Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) 2026, offering a fully-funded opportunity to pursue a two-year Master’s degree in low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. This prestigious scholarship program is open to citizens (or those with refugee status) from any Commonwealth country who wish to study abroad and are committed to creating positive change in their communities. The scholarship covers a wide range of academic fields, depending on the host university and country you choose.

The QECS is a fully-funded scholarship that covers tuition fees, living allowance, return flights, arrival allowance, and research support grants. There is no application fee to apply for this scholarship. However, applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2:1 (or equivalent) and must apply to study in a Commonwealth country other than their home country. The application deadline is 14 January 2026, 15:00 UTC.

This scholarship is designed for students who want to experience a new culture, build international networks, and contribute to solutions for global challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through academic collaboration and cultural exchange, scholars become part of a lifelong Commonwealth network. You can check out more BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details

• Scholarship Coverage: Fully-funded
• Degree Level: Master’s degree (two years maximum)
• Study Mode: Full-time, on-campus only
• Eligible Fields: Various fields depending on host university (check QECS homepage for specific courses)
• Host Countries: Low and middle-income Commonwealth countries only
• Application Fee: No application fee
• Application Deadline: 14 January 2026, 15:00 UTC
• Age Limit: No upper age limit
• Number of Applications: Can apply to multiple host countries, but only one application per university

Scholarship Benefits

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship is fully-funded and covers:

• Fully-funded tuition fees
• Living allowance (stipend) for duration of award
• Return economy flights to host country
• One-off arrival allowance
• Research Support Grant (on request only; subject to approval)

Important: We strongly advise all applicants to read the application guidance and FAQs pages before starting an application.

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

About the Scholarship

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer a unique opportunity to study a two-year Master’s degree in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country.

Aimed at students who are committed to creating change in their communities, the scholarships are a life-changing opportunity to experience a new country and culture, to broaden horizons, and to build a global network that will last a lifetime.

Through cultural exchange and academic collaboration, Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholars help bring about positive change and find solutions to the shared challenges we face – both in their home countries and those that host them. As an active part of the Commonwealth network, scholars will help shape its future.

Application Cycles

Each year there are two opportunities to apply for QECS:

• Cycle 1: Opens in November/December
• Cycle 2: Opens in March/April

You only need to submit one application, but you are welcome to apply more than once if there is another country you are interested in studying in.

Also Read: Australia Awards Fellowship 2026 (Round 21) – Fully Funded

Eligibility Requirements

Basic Requirements

• Must be a citizen (or hold refugee status) in a Commonwealth country
• Must have obtained a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
• Must apply to study in a country other than your home country/country of citizenship
• Must apply for a full-time, two-year Master’s degree
• No upper age limit

What is NOT Eligible

The scholarship does NOT support:

• Studies in your home country
• Studies in high-income countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or UK)
• Undergraduate degrees
• PhD programs
• Part-time studies
• Distance learning or remote courses
• Courses already started
• Master’s programs longer than two years

How to Apply

Follow these steps to complete your application:

Step 1: Research

Look through the list of countries and universities hosting scholarships in this cycle. Please note that only the courses listed are eligible for scholarship funding.

Step 2: Check Requirements

You must have obtained a 2:1 to be able to apply for the scholarship.

Step 3: University Research

Visit the relevant university website for more information on your chosen course using the links included on the QECS homepage.

Also check: Stipendium Hungaricum Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2026-2027 and Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2026/2027 (Study in Hungary) for BS and MS

Step 4: Submit QECS Application

Complete and submit a QECS application for your chosen university/course by clicking the ‘Apply now’ button. Once you’ve clicked apply, you’ll be directed to a log in page. If you don’t already have a myACU account, please create a new account to get started.

Step 5: University Admission Application

Submit an application to your chosen university for admission to your chosen course.

Application Components

The application form consists of the following sections:

• Eligibility
• Personal Details
• Academic & Employment Record
• Course at host university details
• Statements
• Upload supporting documents (including references)

Warning: Plagiarism is not allowed. Applications shown to be plagiarised will not be considered.

Required Statements

Statement 1: Plan of Study (200-400 words)

Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships provide unique opportunities to study abroad for a Master’s in leading universities in low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.

