The 2026 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, one of the UK’s top fully funded postgraduate programs for students from eligible Commonwealth countries.
The scholarship is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and UK universities, covering full tuition fees, airfare, accommodation, and a monthly stipend of up to £1,781.
If you’ve been waiting for this opportunity — it’s time to apply!
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 Summary
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Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
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Host Institutions: Participating UK Universities
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Study Level: Master’s Degree (Postgraduate)
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Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Countries
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Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
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Stipend: Up to £21,372 per year
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Benefits: Tuition, Airfare, Accommodation, Study Grants
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Application Deadline: December 9, 2025
About the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is part of the UK’s international development efforts. It offers postgraduate study opportunities to talented individuals from least-developed and middle-income Commonwealth nations who would otherwise be unable to afford studying in the UK.
This program helps build global capacity and fosters sustainable development by supporting professionals who are passionate about driving change in their home countries.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, applicants must:
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Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country.
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Be permanently resident in that country.
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Be ready to begin studies in the UK by September 2026.
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Hold at least a second-class upper (2:1) bachelor’s degree or a second-class lower plus a relevant master’s degree.
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Not have studied or worked for more than one year in a high-income country.
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Demonstrate financial need to study in the UK.
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Provide all required supporting documents in the correct format.
Scholarship Benefits
Each selected scholar will receive:
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Full tuition fees (covered by the UK university and CSC)
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Round-trip airfare from your home country to the UK
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Monthly stipend:
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£1,452 per month outside London
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£1,781 per month for universities in London
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Warm clothing allowance (if applicable)
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Thesis and study travel grants
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TB test reimbursement (where required)
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Child allowance:
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£622 per month for the first child
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£154 per month for the second and third child (under 16)
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Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
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Academic Merit
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Quality and relevance of the study plan or research proposal
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Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country
Each participating UK university conducts its own selection process and nominates candidates to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) for final approval.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow these steps to apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026:
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Apply Online: Submit your application only through the official CSC online system.
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Apply Early: Don’t wait till the deadline; the portal gets busy near closing dates.
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Choose an Approved Master’s Course: Apply for a program listed under eligible Commonwealth Shared Scholarship courses.
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Apply to the University: Submit a separate admission application to your chosen UK university.
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Get Nominated: Universities will nominate candidates to the CSC by March 2026.
📘 Tip: Review our Commonwealth Shared Scholarship preparation guide to strengthen your application.
Deadline
🗓 Application closes on December 9, 2025.
Final Thoughts
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship remains one of the most prestigious postgraduate awards for students across the Commonwealth. If you’re ready to pursue your Master’s degree in the UK and make an impact back home — this is your chance!
👉 Apply Now: Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 Application Portal
