Commonwealth Master's Scholarships 2027 in the UK
A fully funded UK government scholarship for a one-year Master's degree in the UK. For students from low and middle income Commonwealth countries. Apply by October 20, 2026.
What are the Commonwealth Master's Scholarships?
The Commonwealth Master's Scholarships help talented people from developing Commonwealth countries study a full-time, one-year taught Master's degree at a UK university. They are for people who could not afford to study in the UK without support.
The scholarships are run by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). More than 34,000 people have received a Commonwealth Scholarship since 1960. After finishing, scholars return home to use their new skills for the development of their country.
Important dates
- Applications open: Now open
- CSC application deadline: October 20, 2026 (4:00 PM UK time)
- Nominators send names to CSC: By December 2026
- Results announced: By July 2027
- Study starts: September/October 2027
Note: your national nominator may have an earlier deadline. Check with them first.
Who can apply?
- You must be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country, and live there permanently.
- Eligible countries include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Malaysia and more than 30 others. The full list is on the official page.
- By September 2027, you need a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1), or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification.
- You must be unable to afford UK study without this scholarship.
- There is no age limit, and no IELTS test is required by the CSC.
- You cannot apply if you have already studied a Master's in the UK or held a Commonwealth Master's Scholarship before.
What do you get?
- Full tuition fees paid directly to your UK university.
- Return airfare from your home country to the UK.
- Monthly living allowance of £1,712, or £2,000 if you study in London.
- Study travel grant for study-related travel.
- Child allowance for eligible single, widowed, or divorced parents whose children live with them in the UK.
- Extra support for scholars with a disability.
How to apply
- Choose up to three UK universities and courses, and apply for admission to them early.
- Find your country's national nominating agency (or an approved NGO nominator) on the official website, and apply through them as well.
- Prepare your answers using the template form and guidance document on the official page.
- Complete your application on the CSC online system (CSC Central).
- Upload your passport or ID, full transcripts, and at least two signed references.
- Submit before October 20, 2026. Late applications are not accepted.
Simple tips
- Apply to both the nominator and the CSC. The CSC does not accept direct applications without a nomination.
- Write your answers in a separate document first, then paste them into the form.
- Focus on development impact. Explain clearly how your studies will help your country.
- Ask your referees early so their letters are ready in time.
- Only use the official CSC website. The CSC never charges a fee to apply.
Apply here
Use the button on this page to go to the official scholarship page. It has the full details, eligible countries, and the link to the application system.
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/
WorldOpportunitiesHub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK or the FCDO. Always verify details on the official website before applying.
Sidebar details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Organization | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) |
| Region / Country | United Kingdom |
| Deadline | Oct 20, 2026 |
| Level | Master's |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
WorldOpportunitiesHub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC). Always verify details on the official website before applying.