The Commonwealth Masters Scholarships 2026-27 offers an exceptional, fully funded opportunity for talented international students from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue full-time taught Master’s degrees at UK universities. Backed by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), this prestigious scholarship focuses on nurturing future leaders who will contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. Below is a comprehensive guide designed for prospective applicants.

Basic Information and Application Deadline

The Commonwealth Masters Scholarships are open for the academic year 2026-27, with studies starting September/October 2026 in the UK. Applications are accepted exclusively through the CSC online system, CSC Central.

• Application Deadline: 16:00 GMT, Tuesday, 14 October 2025
• Application System: CSC Central online portal (mandatory for submissions)
• Note: The CSC does not accept any applications or supporting documents by postal mail or other means.

University and Institution Details

Scholarships are tenable at any approved UK university or higher education institution with which the CSC has a part-funding agreement. Applicants must list three preferred universities and courses in order of preference. However, the final placement decision is made by CSC, considering course suitability and value for money.

• The scholarship funds one-year taught Master’s programmes only.
• MBA programs and part-time or distance learning courses are not funded under this scheme.
• The CSC website provides a full list of participating UK universities.

Available Study Areas and Programs

The scholarship covers various Master’s degrees in fields aligned with the CSC’s six development themes:

1. Science and technology for development
2. Strengthening health systems and capacity
3. Promoting global prosperity
4. Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
5. Strengthening resilience and response to crises
6. Access, inclusion, and opportunity

There is no rigid restriction on the subject to be studied; however, priority is given to programs that directly contribute to development goals in applicants’ home countries.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships Benefits

• Full tuition fees.
• Return airfare (no dependants covered).
• Monthly stipend:
  • £1,452 (outside London)
  • £1,781 (London)
• Warm clothing allowance (if needed).
• Study travel grant.
• Child allowance (for single parents): £622 (1st child), £154 (2nd & 3rd, under 16).
• Disability support available after assessment.
• Family allowances = contribution only (not full costs).

Benefits Not Included

• Costs for dependants/partners’ airfare and living expenses are not covered
• Expenses before award confirmation or outside the scholarship period are not reimbursed
• Health insurance must be arranged independently or through the university
• Scholars cannot undertake paid employment during tenure without prior CSC approval

Eligible countries

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

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Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Citizen/refugee/British Protected Person from eligible Commonwealth country.
• Permanently resident in an eligible country.
• Start studies in UK by Sept 2026.
• Hold at least 2:1 undergraduate degree OR 2:2 + relevant Master’s.
• Unable to afford UK study without scholarship.
• No funding for second Master’s (unless justified).
• Must return home after scholarship (cannot switch to UK visa).
• No age limit.

Selection Criteria

• Candidate merit & academic record.
• Quality of research proposal.
• Potential development impact in home country.

Required Documents for Application

• Supporting Documentation (must be uploaded by deadline)
• Passport/ID (showing photo, DOB, nationality) or refugee proof.
• Full academic transcripts (with certified English translations if needed).
• 2 references (signed, on letterhead or email with sender details, PDF format).
• Incomplete/missing documents = ineligible.
• References only accepted via online system.

Application Form Requirements

• List all academic qualifications.
• Up to 10 publications/prizes.
• Employment history (relevance to programme).
• Names of 3 referees (1 must be current employer, at least 2 references uploaded).
• Development Impact Statement (4 parts):
  1. Link scholarship to global/national/local development + CSC theme.
  2. How skills will be applied after scholarship.
  3. Expected changes, outcomes, timeframe, beneficiaries.
  4. How impact will be measured.
• State award objectives & career plans (5 years + long-term).
• Detailed study plan.
• Personal statement (background, barriers, contributions).
• Leadership/voluntary activities.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Identify your nominator: Applications must be submitted through a national nominating agency or approved NGO/charitable bodies (no direct applications to CSC).
2. Prepare your application: Gather all documents, references, and write your development impact and personal statements. It is advised to draft your answers offline.
3. Register and apply via CSC Central: Complete the online form using two-factor authentication (2FA).
4. Submit by deadline: Ensure that your application, references, and all documents are uploaded before 14 October 2025, 16:00 GMT.
5. Wait for nomination: Your nominator will review applications and nominate a select number of candidates to CSC by December 2025.
6. Selection: CSC considers all nominations and notifies candidates by July 2026 of the outcome.
7. Admission: Successful candidates must apply to and secure admission at a CSC-approved UK university before award confirmation.
8. Visa and travel: Arrange your UK student visa and travel following CSC guidelines.

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Tips for a Successful Application

• Start early and prepare answers offline to avoid system timeouts.
• Clearly link your proposed study to your home country’s development needs following CSC themes.
• Choose suitable courses and universities aligned with your academic and professional goals.
• Get strong, detailed references emphasizing your academic merit, motivation, and impact potential.
• Tailor your development impact statement to demonstrate a clear plan and measurable outcomes.
• Ensure all documents are complete, clear, and submitted on time.
• Follow nominators’ specific guidelines strictly.
• Stay alert for email communications and respond promptly if selected.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (USD)

The scholarship monthly stipend approximates:

• £1,452/month ≈ $1,728 USD for most UK locations
• £1,781/month ≈ $2,120 USD for London-based universities

This allowance should cover accommodation, food, transport, communication, and personal expenses. Costs vary across the UK; London is typically more expensive.

Why Choose This Scholarship? 5 Key Reasons

1. Fully Funded: Covers tuition, living costs, airfare, and allowances, making UK study accessible without financial burden.
2. Prestige and Network: Being a Commonwealth Scholar connects you to a global alumni network of leaders and changemakers.
3. Focus on Development Impact: Scholarships aim to produce graduates who actively contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
4. Wide Range of Eligible Universities and Subjects: Flexibility to choose courses relevant to personal and national development goals.
5. Strong UK Government Backing: Managed by CSC and funded by FCDO, ensuring robust support and quality assurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?
A: Normally, the scholarship funds first Master’s degrees only. Applicants for a second Master’s must justify the need clearly.

Q: Is IELTS or English test required?
A: The CSC does not mandate English language tests, but admission requirements of the chosen university may.

Q: Can family members join me under this scholarship?
A: The scholarship offers limited child allowances but does not cover dependants’ travel or full living expenses.

Q: Can I work during my scholarship?
A: Paid employment requires prior CSC approval and is generally discouraged.

Q: What happens after the scholarship ends?
A: Scholars must return to their home country promptly to apply their acquired knowledge and skills.

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Official Link:

This detailed guide offers a complete overview of the Commonwealth Masters Scholarships in the UK for 2026-27. For full application details and updates, prospective applicants should consult the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website and coordinate closely with their national nominating agency.