Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026: Full Funding for Master’s Study in the UK — What Students Need to Know

Ambitious students across eligible Commonwealth countries now have a major opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom, as the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) opens applications for the 2026/2027 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Programme.

This prestigious award targets academically strong candidates who are committed to driving development in their home countries but lack the financial means to study abroad. The scheme is part of the UK’s long-standing commitment to global partnership through the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan.

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A Lifeline for Talented Students With Big Development Goals

Created to empower future leaders, policymakers, innovators, and social changemakers, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is one of the CSC’s three master’s-level awards. It connects students from diverse backgrounds with UK universities, helping them gain advanced knowledge and return home ready to support sustainable national development.

The programme is delivered through a strategic partnership between:

• The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)
• Participating UK universities

Together, they fully fund the cost of tuition, travel, and living expenses, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of academic excellence.

What the Scholarship Covers

Successful Scholars receive a comprehensive support package that includes:

Travel and Tuition

• Return airfare from the Scholar’s home country (funded by the CSC)
• Full tuition fees, covered jointly by the CSC and host university

Living Allowances

• Monthly stipend:
  • £1,452 per month (outside London)
  • £1,781 per month (within the London metropolitan area)
• Warm clothing allowance (where required)
• Child allowance for eligible single parents:
  • £622 per month for the first child under 16
  • £154 per month for the second and third child under 16

Academic Support

• Thesis preparation grant
• Study travel grant
• Contribution toward required TB test

Note: The scholarship does not cover dependent travel costs or journeys taken before the award is confirmed.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, applicants must meet all the following conditions:

Citizenship and Residency

• Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country
• Be permanently resident in that country

Academic Requirements

By September 2026, candidates must hold:

• At least a 2:1 honours degree, or
• A 2:2 honours degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification

Additional Requirements

• Must not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country
• Must demonstrate clear financial need
• Must be ready to begin study in September/October 2026
• Must submit all required documents before the deadline

What Applicants Must Include in the Application Form

Applicants are expected to provide:

Academic and Professional Background

• Full list of all university-level qualifications
• Up to 10 key publications or academic prizes (if applicable)
• Detailed employment history, explaining how their work links to the chosen UK master’s course

Referees

Three referees who can speak on:

• The applicant’s academic potential
• Their ability to bring development impact after the scholarship

(One referee must be a current employer if the applicant is working.)

Development Impact Statement

A four-part statement showing:

• How the proposed master’s study links to the applicant’s career plans
• How it will contribute to economic or social development in their home country

Strong applications clearly connect past experience, present goals, and future impact.

Key Dates for the 2026/2027 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

• Applications Open:
  16:30 GMT, Wednesday 12 November 2025
• Applications Close:
  16:00 GMT, Tuesday 9 December 2025

All study programmes begin in September or October 2026.
Applicants should verify course eligibility on the CSC’s official website before applying.

To apply, candidates must use the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship online application portal  and follow all instructions carefully.

Why This Scholarship Matters

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship targets individuals who want to use postgraduate education to tackle real-world challenges in sectors such as:

• Health
• Education
• Climate resilience
• Public policy
• Community development
• Inclusive economic growth

By removing financial obstacles, the programme enables Scholars to focus entirely on learning, building networks, and gaining expertise. Many alumni go on to become influential leaders in public service, NGOs, academia, and development initiatives across the Commonwealth.

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