Are you an ambitious student from a developing Commonwealth country seeking to pursue a master’s degree in the UK? The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026/2027 for full-time master’s study in the United Kingdom offer a fully funded opportunity to achieve your academic goals while contributing to the development of your home country.
Administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK, this prestigious scholarship program provides complete financial coverage for eligible students who would otherwise be unable to afford studying in the United Kingdom.
These scholarships form part of the UK government’s commitment to the Commonwealth and are targeted at talented individuals from least developed and middle-income countries. The goal is to empower scholars to gain advanced knowledge, leadership skills, and technical expertise that can be used to promote growth and innovation in their home nations.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026/2027 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree (Full-time) |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Funded By | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and UK Universities |
| Eligible Countries | Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries |
| Duration | 12 months (Normally one academic year) |
| IELTS/TOEFL Requirement | Not mandatory unless required by the host institution |
| Application Deadline | Tuesday, 9 December 2025 (16:00 GMT) |
| Academic Session | 2026/2027 |
What Is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship All About?
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026/2027 are offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), a UK government initiative aimed at supporting international development through education. These scholarships operate under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), which demonstrates the UK’s longstanding commitment to nurturing future leaders and professionals across the Commonwealth.
The primary purpose of the scholarship is to provide access to quality education for talented but financially disadvantaged students from developing Commonwealth countries. Through this initiative, scholars receive specialized training in the UK, gain international exposure, and return home to apply their newly acquired knowledge toward national and regional development.
The program prioritizes applicants with leadership potential, academic excellence, and a passion for sustainable development, particularly those who have not studied or worked in high-income countries previously.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026/2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship Status: Must be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Residency: Must be a permanent resident in one of the eligible Commonwealth countries.
- Academic Requirements: By September 2026, applicants must hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honors standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a master’s degree).
- Financial Eligibility: Candidates must demonstrate that they cannot afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
- Prior Study Restrictions: Applicants must not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country.
- Availability: Must be available to start academic studies in the UK by the beginning of the 2026/2027 academic year (September/October 2026).
- Supporting Documents: Applicants must submit all required documents in the appropriate format as specified by the CSC.
Eligible Countries
Only students from the following Commonwealth countries can apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026/2027:
Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, 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.
Scholarship Benefits
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026/2027 are fully funded, covering all major expenses to ensure scholars can focus solely on their studies and personal development.
Here is what the scholarship offers:
- Airfare: Approved return airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK and back at the end of the award.
- Tuition Fees: Full tuition fees are covered by the CSC in partnership with the host university.
- Living Allowance (Stipend):
- £1,452 per month for universities outside London.
- £1,781 per month for scholars studying in the London metropolitan area.
- Warm Clothing Allowance: Provided where applicable.
- Thesis Grant: Financial assistance for thesis or dissertation preparation.
- Study Travel Grant: Support for study-related travel within or outside the UK.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Contribution: Reimbursement for TB test costs required for visa applications (with receipts).
- Child Allowance:
- £622 per month for the first child.
- £154 per month for the second and third child (under 16 years), applicable to single parents or widowed or divorced scholars living with their children in the UK.
This extensive support package enables scholars to pursue their academic dreams without any financial burden.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to provide the following documents when applying for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026/2027:
- Completed the online application form through the CSC Central application portal.
- Certified academic transcripts of all previous studies.
- Degree certificates for undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications.
- Two reference letters (academic or professional).
- Proof of Citizenship or Refugee Status (e.g., passport or national ID).
- Supporting statement outlining the applicant’s career goals and how their studies will benefit their home country.
All documents must be uploaded through the CSC’s online system; no hard copies will be accepted.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Applicants interested in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026/2027 should follow the process below carefully:
- Visit the Official CSC Portal: Access the CSC application system via the CSC Central platform to begin the online application.
- Select Your Course and University: Choose from the list of approved master’s programs offered by participating UK universities under the Shared Scholarship scheme.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in all required personal, academic, and professional details accurately.
- Upload Required Documents: Attach all necessary documentation, including transcripts, references, and identification.
- Submit Your Application: Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline (Tuesday, 9 December 2025, at 16:00 GMT).
- Await Selection: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further processing, including possible interviews or additional document verification.
Please note: The CSC will not accept applications or documents submitted via email or post. Only applications submitted through the online system will be considered.
Why Study in the United Kingdom Under the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?
There are numerous advantages to studying in the UK through the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship scheme:
- Academic Excellence: Gain access to some of the world’s most reputable universities and cutting-edge research facilities.
- Global Recognition: UK degrees are internationally respected and highly valued in the global job market.
- Leadership Development: The program equips scholars with leadership and problem-solving skills to foster development at home.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience diverse cultures, perspectives, and professional networks within the Commonwealth.
- Career Advancement: Graduates of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships often hold influential roles in government, academia, and the private sector.
By studying under this program, you become part of a community of over 30,000 Commonwealth alumni worldwide, all dedicated to driving social and economic progress.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: Wednesday, 12 November 2025 (16:30 GMT)
- Applications Close: Tuesday, 9 December 2025 (16:00 GMT)
- Study Commences: September/October 2026
For more information and to apply, visit the official webpage of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) website.
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