Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/2028: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in the UK
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/2028 offer an exciting opportunity for talented students from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue fully funded Master’s degrees at participating universities in the United Kingdom.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the programme supports outstanding students who demonstrate academic potential and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries.
The scholarships are designed for individuals who would not otherwise have the financial means to study in the UK. Successful candidates receive full tuition fee coverage, a monthly living allowance, return international airfare and additional study-related support.
The awards normally cover 12 months of full-time postgraduate study, beginning in September or October 2027.
Applications for the 2027/2028 academic year open on 10 November 2026 and close on 8 December 2026 at 16:00 GMT.
About the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) administers the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship programme as part of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan.
The programme aims to strengthen the development capacity of eligible Commonwealth countries by supporting talented individuals to acquire advanced knowledge, professional skills and leadership capabilities.
Unlike some other Commonwealth scholarship programmes, applications are made through participating UK universities offering approved Master’s courses.
Universities identify and nominate suitable candidates, after which the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission confirms their eligibility.
The programme focuses on applicants who have the potential to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable development when they return home.
Scholarship Benefits
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships provide comprehensive financial assistance, including:
- Full tuition fees: Coverage of approved university tuition fees.
- Monthly living allowance: £1,712 per month, or £2,000 per month for scholars studying at universities in the London metropolitan area, at the currently published rates.
- Return airfare: Approved economy-class travel from the scholar’s home country to the UK and back.
- Warm clothing allowance: Provided where applicable.
- Thesis grant: Financial support towards preparing a thesis or dissertation, where applicable.
- Study travel grant: Support for approved study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
The scholarships are normally awarded for 12 months of study.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be citizens of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country and be permanently resident there.
Eligible countries include:
Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, 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, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu and Zambia.
Applicants should consult the official CSC website for the complete eligibility information.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be a citizen or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to begin their studies in the UK in September or October 2027.
- Hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1), or a lower second-class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree.
- Not have studied or worked for one academic year or more in a high-income country.
- Demonstrate that they cannot afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
- Submit all required supporting documents by the application deadline.
There is no age limit for Commonwealth Shared Scholarship applications.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online application system, CSC Central.
Candidates must also apply separately for admission to an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify an eligible course
Review the official list of approved courses and participating UK universities for the 2027/2028 academic year.
Step 2: Apply to your chosen university
Check the university’s admission requirements and submit a separate application for your preferred Master’s programme.
Step 3: Complete the scholarship application
Register on CSC Central and complete the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application form.
Step 4: Upload supporting documents
Provide the required identification documents, academic transcripts and references.
Step 5: Submit your application
Review all information carefully and submit your application before the deadline.
Candidates may apply for more than one approved course and university but can accept only one Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- A valid passport or national identity document showing citizenship.
- Full academic transcripts for higher education qualifications.
- Certified translations of academic documents that are not in English.
- References from at least two individuals, submitted in the required format.
Missing or incomplete documentation may result in an application being declared ineligible.
Selection Process
Participating universities conduct their own recruitment and selection processes before nominating candidates to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Applications are assessed according to three main criteria:
- Academic merit.
- Quality of the proposed study or research.
- Potential contribution to the development of the applicant’s home country.
Successful university nominations are subsequently reviewed by the CSC to confirm that candidates meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Important Application Dates
- Applications open: 10 November 2026
- Application deadline: 8 December 2026 at 16:00 GMT
- Expected study commencement: September/October 2027
- Normal scholarship duration: 12 months
Official Application Website
Scholarship: Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/2028
Funding organisation: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK and participating universities
Study destination: United Kingdom
Study level: Master’s degree
Funding: Tuition fees, living allowance, return airfare and additional approved allowances.
Online application system: CSC Central, accessible through the official scholarship website.
Interested applicants are encouraged to identify suitable courses, prepare their supporting documents and apply before the December 2026 deadline.
