The Commonwealth Masters Scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year are fully funded scholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countries who want to study in the UK. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) funds these scholarships, which are a key part of the UK's commitment to helping other countries develop. They aim to give future leaders and innovators the advanced knowledge and skills they need to drive sustainable growth in their home countries.

The program covers all of the main costs, so money won't be an issue for students who want to do well in school. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK gives these scholarships to outstanding people who show they can make a difference. Citizens of eligible developing Commonwealth countries who want to get a taught Master's degree at a prestigious UK university can apply for this highly competitive, full-time program.

The CSC looks at more than just the applicant's academic achievements. They also look at how the candidate can help their home country grow. This is done through the personal statement, development impact notes, and study plan, which all make sure that the applicant's aspirations are in line with the country's development goals.

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The Commonwealth Scholarship program is an important part of the UK's global development strategy. Its main goal is to improve the lives of people in low- and middle-income countries by giving them a world-class education that helps them become leaders. One important condition is that scholars must return to their home country for at least two years after they finish their studies, which makes sure that the investment directly benefits national development.

The Commonwealth Scholars framework connects a strong worldwide community of leaders and professionals through the CSC Alumni network.

Why apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship?

 It's more than just money; it's a life-changing experience that changes lives and careers. Scholars get to go to world-famous universities, do cutting-edge research, and learn from top academics. The scholarship also gives them amazing chances to network, learn about other cultures, and grow as a person.

The Commonwealth Scholarship is well-known around the world, which makes scholars very desired experts in their industries. It helps raise the next generation of ministers, university vice-chancellors, Nobel Prize winners, and other important people in many fields.

A brief overview of the scholarship

• Level of Study: Taught Masters
• Institution(s): The UK universities that are taking part (see the CSC website for a full list)
• Study in: England
• Available Courses: Any full-time taught Master's degree that is relevant to the economic, social, or technological development of the applicant's home country. Fields that are aligned with sustainable development, such as Science and Technology for Development, Strengthening Health Systems and Capacity, Promoting Global Prosperity, Strengthening Global Peace, Security and Governance, Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises, and Access, Inclusion and Opportunity, are given priority.
• Length of the Program: Usually 12 months, however it can go as long as 24 months depending on how the course is set up.
• Deadline for Applications: 16:00 GMT on Tuesday, 14 October 2025 (for 2026 intake) All applicants must check the official CSC website for accurate dates, as late applications will not be accepted

What the Scholarship Pays For

The Commonwealth Masters Scholarships pay for almost all of the costs of studying in the UK. This "fully funded" status gives recipients the following full benefits:

• Full Tuition Expenses: The CSC pays for all authorized tuition expenses, which are worked out with the host UK university. This means that scholars can focus on their studies without worrying about money.
• Airfare: The scholar will get an economy-class round-trip ticket from their home country to the UK and returning at the end of the program.
• Stipend (Living Allowance): A tax-free monthly stipend to help with living costs. For the 2025/2026 school year, the rates are £1,347 per month for universities outside of London and £1,652 per month for those in London. These rates are usually changed every year to keep up with inflation.
• Warm Clothing Allowance: A one-time stipend to buy clothes that are appropriate for the UK temperature. This is especially helpful for students from tropical areas.
• Thesis Grant: Money to help pay for the cost of writing a dissertation or thesis, if the course requires it.
• Study Travel Grant: This pays for travel linked to your studies, such going to field research or academic conferences in the UK or abroad.
• Excess Baggage Allowance: This is money to help pay for the expense of sending personal items back to the home country once the award is ended.
• kid Allowance: For scholars who are single parents, divorced, or widowed, they get £576 a month for the first kid and £143 a month for the second and third children under 16. These amounts are checked every year.
• Paid Mid-Term Visit (for awards exceeding 18 months): Airfare is paid for a visit to the home country halfway through longer courses.

