The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026/2027 offers students from eligible Commonwealth countries the opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK, this scholarship supports talented candidates with strong academic records who aim to contribute to social and economic development in their home countries.

As part of the broader Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, the programme seeks to develop future leaders in public service, civil society, and development sectors by enabling high-potential students to study in the UK without financial barriers.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship provides a comprehensive funding package, including:

• Full tuition fees at a partner UK university.
  
• Return airfare to and from the UK, funded by CSC.
  
• Monthly stipend (living allowance):
  
  • £1,452 per month outside London
    
  • £1,781 per month within the London metropolitan area
    
• Warm clothing allowance (where needed)
  
• Thesis/dissertation grant
  
• Study travel grant for academic travel within the UK or overseas
  
• TB test contribution for visa purposes
  
• Child allowance for single parents:
  
  • £622 per month for the first child under 16
    
  • £154 per month for the second and third children under 16
    

 Travel for dependants or pre-scholarship journeys is not covered.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Citizenship/Residency: Must be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country.
  
• Study Start Date: Ready to start full-time master’s study in the UK in September/October 2026.
  
• Academic Qualifications:
  
  • At least a 2:1 undergraduate degree, or
    
  • A 2:2 degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification.
    
• Previous High-Income Country Experience: Must not have studied or worked for more than one year in a high-income country.
  
• Financial Need: Unable to afford study in the UK without the scholarship.
  
• Supporting Documents: Submit all required documents in the correct format by the deadline.
  

Application Requirements

Applicants must include:

• Academic qualifications (undergraduate and postgraduate)
  
• Up to 10 key publications or prizes (if applicable)
  
• Full employment history linking work to the proposed master’s program
  
• Three referees, including one current employer if applicable
  
• Development Impact Statement demonstrating how the study will benefit their home country
  

Strong applications connect past achievements, professional experience, and future development goals clearly and coherently.

Key Dates

• Application Opens: 16:30 GMT, Wednesday, 12 November 2025
  
• Application Closes: 16:00 GMT, Tuesday, 9 December 2025
  

Applicants should verify their chosen master’s programme is part of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship list on the official CSC website.

Why the Scholarship Matters

The scholarship empowers students to develop knowledge, skills, and professional networks in the UK, which they can apply back home in sectors such as:

• Health and education
  
• Climate resilience
  
• Public policy
  
• Inclusive economic growth
  

Upon return, scholars are expected to contribute to national development, mentor others, and participate in projects that advance social and economic progress.

Apply now via the official Commonwealth Shared Scholarship portal to kickstart your journey toward a fully funded master’s degree in the UK and make a lasting impact in your home country.