Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded Master’s for Global Changemakers 

Overview

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) provide fully funded opportunities for students to pursue a two-year Master’s degree in a low- or middle-income Commonwealth country. The programme targets individuals committed to driving positive change in their communities while gaining international experience, academic exposure, and lifelong global networks.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of a Commonwealth country.

• Hold at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree.

• Apply to study in a low- or middle-income Commonwealth country, not their home country.

• Meet the admission requirements of the host university and the eligible course.

Benefits

The scholarship is fully funded and includes:

• Full tuition fees.

• Living allowance (stipend).

• Return economy flights to the host country.

• Arrival allowance.

• Research Support Grant (available on request and subject to approval).

Programme Components

• Two-year Master’s degree at an ACU member university.

• Cultural exchange and community engagement.

• Academic collaboration and global networking.

• Opportunities to address shared developmental challenges within the Commonwealth.

Application Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a 2:1 undergraduate degree.

• Choose an eligible course and country from the available list for the cycle.

• Submit:

  • QECS online application form

  • University admission application (separately)

• Provide required supporting documents (typically academic records, references, and identification).

• Create a myACU account to access the application portal if they do not already have one.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Academic merit

• Commitment to community development

• Leadership potential

• Relevance and quality of study plan

• Ability to contribute to the Commonwealth community

Application Process

1. Review eligible countries, universities, and courses for the current cycle.

2. Ensure you meet the 2:1 degree requirement.

3. Visit the chosen university’s website for course details.

4. Submit the QECS application through the ACU portal (requires myACU account).

5. Submit a separate application to your chosen university for program admission.

6. Only one application per cycle is needed, but candidates may apply again in future cycles.

Important Dates

• Applications Open: 24 November 2025

• Applications Close: 14 January 2026, 15:00 UTC

• Cycles:

  • Cycle 1: November/December

  • Cycle 2: March/April

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded Master’s for Global Changemakers