Your statement should answer the following questions:

• Why have you chosen to study this course? What specific features of the course do you find interesting?
• Why do you want to study at this university and in this country?
• What have you done to research your chosen university?
• How is this course relevant to your future career plans?
• Explain how your previous studies and experiences make you a suitable candidate for this course.

Check also: Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026/27 (Fully Funded)

Statement 2: Development Impact and Post Study Outreach (300-500 words)

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships are for students committed to creating change in their communities. Scholars will be supported to develop their knowledge and skills, and learn how to apply them in their career so they can contribute towards solutions to global challenges and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Your statement should answer the following questions:

• Describe briefly one challenge or problem in your country that you would like to address.
• How will your proposed study help you to contribute a solution to this challenge?
• What skills do you expect to gain from this scholarship?
• How will you apply/share the knowledge and skills gained on award with your local community and/or the wider Commonwealth when you return home?

Additional Requirements:

• Which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals does the subject you are studying most align to? (you can select a maximum of 3)
• How will your proposed study contribute to the Sustainable Development Goal(s) you have selected above? (50-150 words)

Statement 3: Creating Networks (200-400 words)

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships provide an opportunity to embrace new cultures, learn different perspectives and enhance collaboration at home and throughout the Commonwealth.

Your statement should answer the following questions:

• Explain how you have developed professional networks. These can be through academic studies, hobbies, work experience, volunteering, or involvement in social, cultural, or Commonwealth organisations.
• How have you used the networks and connections that you have developed to achieve something? What did you achieve?
• How might you develop these connections further during your international study experience?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

General Eligibility

Who can apply for a Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship?

Citizens (or those who hold refugee status) in a Commonwealth country are welcome to apply.

Can I apply for a QECS in my home country?

No. Applicants must apply for a QECS award in a country other than their home country/country of citizenship. Refugees should apply as if they were a citizen of the country that has offered them refugee status.

Is there an age limit for QECS awards?

No. There is no upper age limit to be eligible for a QECS Award.

What are the minimum academic requirements?

You must have attained a minimum of 2:1 (or equivalent) at undergraduate level to be eligible to apply.

Can I apply in the final year of my undergraduate degree?

No. You must have already completed your degree and have graduated with an equivalent of a 2:1 at the time of application. You will be asked to provide a copy of your final transcript and degree certificate.

I already have a Master’s degree, will this meet the eligibility requirements?

Please check with your preferred university to ensure you meet the entry requirements for your chosen courses.

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

Application Process

Can I submit more than one QECS application?

Yes. You can submit more than one application as long as they are for different host countries/universities. However, you can only submit one application per host university.

Do I need to have been accepted onto a course before I apply?

No. You do not need to have received an offer at your chosen institution at the time of submitting your QECS application. However, you are encouraged to apply for your chosen course of study before or at the same time as applying for a QECS.

I have submitted my application and realized information is incorrect. Can I update it?

No. It is not possible to make any amendments once your application has been submitted. Therefore it is extremely important that you check your application before it is submitted.

Best opportunity: Khalifa University PhD Scholarships for Fall 2026

I applied last year and want to apply again. Will my last result affect my chances?

No. Awards are selected by an independent, objective panel and therefore results from previous years will not be considered.

English Language Requirements

What is the English language requirement?

The requirement for English language testing depends on the university that you are intending to study at. You will need to look at your chosen university’s admissions website to determine whether English language results are required.

English is not my first language but all my studies were taught in English. Do I need to take an English language test?

This will depend on the University that you are interested in studying at as their entry requirements will differ. If an English language test is required by the University, this would be indicated on the university’s own website.

References

I cannot get an academic reference, what can I provide instead?

Including one academic reference is advised. However, if you are unable to obtain an academic reference, we would advise that you use two professional referees for both references. Your professional referee(s) should write references demonstrating the points outlined on the application form.

Host Universities

Which universities are hosts for the current cycle?

Only universities listed on the QECS homepage are hosts for the current application cycle.

The university/country where I want to study is not listed. Why is this?

If a country/university is not on the website, it means that they are not a host for the current cycle of awards. In some cases this may be due to the timing of the application cycle. Please keep an eye on the website or follow the ACU social media channels for updates.

Can I apply for a QECS to study in Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the UK?

No. The QECS awards are only hosted by low and middle income countries.