The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026-27, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), provide a life-changing opportunity for talented students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are designed to support students who could not otherwise afford postgraduate education abroad, while also empowering them to contribute to the development of their home countries.

About the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships enable outstanding students to pursue one-year taught Master’s programs at recognized UK universities. With a focus on global development, this program fosters academic excellence while encouraging scholars to bring back knowledge and skills that will create meaningful impact in their home nations.

The scheme is administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), which partners with UK universities and nominating agencies to ensure fair selection of candidates based on merit and development potential.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026-27 Overview

Feature	Details
Name of Scholarship	Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026/2027
Offering Institution	UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)
Available Programs & Study Fields	Any approved one-year taught Master’s program (except MBAs) at eligible UK universities
Language of Instruction	English
Duration	1 year (September/October 2026 – September/October 2027)
Deadline	Applications open 2 September 2025; nominations close by December 2025
Number of Positions	Varies annually; hundreds of awards offered across Commonwealth countries
Location	United Kingdom (multiple cities and universities)
Funding Details	Fully funded: tuition fees, airfare, monthly stipend (£1,452 or £1,781 in London), travel grants, allowances

Benefits of the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Successful applicants receive a comprehensive financial package:

• Full tuition fees, covered under an agreement between CSC and the university.
• Return airfare from home country to the UK.
• Monthly stipend: £1,452 outside London, £1,781 within London.
• Warm clothing allowance (where applicable).
• Study travel grant for academic-related trips.
• Family support: £622 per month for the first child, £154 for second and third child (under 16), for single parents or widowed/divorced scholars.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of, or a refugee in, an eligible Commonwealth country (or British Protected Person).
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Hold at least a first degree of upper second-class (2:1) or a lower second-class plus a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship.
• Provide all required documentation in the correct format.
• Be available to start studies in September/October 2026.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Check eligibility – Confirm your citizenship and academic requirements.
2. Apply through CSC Central – Applications must be made via the CSC’s online system: Application Form Template (PDF).
3. Apply to a nominator – Applications must also be made via a recognized nominating agency (government, NGO, or charity). Direct applications are not accepted.
4. Select a UK university – Scholarships are tenable only at CSC partner institutions: List of UK Universities with MoU.
5. Prepare documents –
   • Passport/ID copy
   • Full transcripts (with certified translations if not in English)
   • At least two signed references (institutional letterhead or verified email)
6. Submit before deadline – Nominating agencies set deadlines, with final nominations due by December 2025.
7. Wait for selection – Outcomes will be communicated by July 2026.

Comparison of Commonwealth Master’s vs. Other Popular Scholarships

Feature	Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship	Chevening Scholarship	Fulbright Scholarship
Funding	Fully funded (fees, airfare, stipend, allowances)	Fully funded (fees, stipend, airfare, study grants)	Fully funded (tuition, stipend, health insurance, airfare)
Eligible Level	Master’s (1 year taught programs)	Master’s (1 year taught programs)	Master’s & PhD
Eligible Countries	Commonwealth nations only	Over 160 countries	140+ countries
Selection Basis	Academic merit + Development impact	Leadership potential + Networking	Academic merit + Cultural exchange
Number of Awards	Hundreds annually	~1,500 annually	~8,000 annually (worldwide)
Duration	1 year	1 year	1–2 years

FAQs about Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026-27

1. Q1: Who funds the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships?
   The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) funds these schoarship.
2. Q2: Can I apply directly to CSC?
   • No. You must apply via CSC Central and through a nominator (agency/NGO/charity).
3. Q3: Do I need an admission offer before applying?
   • Not necessarily, but you must apply to eligible UK universities in parallel.
4. Q4: Are MBA programs funded?
   • No. These scholarships do not cover MBA programs.
5. Q5: Is there an age limit?
   • No formal age limit, but applicants must meet academic and residency requirements.
6. Q6: Can I bring my family to the UK?
   • Yes. Also, if you’re a widow, divorcee, or a single parent, you’ll get allowances for children.
7. Q7: What documents are mandatory?
   • Passport, academic transcripts, references, and completed application form.
8. Q8: How competitive is the selection?
   • Extremely competitive, as nominations far exceed available places.
9. Q9: When will results be announced?
   • By July 2026.
10. Q10: What is the scholarship duration?
    • One academic year (12 months).

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in the UK under a fully funded Commonwealth Scholarship. Start preparing your documents now, explore eligible UK universities, and contact your national nominating agency before deadlines close. APPLY NOW.