Study in UK
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026 are now open for applications! These fully funded UK scholarships are designed to support brilliant and motivated students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue a one-year full-time master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this prestigious scholarship aims to nurture mid-career professionals with the potential to drive sustainable development, economic progress, and social change in their home countries. Through the Commonwealth Scholarship, selected scholars will gain access to world-class education at top UK universities without the burden of tuition fees or living expenses. It is a life-changing opportunity for those who dream of studying in the UK but face financial barriers.
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026 are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to support students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK. This fully funded master’s scholarship provides access to world-class education, empowering future leaders, researchers, and change-makers.
These scholarships act as an accelerator for sustainable development, enabling outstanding students to gain skills and knowledge in key fields that contribute to their home country’s progress. Since 1960, the Commonwealth has awarded more than 30,000 scholarships, fostering a global network of professionals committed to development and innovation. In addition to academic excellence, selected scholars will become part of the Commonwealth alumni network, joining a global community of influential leaders including Nobel Prize winners, Prime Ministers, researchers, and diplomats.
By receiving this scholarship, students will not only receive free education at top UK universities but also gain access to lifelong networking, leadership, and career opportunities.
CSC Development Themes for Master’s Scholarships:
The scholarships are offered under six major development themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting global prosperity
- Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion, and opportunity
Country: United Kingdom
Financial coverage: Fully Funded Scholarship
Eligible Countries for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026
Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the following low and middle-income Commonwealth countries:
Asia & South Asia
- Bangladesh
- India
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
Africa
- Botswana
- Cameroon
- Eswatini
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Uganda
- Zambia
Caribbean
- Belize
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- St Helena
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
Pacific
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Other
- Togo
- Gabon
Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026:
Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 (UK)
Fully funded opportunities for talented individuals from eligible Commonwealth countries to study in the UK.
For: High-achieving students seeking to pursue a full-time Master’s degree in the UK.
Start Date: September 2026
Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, stipend, and other allowances.
Eligibility Criteria For Master’s scholarship:
- Citizen or refugee in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Permanent resident of an eligible country
- Available to begin studies by September 2026
- Hold at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree (by September 2026)
- Demonstrate financial need
- Unable to study in the UK without the scholarship
- All supporting documents must be submitted in the correct format before the deadline.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
For: Candidates aiming to undertake a full-time PhD in the UK, committed to contributing to their home country’s development.
Start Date: September 2026
Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, stipend, and research support.
Eligibility Criteria for PhD scholarship:
- Citizen or refugee in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Permanent resident of an eligible country
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent to UK Master’s)
- Not currently registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD
- Available to begin studies by September 2026
- Show academic excellence and research leadership potential
Benefits of the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026
- Full tuition fee coverage at a UK university.
- Round-trip airfare from your home country to the UK and back.
- Monthly stipend:
- £1,452 per month (outside London)
- £1,781 per month (for universities in the London metropolitan area)
- Warm clothing allowance.
- Thesis/dissertation grant (if applicable).
- Study travel grant for approved trips within or outside the UK.
- Child allowance for single, widowed, or divorced parents:
- £622/month for the first child
- £154/month for each additional child under age 16
- Additional disability support, if needed.
Application Process For Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026
How to Apply:
- Apply Online:
All applications must be submitted via the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) online system. - Nominating Bodies Required:
- Applicants must apply through an approved nominating body (e.g., your country’s National Nominating Agency, NGO, or charitable body).
- Direct applications to the CSC are not accepted.
- Check Additional Requirements:
- Each nominating body may have additional eligibility criteria or documentation requirements.
- Applicants must carefully check the guidelines and deadlines provided by their selected nominating body.
- Application Form:
- Complete all sections of the application form thoroughly.
- Ensure all answers are accurate and clear.
- Reference Letters:
- You must provide references from at least two referees.
- Referees will receive an email link to submit their letters directly.
- Make sure your referees submit their reference letters before the scholarship deadline.
Selection Criteria For Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026:
All applications will be reviewed and assessed based on the following key criteria:
1. Academic Merit
Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and qualifications relevant to their proposed field of study.
2. Quality of the Study Plan or Research Proposal
The proposed Master’s study plan should be well-structured, realistic, and focused on addressing key issues in the applicant’s chosen field.
3. Potential Impact on the Development of the Applicant’s Home Country
Applicants should clearly show how their studies in the UK will contribute to the development and capacity-building of their home country.
4. Alignment with the CSC’s Six Development Themes
The proposed course of study should align with one or more of the following themes set by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC):
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems
- Promoting global prosperity
- Strengthening global peace, security and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion, and opportunity
Deadline to Apply:
14 October 2025 – by 16:00 GMT (UK time)
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Nominations by Agencies:
By December 2025
National Nominating Agencies and approved organizations will review applications and submit nominations to the CSC.
Final Selection & Results:
By July 2026
Selected candidates will receive official scholarship offers and instructions to begin preparations.
Start of Studies in the UK:
September 2026