Commonwealth Master Scholarships. The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28 in the UK offer an excellent opportunity for talented students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue a fully funded taught master’s degree at a UK university. The scholarship is designed for individuals who have the potential to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries but may not otherwise have the financial resources to study in the United Kingdom.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Commonwealth Scholarship provides financial support for tuition, travel, living expenses and other approved study-related costs. Along with financial assistance, scholars become part of an international community of Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni, giving them opportunities to develop academic, professional and leadership networks.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Host Universities | Participating UK Universities |
| Funded By | UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) |
| Degree Level | Master’s Degree |
| Study Type | Full-time taught Master’s |
| Academic Year | 2027/28 |
| Application Opening | September 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST |
What Is the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship?
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is a prestigious UK scholarship programme aimed at students from eligible Commonwealth countries. It supports individuals who have demonstrated academic potential and who can use their education and skills to contribute to development after returning to their home countries.
The programme focuses particularly on applicants who would not be able to afford to study in the UK without financial support. Selected scholars can study a full-time taught master’s programme at an eligible UK university.
Since the Commonwealth Scholarship programme began in 1959, more than 31,000 people have received Commonwealth Scholarships or Fellowships. Its alumni community includes senior government officials, academics, diplomats, writers, business leaders, Nobel Prize winners and leaders of major organisations.
Commonwealth Scholarship Development Themes
The 2027/28 Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships support study areas connected with six major development themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
- Strengthening peace, security and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
These themes are intended to support applicants whose education and future work can contribute to sustainable development in their communities and countries.
Benefits of Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is fully funded and provides a range of financial benefits to successful candidates. These may include:
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- Return air travel to and from the UK.
- A monthly living allowance of approximately £1,712, with the applicable rate depending on the circumstances and location of study.
- An allowance for warm clothing where applicable.
- Approved study-related travel grants within or outside the UK.
- Support towards the cost of a thesis or dissertation where applicable.
- Family allowances for eligible scholars.
- Additional support may be available for scholars with disabilities.
Family Allowance
Eligible scholars who are single parents, widowed or divorced may receive a family allowance if their children live with them in the UK.
The stated allowance is £622 per month for the first child and £154 per month for each additional child under the age of 16, subject to the applicable CSC conditions.
Applicants should always check the official scholarship terms for the latest allowance rates and eligibility requirements before applying.
Eligible Countries for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Applicants from the following eligible Commonwealth countries may apply, subject to the specific requirements of the relevant nominating body:
Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, and Zambia.
Students from Pakistan are therefore among the applicants who may be eligible for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship, provided they meet all applicable requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28
To apply for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, candidates must meet the scholarship’s eligibility requirements. Generally, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country, have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to begin academic studies in the UK by September 2027.
- Hold, by September 2027, at least an upper second-class 2:1 first degree or a lower second-class 2:2 degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a master’s degree.
- Demonstrate that they cannot afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
- Provide all required supporting documents in the specified format.
- Meet the requirements of the relevant nominating body and the selected UK university.
There is no age limit for CSC applications.
The CSC does not normally fund a second master’s degree. However, candidates applying for a second master’s may need to provide a strong explanation of why another master’s qualification is necessary.
Applicants who have already studied at master’s level at a UK institution or have previously received a Commonwealth Scholarship at master’s level are generally not eligible.
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship in the UK
Applicants cannot normally submit a direct application to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission without going through an approved nominating route.
Candidates must apply through one of the eligible nominating bodies, which may include national nominating agencies or selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies.
The application process generally involves the following steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the application, carefully review the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship eligibility requirements and make sure you qualify based on your nationality, residence, academic background and financial circumstances.
Step 2: Identify Your Nominating Body
Applicants must apply through an eligible nominating agency or organisation. Nominating bodies can have their own eligibility requirements, application procedures and deadlines, so candidates should check these details separately.
Step 3: Choose an Appropriate UK Master’s Programme
Select an eligible full-time taught master’s programme that aligns with your academic background and future development goals. Your chosen programme should also relate appropriately to the scholarship’s development themes.
Step 4: Complete the CSC Online Application
Candidates must complete and submit their application through the CSC Central online application system. An application that is not submitted through the required CSC system will not be accepted.
Step 5: Submit the Nominating Body Application
The application submitted to a nominating body is separate from the CSC application. Applicants may therefore need to complete both applications and follow the specific instructions provided by their nominating organisation.
Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents
Applicants should prepare all required supporting documents in the specified format. Reference letters are particularly important. At least two references must be included with the CSC application by the relevant deadline, and referees’ documents should be uploaded in PDF format as required.
Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline
Candidates should submit all required applications and documents before the stated deadline. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship Deadline 2027/28
Applications for the 2027/28 academic year are scheduled to open in September 2026, with the CSC application deadline stated as:
20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST
Applicants should also check the deadline set by their specific nominating body because it may differ from the CSC deadline.
Why Apply for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship?
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is more than a source of financial assistance. It provides talented students with the opportunity to study at a UK university, gain advanced academic knowledge and develop professional skills in an international environment.
Scholars can also connect with students and alumni from Commonwealth countries, exchange ideas and develop networks that may continue long after graduation. These connections can support future research, professional collaboration and development projects.
After completing their studies, Commonwealth Scholars are expected to use their knowledge and experience to contribute to positive development in their home countries.
Important Tips for Applicants
Applicants should begin preparing early rather than waiting until the final weeks of the application period. Make sure your academic documents, references and other supporting materials are ready before applications open.
You should also carefully review the requirements of your nominating body because its criteria and deadline may be different from those of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Finally, make sure that your chosen master’s programme supports your academic background and demonstrates how your future plans can contribute to development in your home country.
Conclusion
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28 in the UK provide a valuable fully funded study opportunity for talented candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries. With support for tuition fees, travel, living expenses and other approved costs, the programme can make postgraduate study in the UK accessible to students who could not otherwise afford it.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, start preparing your academic documents, references and application materials well in advance. Keep checking the official CSC and relevant nominating body information for the latest requirements, participating universities and deadlines before submitting your application.