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Who Can Apply for Commonwealth Masters Scholarships

To be considered for the Commonwealth Masters Scholarships, applicants must meet all of the following strict standards. If they don't meet any one of these requirements, their application will be denied.

• Language Proficiency: English Applicants must show that they are very good at English, usually by taking a test like the IELTS (minimum score 6.5), TOEFL (minimum score 88), or Cambridge English (minimum score 176). The nominating university sets specific score requirements.
• Eligible Countries: Citizens of, or refugees granted status by, an eligible developing Commonwealth country Full list of eligible Commonwealth countries
• Residency: You must live permanently in a developing Commonwealth country.
• Academic Merit: By September 2026, you must have at least a lower second-class degree (2:1) honors standard, or a lower second-class degree with a suitable postgraduate certificate (typically a Master's degree). A lower second-class degree alone is not enough.
• Financial Need: Show that you can't afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
• Development Commitment: Show how the proposed study would help the home country's development in a way that fits with CSC's principles.
• Return Requirement: Agree to go back to your native nation for at least two years once you win to use what you learned and skills
• Supporting Documentation: All required documents must be included with the application in the right format by the deadline. These documents include academic transcripts, references, and a copy of a valid passport.

It is strongly suggested that you utilize the official CSC tool to check your eligibility. You may find out if you qualify for a Commonwealth Scholarship here.

How to Apply for Commonwealth Masters Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide

There are two parts to the application process for Commonwealth Masters Scholarships: the nominating agency in your home country and the CSC. Follow these steps carefully to make sure your application is successful.

1. Check Eligibility and Choose a Course: Carefully read the eligibility requirements above and on the official website. Then, research and choose a relevant taught Master's program from a participating UK university that fits your career aspirations and the needs of your country.
2. Apply to a UK University (Recommended): Although not always necessary, applying to your chosen UK university course(s) at the same time as your scholarship application strengthens your chances of getting a scholarship. University deadlines may be earlier than the scholarship deadline.
3. Gather Supporting Documents: Get them ready well in advance. They are usually needed.
   • Academic records and degree certificates for all college-level degrees
   • Two people who can vouch for your academic competence and potential for growth
   • A copy of your passport or national ID that is still valid
   • A formal offer letter from a UK institution (assuming they have one when you apply)
   • A full Development Impact Statement
4. Submit to the Nominating Agency: You can't apply directly to the CSC; you have to go through an approved nominating body in your home country, like the Federal Scholarship Board in Nigeria or the Ministry of Education in Kenya.
   1. Find your country's nominating agency on the "How to Apply" page of the CSC.
   2. Get in touch with the agency to find out about internal deadlines and procedures, which are usually earlier than the CSC deadline.
   3. Follow the agency's directions to send in your application
5. Complete the CSC Online Application: Your nominating agency will give you access to the CSC's online system. Make sure to fill out the form correctly, including
   • Personal Information: Basic information about your life
   • Academic History: A full list of all the schools you've been to
   • Plan of Study: Why you choose this course and university
   • Development Impact Statement: A strong essay (with a word restriction) that explains how your studies will help your home nation grow and how you will use what you learn after you return.
   • Upload all of the essential supporting papers in the right format, which is usually PDF.
6. Submit Before the Deadline: Make sure you send in your application, references, and documentation through the CSC online system by 16:00 GMT on 14 October 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
7. Selection and Results: Nominating agencies send the best applications to the CSC for final, competitive selection. The results are usually revealed by July 2026. Selection factors include academic merit, study plan quality, and potential for development impact.

Official Resources and Important Links

These official sources are the only ones you should use to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on Commonwealth Masters Scholarships.

• Official Website for Commonwealth Masters Scholarships: CSC Masters Scholarships Page
• How to Apply for Commonwealth Scholarships: Detailed Application Instructions
• Eligibility Checker: Check Your Eligibility
• Complete List of Eligible Commonwealth Countries: Eligible Countries List
• More UK Scholarships: Find more about UK Opportunities