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 3 June 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: 3 June 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

• 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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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?

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