Deadline: December 9, 2025
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for talented individuals from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue fully funded Master’s study in the United Kingdom. Designed to empower professionals who cannot otherwise afford overseas education, the programme aims to strengthen capacity, promote sustainable development and support impactful knowledge transfer across Commonwealth nations. This call presents a highly competitive yet life-changing chance to gain world-class education and return home to drive measurable development impact. The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 remains one of the most sought-after international scholarships for postgraduate study.
About the Opportunity
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Programme is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and delivered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). It supports students from eligible Commonwealth countries to undertake Master’s degree programmes at participating UK universities. The initiative focuses on individuals who demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership potential and a clear commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries.
The scholarship is specifically intended for applicants who would be unable to afford study in the UK without financial support. Scholars are expected to begin their academic programmes in September/October 2026 and commit to returning home upon completion to apply the skills and knowledge acquired.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in a qualifying Commonwealth country.
- Be ready to begin academic study in the UK by September/October 2026.
- Hold, by September 2026, a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours; or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification.
- Not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country.
- Demonstrate financial inability to study in the UK without a scholarship.
- Submit all required supporting documents in the correct format.
Benefits / Award Details
Selected scholars will receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Full tuition fees, covered through an agreement between the CSC and the host university.
- Monthly living allowance of £1,452, or £1,781 for scholars studying at universities in the London metropolitan area.
- Return airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK (excludes dependants).
- Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
- Thesis grant, if required for the approved course of study.
- Study travel grant for travel related to academic requirements.
- Contribution towards tuberculosis (TB) testing where required for visa processing.
- Child allowance for eligible single, widowed or divorced parents with up to three children under 16:
- £622 per month for the first child;
- £154 per month for the second and third children.
Application Requirements / Documents
Applicants must provide:
- Details of all academic qualifications.
- Up to ten publications or noteworthy prizes (where applicable).
- Relevant employment history.
- Contact details for three referees, including at least one current employer (if applicable), able to comment on academic potential, leadership promise and expected development impact.
- A Development Impact Statement, structured in four sections, demonstrating how the proposed Master’s programme will contribute to development outcomes in the applicant’s home country.
Timeline / Key Dates
- Applications open: 12 November 2025 at 16:30 GMT
- Applications close: 9 December 2025 at 16:00 GMT
Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete and submit their application through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online application system. Supporting documents and referee submissions must be uploaded before the deadline to ensure that applications are assessed.
Selection Process
The selection process is based on academic merit, quality of the development impact statement, relevance of proposed studies to development priorities and the applicant’s potential to contribute meaningfully to their home country after graduation. Final decisions are made by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in collaboration with participating UK universities.
Additional Information / Terms
- Scholars must return to their home country for at least two years after completing their studies.
- Funding is provided for one-year full-time Master’s study only.
- Family members are not funded; dependants may accompany scholars only at the scholar’s own expense.
- Scholars must comply with all CSC terms and conditions throughout their award period.
Host Organisation
The programme is administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the United Kingdom, working in partnership with participating UK universities and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
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