Commonwealth Masters Scholarship in the UK 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Commonwealth Masters Scholarship 2026 is now open for students from eligible developing countries who want to pursue a master’s degree in the United Kingdom. This fully funded program is one of the most prestigious opportunities offered through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), covering tuition fees, travel costs, and a monthly stipend of up to £1,781 for scholars studying in London.

With its long-standing reputation, the scholarship not only supports academic growth but also aims to develop future leaders and innovators who can make a real difference when they return home.

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In this guide, you’ll find all the details you need—eligibility requirements, scholarship benefits, required documents, and a clear step-by-step application process.

About the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship

The Commonwealth Masters Scholarship is part of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), funded by the UK Government. Its purpose is to give students from low and middle-income countries access to world-class education while building skills that contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.

Every year, the CSC selects candidates with outstanding academic backgrounds and leadership potential. The program is more than a scholarship; at its core, it’s a way of fostering international collaboration, strengthening local capacity, and promoting development across the Commonwealth.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for the 2026 Commonwealth Masters Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be ready to begin academic studies in the UK in September 2026.
• Hold at least a first degree with upper second-class (2:1) honours, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a master’s degree).
• You are unable to afford studying in the UK without a scholarship.
• Provide all supporting documents in the correct format.

This scholarship is designed specifically for students who have the talent and drive but lack the financial means to pursue postgraduate study in the UK.

Duration and Benefits

The scholarship is fully funded and covers the entire duration of a one-year taught master’s program in the UK. Selected scholars will receive:

• Airfare from your home country to the UK and back at the end of the award.
• Full tuition fees, agreed upon with the host university.
• Monthly stipend of £1,452, or £1,781 if studying in London.
• Warm clothing allowance (where needed).
• Study travel grant for research-related travel in the UK or abroad.
• Family allowance for scholars who are single parents, widowed, or divorced: £622 per month for the first child, plus £154 per month for the second and third child under 16 living with you in the UK.

This package ensures that selected students can focus entirely on their studies without financial stress.

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Required Documents

Applicants will need to prepare and submit the following through the CSC’s online application system:

• A list of all undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications obtained.
• Details of up to 10 publications or prizes (if any).
• A record of employment history, with explanations of how each role relates to your chosen program in the UK.
• A statement on the relevance of work experience to your proposed master’s study.
• Names and details of three referees (at least one must be your current employer if applicable).
• A clear outline of your career plans for the five years after the scholarship and your long-term goals.
• A personal statement highlighting how your background shaped your motivation and the impact you aim to create.
• A summary of voluntary activities and leadership roles you’ve taken part in.
• A scanned copy of your passport or national identity card.

And finally, applicants are expected to prepare a Development Impact Statement covering:

1. Key development issues at the global, national, and local levels.
2. Your chosen study program must connect to a CSC development theme.
3. Plan to apply your skills after the scholarship.
4. Expected outcomes, beneficiaries, and how your impact will be measured.

Having these documents ready in advance will make the application process smoother and less stressful.

How to Apply for the 2026 Commonwealth Masters Scholarship

To be considered for this scholarship, you must complete two applications:

• An online application through the CSC portal.
• And a separate application through a nominating agency (either your country’s national body or an approved NGO/charitable organisation).

Both applications are mandatory. The CSC will only review candidates who have been nominated by one of these agencies.

Step-by-step application guide

1. Check that you meet all eligibility requirements.
2. Gather all required documents (transcripts, references, passport/ID, statements).
3. Fill out the application form on the CSC online portal.
4. Submit your application through a nominating agency. Check their specific process, as some may have additional requirements or earlier deadlines.
5. Ask your referees to prepare their recommendations early.
6. Review everything carefully and submit both applications.
7. Wait for your nominating agency to shortlist candidates and forward them to the CSC.

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Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the 2026 Commonwealth Masters Scholarship is October 14, 2025. Applications must be submitted online, and all required documents must be included before this date.

If you are ready to kickstart your application process, click the link below:

APPLY FOR THE COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP