Summary
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for talented and motivated students from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue a full-time Master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this program is designed to support individuals who have the academic excellence and development potential to contribute to sustainable positive change in their home countries, but who might otherwise be unable to afford to study in the UK.
- 🎓 Fully Funded Opportunity: The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28 in the UK provide fully funded Master’s degree opportunities for talented students from eligible Commonwealth countries.
- 🇬🇧 Host & Funding Details: The scholarship is hosted by participating UK universities and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
- 📚 Study Level: The program supports postgraduate Master’s degree studies for students with strong academic backgrounds and development potential.
- 💰 Scholarship Benefits: Selected scholars receive full tuition fee coverage, return airfare, monthly living allowance, study travel grants, thesis/dissertation support, and other allowances.
- 💷 Living Allowance: Scholars receive £1,347 per month, or £1,652 per month for those studying in the London metropolitan area.
- 👨👩👧 Family Support: Eligible single-parent scholars may receive additional family allowances, including £590 per month for the first child and £146 per month for the second and third child.
- 🌍 Eligible Countries: Applicants from various Commonwealth nations, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and many others, can apply.
- ✅ Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be citizens or refugees of eligible Commonwealth countries, permanent residents of an eligible country, and available to start studies in the UK by September 2027.
- 🎓 Academic Criteria: Candidates generally need a first degree equivalent to at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree; additional postgraduate qualifications may be required for lower second-class degree holders.
- 📄 Required Documents: Applicants must submit an online application, passport/ID, citizenship proof, academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, references, development impact statement, study plan, and admission details.
- 📅 Application Deadline: The deadline to apply for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28 is 20 October 2026.
- 📝 Application Process: Applicants should check eligibility, select suitable UK Master’s programs, contact their national nominating agency, prepare documents, complete the CSC online application, and submit all required materials.
- 🌟 Key Advantages: The scholarship offers international academic exposure, professional networking opportunities, and the chance to contribute to sustainable development in home countries.
Key Information Overview
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Host Universities | Participating UK Universities |
| Funded By | UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
Location
United Kingdom (Across various participating UK Universities).
Subject Area
The scholarship supports full-time taught Master’s programs across participating UK institutions, with a strong emphasis on disciplines that align with the development needs of the scholar’s home country.
Scholarship Description & Benefits
Selected scholars will receive comprehensive financial support, allowing them to focus entirely on their education and professional development. The fully funded package includes:
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of approved tuition fees.
- Travel: Return airfare between the scholar’s home country and the UK.
- Living Stipend: A monthly allowance of £1,347 (or £1,652 for scholars studying in the London metropolitan area).
- Additional Grants:
- Warm clothing allowance (where applicable).
- Thesis or dissertation grant toward eligible preparation costs.
- Study travel grant for study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
- Family Allowance: Eligible single-parent scholars may receive £590 per month for the first child and £146 per month for the second and third child (subject to applicable conditions).
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship & Residency: Must be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person. Must also be a permanent resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Availability: Must be available to begin academic studies in the UK by September 2027.
- Academic Qualifications: Must hold a first degree of at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours standard. Applicants with a lower second-class degree (2:2) may need an appropriate postgraduate qualification.
- Previous Studies: Applicants seeking funding for a second UK Master’s degree may be required to provide a strong justification for why they need to undertake this study.
How to Apply
To apply for the scholarship, candidates should follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Confirm that your home country is on the list of eligible Commonwealth nations and that you meet all Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) requirements.
- Research Programs: Identify suitable Master’s programs at participating UK universities.
- Identify Nominating Agency: Find the appropriate national nominating agency (or selected non-governmental organization/charitable body) for your country and review their specific requirements.
- Prepare Documentation: Gather your academic transcripts, degree certificates, passport/ID, references, CV, development impact statement, and proposed study information.
- Submit Applications: Complete the application through the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) online application system. Be sure to also submit any separate application required directly by your specific nominating agency.
Last Date
Application Deadline: 20 October 2026.
(Note: Ensure you also check the specific internal deadlines set by your country’s nominating agency, as they may differ from the final CSC deadline).
