Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/28
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Overview
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships fund full-time Master’s study at a participating UK university for students from eligible Commonwealth countries. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK and the university share the cost, which covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend of £1,712 (£2,000 at London universities) and an approved return flight. The award normally lasts 12 months. For the full list of benefits, see what the scholarship covers.
What to know before applying
You must be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country and permanently resident there. The eligible countries are listed in the eligibility section of this post. You need a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) standard by September 2027, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification. You must not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country, and you must be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship. The CSC does not require an IELTS test, although universities may set their own English requirements.
You apply online through CSC Central and also apply to an approved course at a participating university. You can apply to several courses and universities but may accept only one offer. Each university nominates its candidates to the CSC, which checks eligibility, and selection looks at academic merit, your research proposal and the likely impact on your home country’s development. Scholars sign an undertaking to return home as soon as possible after the award, and applications cannot be edited after you submit them. This is a separate route from the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, which closed on 20 October 2026. To compare other UK options, see the Scotland Saltire Scholarship, the Queen Mary Global Talent Scholarship, fully funded scholarships and more Master’s scholarships.
Timeline notes
Applications for 2027/28 open on 10 November 2026 and close at 16:00 GMT on 8 December 2026. The CSC says the approved course list is published before applications open, so choose your courses from that list first. See the application deadline section for the current status.
About the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships is a fully funded scholarship offered by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) with participating UK universities for study in United Kingdom. The scholarship supports students pursuing Masters studies in Approved full-time Master's courses at participating UK universities. The 2027 course list is published before applications open. Recipients receive GBP 1,712 per month, or GBP 2,000 per month at London universities, paid by the university for a duration of Normally 12 months.
Eligible applicants: Citizens or refugees of Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu and Zambia. Academic standing: A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification. No GPA is stated.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and align with the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships selection criteria, this represents a life-changing opportunity to study with full financial support. Read the sections below carefully to understand the benefits, eligibility, application process, and deadline before applying.
Scholarship Benefits & What's Covered
Selected recipients of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships receive a comprehensive funding package. Here's what the scholarship covers:
- Stipend and allowances: GBP 1,712 per month, or GBP 2,000 per month at London universities, paid by the university
- Tuition fees: Yes, full fees through an agreement between the CSC and the UK university
- Accommodation: Not covered separately. The monthly stipend is the living allowance
- Airfare / travel: Yes, approved return airfare from home to the UK. Dependants' fares are not covered
- Health insurance: Not communicated
- Family / dependants: Dependants' airfares are not covered. Widowed, divorced or single-parent scholars may receive child allowances
- Program duration: Normally 12 months
- Number of awards per year: Not communicated
The scholarship is classified as Fully Funded. This means recipients receive complete financial coverage throughout their study period, allowing them to focus entirely on their academic and research goals without financial burden.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected, so review these carefully before applying.
Academic requirements
- Minimum degree level: A first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard by September 2027, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification
- Academic standing: A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification. No GPA is stated
- Academic background: You must be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship and be available to start by September 2027. Selection looks at academic merit, the quality of your research proposal and the potential impact on the development of your home country
- Fields of study: Approved full-time Master's courses at participating UK universities. The 2027 course list is published before applications open
Nationality & residency
- Eligible countries: Citizens or refugees of Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu and Zambia
- Residency: You must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country and must not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country. Distance learning from a high-income country while living at home is allowed but must be declared
Language requirements
- Language of instruction: Not communicated
- Language test: The CSC does not require an English test. Universities may set their own English requirements
- Minimum score: Set by each university
Other requirements
- Age: No age limit
- Gender: Not communicated
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Applications for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are submitted through the official channels of Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) with participating UK universities. Follow these steps to submit a strong application:
Step 1: Verify eligibility. Confirm you meet every requirement listed above, particularly nationality, academic level, and language proficiency. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected without review.
Step 2: Prepare required documents. You will need to submit: An online application through CSC Central, an application to an approved course at a participating UK university, a passport or national ID, full transcripts and at least two references. Applications cannot be edited after submission. Prepare each document carefully, reviewers typically shortlist based on document quality and completeness.
Step 3: Secure reference letters. Yes, at least two references. Contact your referees early. References take time to prepare.
Step 4: Submit the application. Complete the application on the official portal before the deadline. The application deadline for this scholarship is 8 Dec 2026. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Step 5: Await response. Shortlisting typically takes 4–8 weeks after the deadline. Successful candidates are invited to interview or additional assessment. Final decisions are announced 3–6 months after the application deadline.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships is 8 Dec 2026. Application window: 2026-11-10.
We strongly recommend starting your application at least 6–8 weeks before the deadline to allow sufficient time for document preparation, reference letter requests, and revisions to your personal statement. Rushed applications are visibly weaker and reduce your chance of shortlisting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships fully funded?
The scholarship is classified as Fully Funded. This means it covers all or most major costs — see the Benefits section above for a full breakdown.
Who can apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?
Applicants must be from Citizens or refugees of Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu and Zambia. Additionally, applicants must hold A first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard by September 2027, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification. Full eligibility criteria including language, age, and academic requirements are detailed in the Eligibility section above.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships is 8 Dec 2026. Late applications are not accepted, so aim to submit at least 2 weeks in advance.
Is there a bond or return obligation?
You sign an undertaking to return to your home country as soon as possible after the award.
Where do I apply?
Apply directly on the official portal: Application Link. ScholarshipSpace does not process applications on their behalf.