The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships offer a fully funded opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in the UK. These scholarships are designed for talented students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who want to make a meaningful contribution to development in their home nations.
Administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), the program covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and more — ensuring scholars can focus fully on their studies.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: UK
- Host University: UK Universities
- Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition fee, Monthly stipend, etc.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful candidates would receive:
- Full tuition fees covered through an agreement between CSC and the host university.
- Approved return airfare between the scholar’s home country and the UK.
- Monthly stipend (living allowance), with a higher rate available for those studying in London.
- Warm clothing allowance, if applicable.
- Study travel grant to cover academic-related travel within or outside the UK.
- Child allowance for single parents (under specific conditions).
- Disability support, based on individual needs assessments.
These benefits are designed to remove financial barriers so scholars can focus on academic and professional growth.
See Also:
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship in Europe
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026/2027: Fully Funded Study Opportunity in UK
- City University of Hong Kong–Cambridge Master of Finance Scholarship 2026/27: A Fully Funded Opportunity Worth £79,076
Eligibility Requirements for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026
To qualify for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (agency-nominated route), applicants must:
Citizenship and Residency
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
Academic Qualifications
- Hold (or expect to hold) a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard.
- In some cases, a second-class degree (2:2) plus a relevant postgraduate qualification may be accepted.
- The CSC does not normally fund a second UK Master’s unless strong justification is provided.
Financial Need
- Demonstrate that they would not otherwise be able to afford study in the UK.
Availability
- Be available to start studies in the UK by the beginning of the academic year (typically September or October).
Other Conditions
- Meet both the CSC’s eligibility criteria and those set by the nominating agency.
- Submit complete academic transcripts, including certified English translations if required.
- Note that while CSC has no age limit, some nominating agencies may have their own restrictions.
- Applicants completing their first degree may still apply if they can provide interim transcripts.
Always check with your country’s nominating agency for specific or additional eligibility criteria.
Documents Required for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026
Applicants must upload the following documents via the CSC’s online application portal (and to their nominating agency, if required):
- Proof of citizenship or refugee status (passport or national ID).
- Full academic transcripts for all higher education qualifications.
- Certified English translations (if applicable).
- Degree certificates or proof of expected graduation.
- Two referee statements on official letterhead, including contact details.
- A detailed study proposal or statement of purpose outlining study plans and development impact.
- Any additional documents required by the nominating agency.
Note: The CSC does not accept emailed or posted documents — everything must be uploaded through the portal before the deadline.
Application Deadline
The central deadline for the 2026/27 Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships is 14 October 2025 at 16:00 UK time (GMT/BST).
Your country’s nominating agency may have an earlier internal deadline, so make sure to meet both.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
- Check your country’s nominating agency
Identify the authorized body in your country (government agency, university, or NGO). Review their eligibility criteria and deadlines. - Gather your documents and draft your proposal
Prepare transcripts, degree certificates, proof of citizenship, referee details, and a clear, development-focused study proposal. - Apply through your nominating agency
Submit your application according to their process. If shortlisted, they’ll forward your nomination to the CSC. - Complete the CSC Central application
Register on the CSC portal, fill in your personal and academic details, upload documents, and submit your study proposal. - Submit before the deadline
Finalize your application and ensure all supporting documents and references are uploaded by 14 October 2025, 16:00 UK time. - Wait for selection and respond
The CSC reviews nominations, and results are typically announced by July of the following year. If selected, follow CSC and university instructions to confirm your award.
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