Scholarship

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Offered by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK

  • United Kingdom
  • Master's
  • Fully Funded

Closed Applications closed. Next application cycle has not been announced

Visit Official Scholarship Website

Last verified: September 26, 2026

Quick facts

Provider
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK
Study destination
United Kingdom
Level
Master's
Funding
Fully Funded
Amount
GBP 1,712 per month (GBP 2,000 per month at universities in the London metropolitan area; rates quoted at current levels)
Eligible students
Citizens (or refugees) of eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries, permanently resident there
Deadline
Applications closed. Next application cycle has not been announced
Duration
One-year taught master's programme
Application method
Government / provider online portal; Nomination by a government or national agency; Multiple-stage application

Overview

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK runs the UK government’s development-focused scholarship scheme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships fund full-time, one-year taught master’s study at an approved UK university.

They are for talented people from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK, and who aim to contribute to development in their home countries.

To help talented people gain the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable development in their home countries.

Who Can Apply

Citizens (or refugees) of an eligible Commonwealth country who live there permanently, hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) first degree by September 2027, and could not afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.

Am I eligible? A quick check

  • Citizens (or refugees) of eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries, permanently resident there
  • Study in United Kingdom
  • Level: Master's
  • By September 2027, a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification.

This is a summary. The official eligibility rules decide who can apply.

Residency and citizenship

You must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.

Study Destination

Approved UK universities that have a part-funding agreement with the CSC.

Education Level

Eligible Nationalities

Citizens (or refugees) of eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries, permanently resident there

Show all 41 eligible countries
  • Bangladesh
  • Belize
  • Botswana
  • Dominica
  • Eswatini
  • Fiji
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • India
  • Jamaica
  • Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • Lesotho
  • Malawi
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Mauritius
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nauru
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Rwanda
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Samoa
  • Sierra Leone
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Africa
  • Sri Lanka
  • Tanzania
  • Togo
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Uganda
  • Vanuatu
  • Zambia

Eligibility can change between cycles. Confirm your country on the official website.

What Does This Scholarship Cover?

Tuition

  • Full tuition fees (covered)

Living costs

  • Monthly stipend (covered)

Travel

  • Airfare (covered)
  • Travel grant (covered)

Other

  • Support for family / dependants (covered)

"Fully funded" here means the published coverage includes full tuition and a living allowance. Costs not listed above may not be covered.

Funding Details

Amount: GBP 1,712 per month (GBP 2,000 per month at universities in the London metropolitan area; rates quoted at current levels)

Each scholarship provides approved return airfare between your home country and the UK, full approved tuition fees (agreed between the CSC and the university), a monthly stipend and a study travel grant for study-related travel.

Scholars who have children and are widowed, divorced or single parents can receive a child allowance (GBP 622 per month for the first child and GBP 154 per month for the second and third child under 16, when the children live with them in the UK). Fares for dependants are not reimbursed. Other awards covering the same costs cannot be held at the same time.

Eligibility Requirements

Academic requirements

Degree: By September 2027, a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification.

English language requirements

The CSC does not require candidates to take an IELTS (English language) test. Your chosen university may still set its own English requirement for admission.

This requirement comes from university admission, not the scholarship itself.

Financial need

You must be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.

Other requirements

You must apply through a nominating agency (national agencies or selected NGOs and charities); the CSC does not accept direct applications. People who have already studied at master's level at a UK institution, or held a Commonwealth master's scholarship, are not eligible. The scholarships do not fund MBA degrees.

Application Deadline

Status
Closed Applications closed. Next application cycle has not been announced
Deadline
October 20, 2026, 16:00 BST
Deadline type
Fixed deadline
Current cycle
2027/28 academic year (study starts September/October 2027)

This is the CSC deadline. Nominating agencies may set earlier closing dates and nominate candidates to the CSC by December 2026. Applicants hear the outcome by July 2027.

Deadlines change every cycle. Always confirm the current dates on the official website.

How to Apply

Both, separately: The scholarship and university admission are separate applications, each with its own requirements and deadlines.

  1. Check that your country is eligible and that you meet the academic and residency rules.
  2. Apply to a nominator in your country (usually the national nominating agency) and follow its own rules and deadlines.
  3. Complete the application in CSC Central by 16:00 BST on 20 October 2026, with all supporting documents.
  4. Apply for admission to your three preferred UK universities and courses in advance.
  5. Nominators put forward candidates to the CSC by December 2026; the CSC selects from the nominations and contacts applicants by July 2027.

Important: scholarship eligibility and university admission requirements may be different. Check both before applying.

Required Documents

  • Passport
  • Academic transcripts
  • Recommendation letters / references

A copy of a valid passport or national ID card proving citizenship, full transcripts of all higher education (with certified translations if not in English), and at least two references uploaded as PDFs by the deadline.

The official application lists the exact documents for each cycle.

Selection Process

Nominators run their own selection first. The CSC then assesses nominations on candidate merit (including academic experience), the quality of the study plan and the potential impact on the development of the candidate's home country. A nomination does not guarantee selection.

Duration and Renewal

Duration: One-year taught master's programme

Renewal: Covers the whole programme

Important Conditions

  • You must sign an undertaking to return home before your student visa expires; switching to a graduate or other visa to remain in the UK is not permitted.
  • Paid employment during the award needs the CSC's prior approval, and overseas travel must be approved in advance.
  • Other scholarships covering the same costs cannot be held at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IELTS required?

The CSC itself does not require an IELTS test. Your UK university may still ask for proof of English for admission.

Can I apply directly to the CSC?

No. You must be nominated by an approved nominator in your country, and also complete the CSC application by the deadline.

Last verified: September 26, 2026

Application Abroad is not the scholarship provider and does not accept applications. Apply through the official provider; its website is the final source for eligibility, funding and deadlines.

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