is the application deadline?
A2: The deadline for both Master’s and PhD scholarships is October 14, 2025.

Q3: What expenses does the scholarship cover?
A3: The scholarship covers tuition fees, return airfare, monthly stipend, thesis allowance, study travel grants, and additional allowances for children and disabilities.

Q4: Can international students choose any UK university?
A4: Applicants list preferred universities, but the final allocation is decided by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission based on course suitability.

Q5: How can I increase my chances of success?
A5: Start applications early, provide detailed development impact statements, prepare strong references, and ensure all eligibility criteria are met.

Official Link:

COMMONWEALTH MASTER’S SCHOLARSHIPS

COMMONWEALTH PHD SCHOLARSHIPS

This comprehensive guide provides all necessary information for aspiring candidates interested in the Commonwealth Graduate Scholarships 2026 in the UK, helping them to prepare and submit high-quality applications for this life-changing opportunity. Act quickly before the October 14, 2025 deadline to secure a position in this competitive program.