Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027:

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development. The scholarships are aimed at candidates who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK.

The scholarships are available to candidates from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to undertake full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university. Awards are offered under the six Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) development themes.

Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027:

• Applicant must be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
• Applicant must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Applicant must be available to start academic studies in the UK in September/October 2027.
• Applicant must, by September 2027, hold a first degree of at least Upper Second-Class (2:1) honours standard, or a Lower Second-Class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree.
• Applicant must demonstrate that they cannot afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
• Applicant must provide all required supporting documentation in the prescribed format.
• Applicant must apply for an eligible full-time taught Master’s course at a UK university participating in the scheme.
• Applicant must demonstrate the developmental relevance and potential impact of their proposed study.
• Applicant must ensure that their proposed study relates to one of the six CSC development themes.

Value/Benefits of Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027:

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:

• Full tuition fees at the UK university.
• Return airfare from the scholar's home country to the UK and back.
• Monthly living allowance.
• Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
• Study travel grant for approved academic-related travel.
• Child allowance for eligible scholars with dependents.
• Disability support, where required.

Application Process:

• Applicant must apply for admission to an eligible full-time taught Master’s course at a participating UK university.
• Applicant must submit the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship application through the CSC's online application system, CSC Central.
• Applicant must apply through an eligible nominating agency, selected NGO/charitable body, or other participating nominator, depending on the applicable route.
• Applicant must check the specific eligibility criteria and deadline of their nominating agency, as nominators may apply additional requirements and may set an earlier deadline.
• Applicant must submit the scholarship application to the CSC by 16:00 BST on 20 October 2026.
• Applicant must provide details of their undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, as applicable.
• Applicant must provide details of publications and prizes, where applicable.
• Applicant must provide their employment history and explain how their experience relates to the proposed UK study.
• Applicant must provide a study plan explaining what they intend to learn, how the proposed course and institution support their objectives, and the expected development impact.
• Applicant must demonstrate how their proposed study will contribute to development in their home country or sector.
• Applicant may select up to three UK institutions in their CSC application, listed in order of preference.
• Applicant must ensure that all required supporting documents are uploaded in the required format and within the applicable deadline.

Six CSC Development Themes:

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are offered under six 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

Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their proposed study relates to development priorities and potential impact. The CSC assesses, among other factors, the quality of study plans and the potential development impact of the proposed study.

Notes:

• Applications must be submitted through an eligible nominating agency; the CSC does not accept direct applications.
• Nominators may set additional requirements and earlier deadlines.
• Work experience is not required, but relevant experience may strengthen an application.
• MBAs and research Master’s programmes are not funded.
• Applicants should apply to their chosen UK university when submitting, or soon after submitting, the CSC application.
• Nomination does not guarantee final selection.