Commonwealth Scholarship 2027 – Apply Now

About the Commonwealth Scholarship. Master's and PhD

The Commonwealth Scholarship. Master's and PhD is a fully funded scholarship offered by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), UK - funded by the FCDO for study in United Kingdom. The scholarship supports students pursuing Bachelor's degree. CGPA 2:1 or equivalent. studies in Six CSC development themes. Master's is one-year taught only, and MBAs are excluded.. Recipients receive £1,712/month (£2,000/month in London) for a duration of Master's 1 year. PhD 36 months (no four-year PhDs)..

This opportunity is open to applicants from Citizens and permanent residents of eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and others. UK government scholarship for developing countries. Master's: 43 countries. PhD: only 17. The two lists differ.. Academic standing: First class or good upper-second-class (2:1) honours degree or equivalent.

If you meet the eligibility requirements and align with the Commonwealth Scholarship. Master's and PhD 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 Scholarship. Master's and PhD receive a comprehensive funding package. Here's what the scholarship covers:

• Living allowance: £1,712/month (£2,000/month in London)
• Tuition fees: Yes, full tuition via agreement with UK university
• Accommodation: Covered via stipend
• Airfare / travel: Yes, return airfare
• Health insurance: Not listed among the benefits
• Family / dependants: Partly. Widowed, divorced or single-parent scholars get £622/month for the first child and £154 for the second and third. The PhD adds spouse (£313) and child (£313) allowances.
• Program duration: Master's 1 year. PhD 36 months (no four-year PhDs).
• Number of awards per year: 800+ Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships annually across all CSC programmes

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 Scholarship. Master's and PhD, applicants must meet the following requirements. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected, so review these carefully before applying.

Academic requirements

• Minimum degree level: Bachelor's degree. CGPA 2:1 or equivalent.
• Academic standing: First class or good upper-second-class (2:1) honours degree or equivalent
• Academic background: A first degree at 2:1, or a lower second plus a relevant postgraduate qualification. Applicants must not already be registered for a PhD before Sept/Oct 2026.
• Fields of study: Six CSC development themes. Master's is one-year taught only, and MBAs are excluded.

Nationality & residency

• Eligible countries: Citizens and permanent residents of eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and others. UK government scholarship for developing countries. Master's: 43 countries. PhD: only 17. The two lists differ.
• Residency: Must be a citizen of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country. Permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country

Language requirements

• Language of instruction: English
• Language test: May be required by the university for non-native English speakers
• Minimum score: Confirm with target university

Other requirements

• Age: No fixed age limit; must have completed undergraduate degree
• Gender: Open to all genders

How to Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship. Master's and PhD

Applications for the Commonwealth Scholarship. Master's and PhD are submitted through the official channels of Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), UK - funded by the FCDO. 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: Certified transcripts and certificates, reference letters, personal statement, passport/ID. Prepare each document carefully, reviewers typically shortlist based on document quality and completeness.

Step 3: Secure reference letters. Yes. 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 20 October 2026, 16:00 BST. As well as applying to the CSC, applicants must apply to a nominator.. 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.

Visit Application Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Commonwealth Scholarship. Master's and PhD 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 Scholarship. Master's and PhD?

Applicants must be from Citizens and permanent residents of eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and others. UK government scholarship for developing countries. Master's: 43 countries. PhD: only 17. The two lists differ.. Additionally, applicants must hold Bachelor's degree. CGPA 2:1 or equivalent.. 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 Scholarship. Master's and PhD is 20 October 2026, 16:00 BST. As well as applying to the CSC, applicants must apply to a nominator.. Late applications are not accepted, so aim to submit at least 2 weeks in advance.

Is there a bond or return obligation?

Signed undertaking to return home. Switching to a graduate visa is not permitted..

Where do I apply?

Apply directly on the official portal: Application Link. ScholarshipSpace does not process applications on their behalf.