The 2026 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship offers an exceptional fully funded opportunity for talented students from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Jointly funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and UK universities, this award focuses on students who have strong academic potential but lack financial means to study abroad. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, airfare, monthly stipend, study grants, and additional allowances, making it one of the most comprehensive scholarships for international students.

For students across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, this scholarship opens doors to globally ranked universities, world-class research environments, and platforms for impactful developmental work. All details regarding the scholarship are available on the official page.

About the Participating UK Universities

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is offered at several prestigious UK institutions known for academic excellence, research strength, and global impact. While the exact participating universities vary each year, many belong to the QS Top 200 or THE Top 300 global rankings. These institutions typically offer advanced Master’s programs in:

• Sustainable Development
• Public Health
• Engineering and Technology
• Education
• Climate Change and Environment
• Social Policy and Governance

Full list of universities for 2026 can be found on the official website.

Overview of Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026

Key Information	Details
Scholarship Name	2026 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
Host Country	United Kingdom
Study Level	Master’s Degree (1 year full-time)
Funding Type	Fully Funded
Scholarship Providers	CSC & Participating UK Universities
Eligible Countries	Listed Commonwealth nations
Applications Open	12 November 2025
Deadline	9 December 2025, 16:00 GMT
Course Start Date	September/October 2026

Scholarship Benefits (Fully Funded Package)

The 2026 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship covers all major academic and living expenses. Benefits include:

• Full tuition fees (covered jointly by CSC and the host university)
• Return airfare from home country to the UK
• Monthly stipend of £1,452 (or £1,781 for London-based universities)
• Warm clothing allowance (where applicable)
• Study travel grant for academic visits or research travel
• Thesis preparation grant (if required)
• Tuberculosis (TB) test reimbursement for visa processing
• Child allowance for single parents or widowed/divorced scholars
• Disability support, assessed individually by the CSC

Eligibility Criteria for 2026

To apply for the 2026 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country
• Be permanently residing in an eligible country
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a 2:1, or a 2:2 with a relevant Master’s degree
• Not have studied or worked for more than 1 year in a high-income country
• Be unable to afford study in the UK without the scholarship
• Meet the admission criteria of a chosen UK university
• Be ready to begin studies by September 2026
• Upload all documents in the required format

Find Eligible courses list on official website.

Required Documents

• Valid passport or national ID showing citizenship
• Complete academic transcripts
• Two academic or professional references (signed and formatted as required)
• University admission application (separate from CSC application)
• Development Impact Statement
• CV with academic achievements and employment history

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is considered:

• Step 1: Select Your Program
  • Review the list of eligible Master’s programs.
  • Select courses that match your academic background and development interests.
• Step 2: Apply to CSC Central System
  • Create an account and fill the application form on the online portal.
  • Upload all required documents.
  • Provide referee details and ensure references are submitted on time.
• Step 3: Apply to UK Universities Separately
  • Every applicant must apply for university admission individually.
  • Check university deadlines, as some close earlier than the CSC deadline.
• Step 4: Document Verification
  • Ensure all pages of transcripts are included.
  • Make sure references are signed and on institutional letterhead.
• Step 5: University Nomination
  • Universities review applications in January–March 2026.
  • Nominated candidates’ applications are forwarded to CSC for final evaluation.
• Step 6: Final Selection
  • CSC conducts expert review focusing on academic merit, proposal quality & development impact.
  • Scholarship results are expected by May–June 2026.

Comparison Table: Commonwealth Shared Scholarship vs Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship vs Chevening Scholarship

Feature	Commonwealth Shared	Commonwealth Master’s	Chevening
Funding	Fully funded	Fully funded	Fully funded
Study Level	Master’s only	Master’s only	Master’s only
Eligibility Focus	Low-income & developing Commonwealth countries	All eligible Commonwealth members	Global; leadership potential
Application Process	CSC Central + university admission	Direct to national nominating agencies	Leadership essays + interviews
Number of Awards	~156	Variable (higher)	~1,500
Work Experience Required	Not mandatory	Not mandatory	Minimum 2 years
Development Impact Requirement	Strong emphasis	Strong emphasis	Leadership-driven impact

FAQs About Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026

1. Can I apply if I already hold a Master’s degree?
   Yes, you can apply if your second Master’s degree is essential for development impact and you meet all eligibility criteria.
2. Do I need an admission offer before applying?
   You must apply to the university separately, but you are not required to hold an offer before submitting the CSC application.
3. Can I apply to multiple universities?
   Yes, you can apply to multiple universities and courses, but you may accept only one scholarship offer.
4. Is IELTS mandatory?
   Most universities require proof of English proficiency. Check each university’s specific requirements.
5. What is the academic requirement?
   A minimum of a 2:1, or a 2:2 with a relevant postgraduate qualification.
6. What is the age limit?
   There is no age restriction.
7. Does the scholarship cover dependents?
   Yes, eligible single parents can receive a child allowance.
8. When does the program begin?
   Programs begin in September/October 2026.
9. Can I work part-time during study?
   Yes, within UK visa regulations, but academic work must remain the priority.
10. What makes an application competitive?
    Strong academic record, clear development impact plan, and relevant professional/volunteer experience.

If you dream of studying in the UK on a full scholarship, the 2026 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is one of the most accessible and generous opportunities available. Start preparing your documents early, shortlist your courses, and submit all applications before the deadline. With careful planning, your academic journey in the UK can become a reality. APPLY NOW.

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