Embark on your academic journey in the UK! Great news—the Commonwealth Scholarship is now open for applications. This article provides detailed information about the scholarship, including its benefits and step-by-step application process.

The Commonwealth Scholarship 2026-2027 is a fully funded opportunity for international students pursuing Masters or PhD programs. The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend of £1,347 (or £1,652 for those studying in London), round-trip airfare to the UK, and additional allowances for essential expenses.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), operating under the UK government’s international development objectives, runs this scholarship. It is part of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), reinforcing the UK’s long-standing commitment to the Commonwealth. The program targets talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and supports them to become leaders and innovators, promoting sustainable development in their home countries.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships focus on applicants from least developed and fragile Commonwealth nations (as classified by the OECD), supporting full-time doctoral research at UK universities.

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships aim to equip individuals with knowledge and skills for sustainable development, targeting those unable to afford UK studies.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships support research contributing to the development needs of Commonwealth countries, enhancing teaching and research capacities at both individual and institutional levels.

Commonwealth Scholarship Overview

• Level of Study: Masters / PhD
• Institution(s): UK Universities (see the official list)
• Study Location: UK
• Programs Offered: Full-time taught Masters (one year) or PhD (36 months)
• Program Duration: Varies by selected program
• Deadline: (Currently closed—please check the official website for updates)

Commonwealth Scholarship Coverage

The scholarship offers the following benefits:

For Master’s Applicants:

• Airfare: Approved economy class return flight to the UK
• Tuition Fees: Fully covered
• Stipend: £1,347 per month (or £1,652 for London-based scholars)
• Additional Allowances:
  • Warm clothing allowance (if applicable)
  • Study travel grant
  • Child allowance (if applicable): £576.61 for the first child, £143 for the second and third child
  • Family allowances based on marital and child status (conditions apply)

For PhD Applicants:

• Airfare: Return flight to the UK
• Tuition Fees: Fully covered
• Stipend: £1,347 per month (or £1,652 for London-based scholars)
• Additional Allowances:
  • Warm clothing allowance (if applicable)
  • Study travel grant
  • Fieldwork expenses (if applicable)
  • Paid mid-term visit to the home country
  • Family allowances based on marital and child status
  • Disability Support: Full assessment for additional financial support if required

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Commonwealth Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

For Master’s Applicants:

• Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country, or a British Protected Person
• Be a permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth country
• Be available to start academic studies in the UK in September 2024
• Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree)
• Be unable to afford study in the UK without the scholarship

For PhD Applicants:

• Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country, or a British Protected Person
• Be a permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth country
• Be available to start academic studies in the UK in September 2024
• Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree)
• Not have registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university before September/October 2024
• Be unable to afford study in the UK without the scholarship

How to Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship

Follow the steps below to apply:

Application Process for Masters:

1. Online Application: Applications must be submitted through the CSC’s online system.
2. Application Form: Fill out the form, which requires you to provide:
   • Details of your academic qualifications
   • A list of up to 10 publications and prizes
   • Employment history, explaining its relevance to the program
   • Contact details of three referees, one of whom must be your current employer (if applicable)
   • A four-part Development Impact statement addressing global, national, and local development issues, your plans after the scholarship, expected changes, and how impact will be measured
   • A detailed study plan and personal statement
   • Career objectives for the next five years and long-term career plans
3. Supporting Documents:
   • Proof of citizenship or refugee status (valid passport or national ID)
   • Full transcripts of all higher education qualifications
   • At least two references from qualified individuals, submitted in PDF format
   • A supporting statement from a proposed supervisor at a UK university (if applicable)

For a detailed guide on the application process, please visit the official Commonwealth Scholarship website.