Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28 in UK | Fully Funded

Overview

The Commonwealth Master's Scholarships 2027-28 fund talented people from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to take a full-time taught master's degree in the UK. They are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to support sustainable development, and are aimed at people who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. Awards are made under six development themes, including science and technology for development, health systems, innovation and entrepreneurship, peace, security and governance, resilience and crisis response, and access, inclusion and opportunity.

Since 1959, more than 31,000 people have held a Commonwealth Scholarship or Fellowship. Scholars join a community of scholars and alumni and can take part in alumni networks, events and activities.

Who can apply

Applicants must be citizens of, or hold refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person, and live there permanently. They must be able to start studies in the UK by September 2027 and hold at least an upper second-class degree, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification. They must be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship and submit all documents in the required format. There is no age limit.

The CSC does not normally fund a second master's degree, so such applicants must explain why they need it. Anyone who has studied at master's level in the UK or has already received a Commonwealth master's scholarship is not eligible.

What you get

The award covers full tuition fees, a return air ticket, a monthly stipend of 1,712 pounds or 2,000 pounds, a warm clothing allowance, thesis or dissertation costs and study travel grants. Scholars who are single parents, widowed or divorced can receive 622 pounds a month for a first child and 154 pounds for each additional child under 16 living with them in the UK. An additional allowance is available for disabled scholars.

How to apply

Applicants apply through a nominating body, either a National Nominating Agency or a selected non-governmental organisation or charity, each with its own criteria and deadlines. They must also apply through the CSC online system, CSC Central, and submit at least two references in PDF format. Direct applications are not accepted.

Key dates

Applications open in September 2026, and the CSC deadline is 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST.