Fully Funded Commonwealth Masters Scholarships in UK 2026

Apply for fully funded commonwealth masters scholarships in UK 2026. Fully funded tuition, airfare, and stipend for students from eligible countries.

Commonwealth Masters Scholarships in UK

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for talented students from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and delivered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, this program supports future leaders committed to sustainable development.

If you are academically strong and passionate about contributing to your home country’s growth, this is your chance to secure your future. Don’t miss this opportunity to study in the UK with complete financial support.

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission is the official UK body responsible for managing fully funded scholarships for students from eligible Commonwealth countries. It oversees selection, funding distribution, and placement at approved UK universities. All applications for Commonwealth Master’s and PhD programs must be submitted through the Commission’s official system and an approved nominating agency. The Commission ensures that selected scholars demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to contributing to their home countries after graduation.

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Overview of Commonwealth Masters Scholarships

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are part of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). They are designed for students from low and middle income Commonwealth countries who cannot afford to study in the UK without financial support.

These scholarships aim to:

• Promote sustainable development
• Strengthen global partnerships
• Build leadership capacity in developing nations
• Support high-impact academic training in priority sectors

This is a fully funded opportunity focused on long-term development impact, not just academic achievement.

SIDS Commonwealth Masters Scholarships

The SIDS Commonwealth Masters Scholarships are tailored for students from Small Island Developing States. These scholarships focus on development priorities such as climate resilience, sustainability, economic stability, and public policy. The goal is to equip scholars with specialized knowledge that directly benefits vulnerable island nations facing environmental and economic challenges.

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Details of the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship Program

The scholarship supports full-time taught Master’s degrees at approved UK universities. It does not fund MBA programs and does not cover part-time or distance learning.

Key features include:

• Study at approved UK universities with CSC agreements
• One-year taught Master’s programs only
• Selection based on merit, development impact, and study plan quality
• Final university placement decided by the Commission

Is a Supervisor Required?

No academic supervisor is required for this scholarship because it funds taught Master’s programs, not research-based degrees.

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Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

To apply, candidates must:

• Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country
• Be permanently resident in an eligible country
• Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
• Be unable to afford UK study without this scholarship
• Be available to begin studies in September/October of the award year
• Commit to returning to their home country after completion

There is no age limit. However, applicants who have previously studied at Master’s level in the UK are not eligible.

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Benefits of Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (Fully Funded)

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships provide comprehensive financial assistance, covering nearly all major expenses.

The scholarship includes:

• Full tuition fees paid directly to the university
• Approved return airfare to and from the UK
• Monthly living stipend:
  • £1,452 per month
  • £1,781 per month for London-based universities
• Warm clothing allowance (where applicable)
• Study travel grant for academic-related travel
• Child allowance (for eligible single parents)
• Additional disability support if required

This is a fully funded UK scholarship that ensures scholars can focus entirely on their academic and professional growth.

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Duration of Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

The scholarship funds:

• One-year full-time taught Master’s programs only

Extensions are not permitted for additional degrees. Scholars must complete their studies within the funded period.

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Study Tracks Under Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Scholarships are offered under six key development themes:

Development Themes

• Science and technology for development
• Strengthening health systems and capacity
• Promoting global prosperity
• Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
• Access, inclusion, and opportunity
• Strengthening resilience and response to crises

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Participating Universities Under Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and are tenable at approved UK universities that have part-funding agreements with the Commission.

There is no fixed single university list published in static format because:

• Only specific approved courses at participating UK universities are eligible.

• The Commission reserves the right to allocate scholars to institutions based on suitability and value for money.

• Not every course at a university is automatically eligible.

Applicants must apply separately for admission to up to three eligible UK universities and courses in order of preference.

However, the scholarships are tenable at a wide range of approved UK universities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, including many well-known public institutions such as:

• University of Oxford

• University of Cambridge

• University of Edinburgh

• University of Manchester

• University of Birmingham

• University of Bristol

• University of Glasgow

• University of Nottingham

• University of Leeds

• University of Warwick

And many other approved UK higher education institutions.

Important notes:

• Applicants must list three eligible courses at approved universities in order of preference.

• The final decision on placement is made by the Commission.

• Applicants must apply separately for admission to their chosen universities.

• The scholarship funds one-year full-time taught Master’s programs only (MBA programs are not funded).

For the complete and updated list of eligible universities and approved courses, applicants must consult the official CSC “Participating UK Universities” page before applying.

Commonwealth Online Masters Scholarships

The Commonwealth online masters scholarships provide an opportunity for students to pursue a UK Master’s degree remotely without relocating. These programs are delivered by approved UK universities and are fully funded. This option is ideal for professionals who want to continue working while studying or who cannot travel abroad. Despite being online, the academic standards and degree recognition remain the same as on-campus programs.

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Eligible Countries for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Only candidates from the following eligible Commonwealth countries can apply:

• Bangladesh
• Belize
• Botswana
• Cameroon
• 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
• Zambia
• Important:

  • Applicants must be citizens or have refugee status in one of these countries.

  • They must be permanently resident in an eligible country.

  • Scholars are required to return to their home country after completing the award.

HEC Commonwealth Scholarship

The HEC Commonwealth Scholarship is the nomination pathway for applicants from Pakistan. Under this route, candidates first apply through the Higher Education Commission (HEC), which shortlists and nominates eligible applicants to the UK authorities. The process is competitive and merit-based, requiring strong academic records and clear development impact goals. Only shortlisted nominees are forwarded to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for final selection.

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Required Documents for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Applicants must submit all documents via the online system. Incomplete applications are rejected.

Required documents include:

• Valid passport or national ID
• Full academic transcripts (with certified translations if needed)
• At least two references (one from current employer if applicable)
• Development Impact statement (four-part structure)
• Personal statement
• Study plan
• Career plans (short-term and long-term)

All references must be uploaded in PDF format before the deadline.

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Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships Deadline:

The final deadline for submitting applications for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (2026/27 intake) varies slightly by source and nominating agency, but the official CSC Central online application deadline is:

• Tuesday, 14 October 2025 at 16:00 GMT for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships submissions via the CSC application system.
• In some regions, nominating agencies have extended deadlines, for example, some country portals have extended submission up to 21 October 2025.

If you are applying through a national nominating body, check that agency’s deadline as well, because they may close earlier than or slightly later than the CSC Central deadline.

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How to Apply for Commonwealth Scholarship

If you are wondering how to apply for Commonwealth scholarship, the process requires two main steps. First, applicants must complete an online application through the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission portal. Second, they must apply through a recognized nominating agency, such as a national government body or NGO. Meeting both requirements is mandatory for consideration.

Commonwealth Scholarship Login

The Commonwealth scholarship login system is the official online platform where applicants create accounts, fill out application forms, upload required documents, and track submission status. It is important to register early, carefully review all sections, and submit before the deadline to avoid technical issues. Proper use of the portal ensures your application is successfully received and processed.

Application Process for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

The application process has two stages:

Step 1: Apply via CSC Central

• Submit an online application through the official CSC system
• Complete two-factor authentication
• Upload all required documentation
• Save frequently to avoid data loss

Applications cannot be edited after submission.

Step 2: Apply Through a Nominator

Applicants must also apply through one of the following:

• National nominating agencies (main route)
• Selected NGOs or charitable bodies

The Commission does not accept direct applications. Nomination does not guarantee final selection. Applicants should complete applications early to avoid system congestion before the deadline.

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Secure Your Future with a Fully Funded UK Master’s Degree

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are more than financial aid, they are an investment in future leaders committed to transforming their home countries. With full tuition, airfare, stipend, and development-focused training, this program removes financial barriers and opens doors to global impact. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to contribute to sustainable development, apply now.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain world-class education in the UK.
Start your journey today and secure your future through this fully funded opportunity.