Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026/2027 (Fully Funded, UK) 

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026/2027 (Fully Funded, UK): Overview

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are fully funded scholarships provided by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

These awards are intended for talented individuals from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who would otherwise be unable to afford to study in the UK. The programme supports full-time Master’s study at UK universities under six CSC development themes, with a focus on nurturing future leaders and innovators committed to sustainable development.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026/2027 (Fully Funded, UK): Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country, a refugee, or a British Protected Person.

• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.

• Be available to begin studies in the UK by September 2026.

• Hold by September 2026 either:

  • A first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, OR

  • A lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s).

• Demonstrate financial need (unable to study in the UK without this award).

• Submit all required documents in the correct format.

Special consideration: Applicants with disabilities who do not hold a 2:1 but can show development potential may be considered under a contextual nomination.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026/2027 (Fully Funded, UK): Benefits (Financial Assistance)

Each scholarship covers:

• Airfare from home country to the UK and return.

• Full tuition fees (paid directly to the university).

• Stipend (living allowance):

  • £1,452 per month outside London.

  • £1,781 per month in London.

• Warm clothing allowance (where applicable).

• Study travel grant for research-related trips.

• Family support allowance (for single parents/widowed/divorced scholars):

  • £622 per month for the first child.

  • £154 per month for the second and third child (under 16).

• Additional disability support following a needs assessment.

Application Requirements

Applicants must upload the following in PDF format via CSC Central (application portal):

• Valid passport or national ID (proof of citizenship).

• Full academic transcripts (with certified translations if not in English).

• Two references, signed and on institutional letterhead (or with sender’s email details visible).

Applications will be deemed ineligible if documents are missing or uploaded incorrectly.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are assessed based on:

• Academic merit.

• Quality of research/study plan.

• Potential impact on the development of their home country.

Application Process

1. Applications open: 2 September 2025 (for September/October 2026 entry).

2. Submit application via CSC Central (online system, two-factor authentication required).

3. Apply through an eligible nominating agency (national agency or approved NGO/charity). Direct applications are not accepted.

4. Each nominator may set its own internal deadline (check locally).

5. Nominations sent to CSC by December 2025.

6. Results announced: by July 2026 (via email).

Obligations of Scholars

• Must return home after completing studies to contribute to development.

• Cannot switch to a graduate visa or remain in the UK post-scholarship.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026/2027 (Fully Funded, UK)