Introduction
The Commonwealth Scholarship 2026/27 is now open for applications, offering students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries the opportunity to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this prestigious program provides Full Financial support to outstanding students who aspire to make a global impact through their academic journey. The scholarship covers one-year Master’s programs and three-year PhD programs, beginning in September 2026. It is considered one of the UK’s most sought-after scholarships, alongside Chevening, Rhodes, and Gates Cambridge scholarships.
Brief Description
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Scholarship Name: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)
- Level of Study: Master’s and PhD Programs
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded
- Deadline: October 14, 2025
- Who Can Apply: Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries
- Academic Session Start: September 2026
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Financial Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of this program is its comprehensive financial coverage. Successful applicants receive:
- Free return airfare to and from the UK.
- Full tuition fee coverage for the entire duration of the program.
- Monthly living allowance (stipend) to support day-to-day expenses.
- Warm clothing allowance for winter essentials.
- Thesis and dissertation grant for research-related costs.
- Study travel grants for academic-related travel.
- Family support allowance:
- £622 per month for the first child (if the applicant is widowed, divorced, or a single parent).
- £154 per month for the second and third child under 16 years of age.
- Additional financial support for students with disabilities.
This ensures that scholars can focus entirely on their studies without worrying about financial stress.
Also Read: Chevening Scholarship 2026 in the UK | Fully Funded
Scholarship Duration
- Master’s Degree: 1 year full-time taught program.
- PhD Degree: 3 years of full-time research study.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The Commonwealth Scholarship requires applicants to go through two stages of application:
Stage 1: Apply Online via CSC Portal
- All applicants must submit an application using the Commonwealth Online Application System (OAS).
- No other method of submission is accepted.
- It is strongly advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Stage 2: Apply Through Nominating Agency
- Applicants must also apply through a nominating agency in their home country.
- These agencies are usually national education bodies, universities, or charitable organizations.
- Each country may have slightly different requirements and deadlines, so applicants must carefully follow local guidelines.
- National Nominating Agencies
- Selected Universities/University Bodies
- Selected Non-Governmental Organizations and Charitable Bodies
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Tips for Applicants with Low GPA
If you have a lower GPA, don’t be discouraged. Instead of applying to top-tier universities in London or other major cities, target smaller universities in less competitive locations. Many regional universities in the UK provide quality education and have a higher acceptance rate for international applicants. Additionally, highlight your research interests, professional achievements, and motivation to strengthen your application.
Also Read: Tokyo Metropolitan University Scholarship 2026 in Japan | Fully Funded
Selection Results & Notification Timeline
Applicants can expect to receive the results of their application by July 2026. Successful candidates will be notified directly through email and official announcements by their nominating agencies and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents:
- Proof of citizenship or refugee status from an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Valid passport copy (with personal details and photo page).
- Academic transcripts for all previous higher education qualifications (with official English translations if required).
- Two strong academic references signed on institutional letterhead or with official email verification.
- Updated CV/Resume highlighting academic and professional achievements.
- Failure to submit complete documentation may result in the application being declared ineligible.
Also Read: University of Twente Scholarship 2026 (UTS) in Netherlands
Helpful Resources for Applicants
Applicants are encouraged to visit the official Advice for Applicants page provided by the CSC. It contains useful guidelines, frequently asked questions, and detailed instructions on how to avoid common mistakes in the application process.
- For more details Visit ADVICE FOR APPLICANTS
Choosing the Right University and Course in the UK
Choosing the right program is an important step toward a successful Commonwealth Scholarship application. Here are some trusted resources to guide you (links are in green)::
- Study UK – British Council: Offers complete guidance for international students, including visa tips, scholarship details, and a course search tool.
- Steps to Postgraduate Study: A useful guide that helps you ask key questions about courses, fees, and university support before applying.
- Postgrad.com: A platform with a course search across UK universities, plus advice on funding, student life, and international study.
- Prospects: Provides detailed insights into postgraduate options and career opportunities after graduation.
- Research Excellent Framework (REF) 2021: Shows the research quality of UK universities, helping you select institutions with strong academic reputations.
- UCAS Postgraduate: A central hub for finding and applying to postgraduate courses, with clear step-by-step application support
- Discover Uni: An official site to compare UK universities based on student satisfaction, course content, and graduate outcomes.
- UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs): Offers essential advice for international students on visas, study guidance, and living in the UK.
Also Read: Chulabhorn Graduate Institute Scholarship 2026 in Thailand | Fully Funded
Countries Eligible for the Scholarship
Applicants must be a citizen or permanent resident of one of the following 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
- Zambia
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen or have refugee status in one of the eligible countries.
- Be a permanent resident of that country.
- Be available to begin academic studies in September 2026.
- Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) honors degree by September 2026.
- Applicants with a lower second-class degree must also hold a relevant postgraduate qualification (such as a Master’s degree).
- Provide complete and verified supporting documents before the deadline.
Deadlines
Deadline for Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarship is 14 October 2025. Applicants should submit all documents well before the deadline to avoid system overload.
Official Links for the Commonwealth Scholarship
- Master’s Scholarship Application: COMMONWEALTH MASTER'S SCHOLARSHIPS
- Ph.D. Scholarship Application: COMMONWEALTH PHD SCHOLARSHIPS
This scholarship is a life-changing chance to study at top universities. By using these resources and preparing well, you can boost your chances of success.
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