Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026/27 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026/27, offering fully-funded Master’s degree opportunities in the United Kingdom. This prestigious scholarship program is designed for talented students from developing Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue postgraduate studies across various fields including development studies, health, education, engineering, agriculture, and more. The scholarship covers both tuition fees and living expenses for a 12-month Master’s program starting in September/October 2026.

The application deadline is December 9, 2025, at 16:00 GMT. This program is specifically for students from least developed and middle-income Commonwealth countries who have not previously studied or worked in a high-income country for more than one year and would otherwise be unable to afford UK education. There is no application fee – the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission does not charge any fees for applying to their scholarships. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details

• Study Level: Master’s Degree only
• Duration: 12 months (one academic year)
• Funding: Fully funded (tuition fees + living costs)
• Study Location: United Kingdom
• Application Deadline: December 9, 2025, at 16:00 GMT
• Application Fee: None (completely free)
• Number of Countries Eligible: 45 Commonwealth countries
• Age Limit: No age restriction

What Are Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are UK government-funded scholarships designed to help talented students from developing Commonwealth countries pursue Master’s degrees in the UK. These scholarships are specifically for individuals who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford studying in the UK.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible Countries

You must be a citizen or refugee from one of these Commonwealth countries:

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.

Basic Requirements

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth country
• Hold at least an upper second-class degree (2:1) OR a lower second-class degree plus a Master’s degree
• NOT have studied or worked in a high-income country for one year or more
• Be unable to afford UK studies without the scholarship
• Be available to start studies in September 2026

Note: There is no age limit for applications. Distance learning from a high-income country while living in your home country is acceptable.

Check also: Australia Awards Fellowship 2026 (Round 21) – Fully Funded

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

• Duration: Typically 12 months (one academic year)
• Coverage: Tuition fees and living costs (fully funded)
• Study Level: Master’s programs only (not undergraduate or PhD)

How to Apply

Step 1: Choose Your Course

• Browse the approved courses list at participating UK universities
• You can apply to multiple courses and universities
• You can only accept ONE scholarship offer

Step 2: Apply to the University

• Apply for admission directly to your chosen university
• Check each university’s specific admission requirements and deadlines
• Secure your admission offer

Best opportunity: CERN Administrative Student Programme 2026 (Fully Funded)

Step 3: Apply for the Scholarship

• Submit your application through CSC Central (the official online system)
• Applications must be submitted online only – no paper applications accepted
• Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues

Check also: Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026: PhD Sandwich Program

Required Documents

You must upload these documents with your application:

1. Proof of Citizenship: Valid passport or national ID card showing your photo, date of birth, and citizenship
2. Academic Transcripts: Complete transcripts from all higher education programs (with certified English translations if needed)
3. Two Reference Letters: In PDF format, signed, on official letterhead or from official email addresses

Important: Applications missing any required documents will be considered ineligible.

Technical Information

The CSC Central system uses two-factor authentication (2FA) and requires either:

• A smartphone, OR
• A second email account

You’ll need to pass 2FA each time you log in.

Also check: ISTA PhD Program 2026 in Austria (Fully Funded)

Selection Process

1. Universities review applications and nominate candidates
2. Nominated candidates are sent to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
3. Final approvals are made in March 2026

Need Help?

If you experience technical issues with the application system, contact: [email protected]

Important Reminders

• The CSC does NOT charge any fees for applications
• All documentation must be submitted through the online system
• Applications cannot be accepted through email or post
• Review the template application form and technical guidance before starting