Applications are now open for the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, offering fully funded opportunities for eligible candidates from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue postgraduate study at universities in the United Kingdom.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the scholarship programme is designed to support talented individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford to study in the UK. It aims to equip scholars with knowledge and skills that can contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
The scholarships cover full-time taught Master’s programmes beginning in the 2027/2028 academic year
What the Scholarship Covers
Successful scholars will receive a comprehensive financial package, including approved return airfare between their home country and the UK.
The programme also covers approved tuition fees in full, meaning scholars will not be required to pay tuition costs covered under the agreement between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and their UK university.
Scholars will receive a monthly living allowance of £1,712, while those studying at universities within the London metropolitan area will receive £2,000 per month at the current rate.
A study travel grant is also available to support eligible study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
Additional support may be available for eligible scholars who are widowed, divorced or single parents and have dependent children living with them in the UK. This includes a monthly allowance for eligible children.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be citizens of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be British Protected Persons.
They must also be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country and be available to begin their studies in the UK by the start of the 2027 academic year in September.
By September 2027, applicants must hold a first degree equivalent to at least an upper second-class honours degree (2:1). Candidates with a lower second-class degree may also qualify if they hold a relevant postgraduate qualification, normally a Master’s degree.
Applicants must demonstrate that they would not be able to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship and must submit all required supporting documents in the specified format.
Selection Process
Applications will be assessed based on several factors, including the candidate’s academic and overall merit, the quality of their proposed study or research plan and the potential impact of their education on the development of their home country.
Applicants will be required to provide details of their academic qualifications, employment history, publications and prizes where applicable.
They must also provide details of three referees who can comment on their ability to benefit from the scholarship and their potential to contribute to development after completing their studies. At least two references must accompany the application, while a current employer should serve as one of the referees where applicable.
Candidates will also be required to submit a Development Impact statement explaining how their proposed study could contribute to development in their home country.
The application deadline is October 20, 2026.
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships provide eligible applicants with an opportunity to pursue postgraduate education in the UK without bearing the major costs of tuition, living expenses and international travel.
