Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2025-26

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer a fully funded opportunity for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue a two-year Master’s degree in another Commonwealth nation. These scholarships aim to foster cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and community impact, empowering scholars to drive positive change both locally and globally.

Aimed at individuals dedicated to community impact, the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships program promotes cultural exchange, global networking, and academic collaboration. With two application cycles each year (November/December and March/April), QECS empowers scholars to experience new cultures, tackle global challenges, and contribute to shaping the future of the Commonwealth. Applications are open on 16 April 2025 and will close on 4 June 2025 at 15:00 UTC. ​

Programs Details

• Host Organization: The Associations of Commonwealth Universities
• Host Country: Fiji, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Sri Lanka​
• Program: Masters Program
• Duration: 2 Year

Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships Participating Institutions:​

• Fiji
  • The University of the South Pacific (USP)
• Mauritius
  • University of Mauritius
• Papua New Guinea
  • Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT)
• South Africa
  • Tshwane University of Technology
  • University of Pretoria
  • University of the Free State
  • University of Venda
• Sri Lanka
  • University of Colombo
  • University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Study Areas

​1. Fiji – University of the South Pacific (USP)

Programs (SAGEONS & STEMP):

• MSc/MA in Environmental Management, Geography, Marine Science, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Agriculture, Geospatial Science, etc.
• MSc in Computing Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, Physics

2. Mauritius – University of Mauritius

Program: Master of Public Health (MPH)

3. Papua New Guinea – University of Technology (PNGUoT)

Programs: MArch, MEng (Civil, Communication, Mechanical), MSc (Agriculture, Applied Physics, Forestry, Climate Change), MTech

4. South Africa

a. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

Programs: Master’s in Engineering, Computing, Business, Agriculture, Tourism, Education, Arts, Sciences

b. University of Pretoria

Programs: LLM, MSc in Development/Political Science, Theology, Religion

c. University of the Free State

Programs: Master’s in Health, Human Rights, Public Health, Geo-informatics, Physiotherapy, etc.

d. University of Venda

Programs: Master’s in Nursing, Psychology, Public Health, Nutrition

5. Sri Lanka

a. University of Colombo

Programs: MSc in Cellular/Molecular Immunology, Life Sciences

b. University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships Benefit

• Fully-funded tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance (stipend)
• Return economy flights to the host country
• One-time arrival allowance
• Research support grant (available on request and subject to approval)

Benefits Not Included

While QECS covers many expenses, it does not include:​

• Visa application fees
• Health insurance

Eligibility Criteria for Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships

​1. Fiji – University of the South Pacific (USP)

• Entry Requirement: A relevant undergraduate degree with a GPA of 4.0/4.5.

2. Mauritius – University of Mauritius

General Entry Requirements:

• Must have completed an undergraduate degree with:
  • At least 50% marks or Second Class, or
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4, or equivalent.
• Qualifications must be from a recognized higher education institution.
• Alternative qualifications may be accepted by the University of Mauritius.

Specific Entry Requirements (for Public Health & similar programs):

• Medically qualified applicants:
  • MBBS, MBChB, or equivalent.
• Non-medically qualified applicants:
  • Upper Second Class degree or equivalent, or
  • BDS degree plus 2 years of experience in:
    • Public health, health promotion, health administration
    • Occupational/environmental health
    • Clinical research or related health fields
• Applicants should have:
  • A strong academic record
  • Quantitative skills
  • Background in medicine, health sciences, biological, or environmental sciences

3. Papua New Guinea – University of Technology (PNGUoT)

Entry Requirement:

• A merit degree or postgraduate diploma from a recognised tertiary institution.
• Or a bachelor’s degree with honours standard (GPA 3 out of 5) from a recognised tertiary institution.
• Or a relevant first degree with industry experience of more than two years.

4. South Africa

a. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

Entry Requirement: Refer to individual program pages

b. University of Pretoria

General Entry Requirements

• A relevant Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma, or
• A relevant Bachelor’s degree at NQF Level 8 (must get SAQA certificate if obtained outside South Africa)

Program-Specific Requirements

• Master’s by Dissertation:
  • Acceptance of a full dissertation or equivalent research outputs (e.g. technical reports, performances, or published articles)
• Master’s by Coursework & Mini-dissertation:
  • Research project worth minimum 60 credits at NQF Level 9, ending with a mini-dissertation or similar

For International Students

1. Apply to SAQA (www.saqa.org.za) for evaluation of non-South African qualifications
2. Secure a supervisor before applying (check with faculty if this is required)
3. Email the department administrator for specific queries
4. Gather detailed info about your intended program before applying

c. University of the Free State

Entry Requirement: The general requirement for master’s programmes is a relevant honours degree or equivalent on an exit level NQF level 8, with an average of at least 65%. 

d. University of Venda

Entry Requirement: An average examination mark of 65% in all honours exam modules or fourth level in a professional bachelor’s degree.

5. Sri Lanka

a. University of Colombo

Entry Requirement: Degree in biological/medical/chemical/agricultural sciences

b. University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Entry requirements :

• A recognized bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, commerce, or management with at least a second-class pass.
• OR a bachelor’s degree in any field + 1 year of relevant managerial or teaching/research experience.
• OR a recognized professional qualification equivalent to a degree + 2 years of relevant experience.
• OR substantial senior managerial experience accepted by the university.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Two reference letters
• Proof of citizenship or residency
• Personal statement outlining study plan, development impact, and post-study outreach
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)​

Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships Application Process

1. Visit the QECS official website
2. Check the list of eligible countries, universities, and courses
3. Visit the university website to learn more about your chosen course
4. Click “Apply Now” on the QECS website and log in or create a myACU account
5. Complete and submit your QECS scholarship application
6. Separately, apply for admission to the course at your chosen university

Tips for a Successful Application

• Start early to gather all necessary documents
• Tailor your personal statement to reflect your commitment to community development
• Ensure clarity and coherence in your study plan
• Seek feedback on your application from mentors or peers
• Double-check all information for accuracy before submission​

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (Approximate)

• South Africa: $500–$700 USD
• Sri Lanka: $300–$500 USD
• Mauritius: $600–$800 USD
• Fiji: $500–$700 USD
• Papua New Guinea: $400–$600 USD

These estimates include accommodation, food, local transport, and personal costs. Actual expenses may vary based on lifestyle and city.

Why Choose This Opportunity?

QECS offers a unique chance to:​

• Gain a high-quality education in a different cultural context
• Develop a global network of peers and professionals
• Enhance your skills and knowledge to contribute to your home country’s development
• Experience personal growth through international exposure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?
  → Yes, as long as you meet the other eligibility criteria, you’re welcome to apply.
• Do I need to apply separately to the university?
  → No, QECS applicants only apply through the QECS portal. Universities will process your admission if selected.
• Is there an age limit to apply?
  → No specific age limit is stated, but you must hold a bachelor’s degree and meet admission requirements.
• Can I apply to more than one university or program?
  → No, each applicant may only apply for one course at one university per application cycle.
• Will the scholarship cover my family or dependents?
  → No, QECS only covers expenses for the awardee. Family costs are not included.

Official Link for More Details and Application

For comprehensive information and to apply, visit the QECS official website.