The 2026 Commonwealth Masters Scholarships offer talented individuals from developing countries a chance to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
This prestigious opportunity — funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) — covers full tuition, airfare, and a generous monthly living allowance of up to £1,781 for scholars studying in London.
Applications open September 2, 2025, for the 2026/27 academic year.
Commonwealth Masters Scholarship Summary
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Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
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Study Abroad: Study in the UK
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Category: Masters | Postgraduate Scholarships
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Eligible Countries: All Developing Commonwealth Countries
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Reward:
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Full Tuition Fees
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£21,372 Annual Stipend (£1,781/month in London)
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Airfare & Accommodation
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Warm Clothing & Travel Allowance
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Application Opens: September 2, 2025
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Deadline: October 21, 2025
About the 2026 Commonwealth Masters Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) is part of the UK’s commitment to the Commonwealth and global development. Its goal is to support individuals with exceptional academic potential who can make a lasting impact in their home countries.
Through this program, scholars receive not just academic training, but the opportunity to develop leadership and professional skills that can drive sustainable development and innovation globally.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Masters Scholarship, applicants must:
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Be a citizen or refugee from an eligible Commonwealth country.
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Be permanently resident in a Commonwealth country.
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Be available to start studies in the UK by September 2026.
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Hold a first degree of at least Upper Second Class (2:1) or a Lower Second Class (2:2) with a relevant postgraduate qualification.
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Demonstrate financial need — unable to afford study in the UK without a scholarship.
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Submit all required documents in the correct format.
Scholarship Duration and Benefits
Each Commonwealth Masters Scholarship covers:
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Airfare: From your home country to the UK and return after the program.
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Full Tuition Fees: Covered entirely by the CSC and UK universities.
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Monthly Stipend:
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£1,452/month (outside London)
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£1,781/month (in London)
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Additional Allowances:
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Warm clothing allowance
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Study travel grant
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Child allowance (£622/month for the first child; £154/month for the second and third, under 16, if applicable)
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Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following for the online application:
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Academic transcripts and degree certificates
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List of qualifications, publications, and prizes
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Employment history and relevance to chosen course
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Development Impact Statement (4 parts)
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Three references (including one from a current employer)
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Personal statement and leadership summary
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Valid passport or national ID
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
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Apply via the CSC Online Portal:
All applications must be submitted through the official CSC system. -
Apply Through a Nominating Agency:
Candidates must also apply to a national nominating agency or approved NGO/charitable body, as the CSC does not accept direct applications. -
Check Agency Requirements:
Each nominating agency may have different deadlines and eligibility criteria, so ensure you follow their instructions carefully. -
Submit Before Deadline:
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Applications Open: September 2, 2025
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CSC Deadline: October 14, 2025
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Final Deadline: October 21, 2025
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🔗 CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THE COMMONWEALTH MASTERS SCHOLARSHIP
Why Apply?
The Commonwealth Masters Scholarship is one of the most competitive and impactful scholarships for developing countries — offering a chance to study in world-class UK universities while building global networks and leadership capacity.
