Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28: United Kingdom (fully funded)

Applications are open for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28 for students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the programme enables talented candidates to complete a full-time, one-year taught master’s degree at an approved university in the United Kingdom.

The scholarships are intended for students who could not otherwise afford postgraduate education in the UK. Successful candidates must demonstrate academic ability, development potential, and a clear plan for using their education to contribute to their home country after graduation.

What It Covers

• Full approved tuition fees
• Economy-class airfare to the United Kingdom
• Return airfare after completing the programme
• Monthly living allowance
• Warm clothing allowance where applicable
• Study-related travel grants
• Thesis or dissertation preparation support where applicable
• Additional allowances for eligible scholars with children
• Approved disability-related support following assessment

The exact allowances and financial conditions are determined by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

Who Can Apply

• Citizens of an eligible Commonwealth country
• Applicants with recognised refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country
• British Protected Persons
• Applicants permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
• Applicants available to begin academic study in the UK in September or October 2027
• Applicants who normally hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper-second-class honours degree
• Applicants who cannot afford to study in the UK without the scholarship
• Applicants who submit all supporting documents in the required format
• Applicants who apply through an approved nominating organisation
• Applicants who agree to return to their home country after completing the scholarship

Applicants with a lower-second-class degree may be considered if they also possess a relevant postgraduate qualification. There is no general age limit, although an employer or nominating agency may apply separate rules.

Eligible African Countries

• Botswana
• Eswatini
• Gabon
• The Gambia
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Togo
• Uganda
• Zambia

Applicants should confirm the complete and current eligible-country list on the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission page.

Eligible Programmes

• Full-time, one-year taught master’s programmes at approved UK universities
• Programmes connected to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s development themes, including science and technology, health systems, global prosperity, peace and governance, resilience, and access to opportunity

The scholarship does not fund MBA programmes, part-time degrees, undergraduate programmes, PhD programmes, or a second UK master’s degree without strong justification. Applicants should confirm that their chosen course meets the current CSC requirements.

Study Level: Master’s
Host Country: United Kingdom
Course Duration: One year
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Deadline: October 20, 2026, at 16:00 BST

Nominating organisations may establish earlier deadlines. Candidates must satisfy both the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission deadline and the deadline set by their chosen nominator.

Required Documents

• Passport or national identification showing citizenship
• Complete higher-education transcripts
• Certified English translations where necessary
• References from at least two individuals
• Details of academic qualifications
• Employment history
• Development-impact statement
• Study plan
• Career plans
• Supporting documents requested by the nominating body

Missing pages, incomplete transcripts, or late references can make an application ineligible.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply through CSC Central and also follow the application procedure of an approved nominating organisation. National nominating agencies are the principal route, while selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies may also nominate candidates.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission does not accept direct applications without nomination. Contact your country’s nominating agency to confirm local requirements, submission procedures, and any earlier internal deadline. Applications are free, and candidates should prepare their written responses outside the application portal before transferring them to the form.