Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026/2027
If you are in Nigeria, dreaming of pursuing a Master’s degree in the UK but worried about the high cost of international education? The Commonwealth Masters Scholarships 2026/2027 could be your golden opportunity. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), this scholarship offers talented students from eligible Commonwealth countries a chance to study in the UK completely free of charge.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Commonwealth Masters Scholarships 2026/27: eligibility, benefits, required documents, application process, and deadline.
Table of Contents
About the Commonwealth Masters Scholarships 2026/2027
The Commonwealth Masters Scholarships are designed to:
- Support students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
- Provide access to world-class education in the UK.
- Equip scholars with the knowledge and skills for sustainable development.
- Encourage scholars to return home and contribute to the development of their countries.
The scholarships are offered under six CSC development themes, aligning with global development goals.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Commonwealth Masters Scholarships 2026/2027, you must:
- Be a citizen/refugee/British Protected Person from an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible country.
- Be ready to start studies in the UK by September 2026.
- Hold at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree, or a 2:2 plus a relevant postgraduate qualification.
- Be unable to afford study in the UK without this scholarship.
- Submit all required supporting documents before the deadline.
Note: Applicants with disabilities who don’t meet the minimum grade requirement may be considered under a contextualized nomination.
Eligible Countries
Some of the eligible countries include:
- Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Tanzania.
- Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Maldives.
- Caribbean & Pacific: Jamaica, Barbados, Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu.
View the full list of eligible countries here.
Scholarship Benefits
The Commonwealth Masters Scholarships 2026/2027 are fully funded and cover:
- Full tuition fees.
- Airfare to and from the UK.
- Monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Other approved costs (books, research, thesis, etc.) depending on the course.
This makes it one of the most prestigious and generous scholarships for international students in the UK.
Required Documents
Applicants must upload the following documents before the deadline:
- Valid passport/ID showing nationality and date of birth.
- Full academic transcripts, including certified translations if not in English.
- Two references signed and on institutional letterhead (in PDF format).
How to Apply
Here’s a step-by-step guide to apply for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026/2027
- Apply online via the CSC Central application system.
- Applications close on 14 October 2025
- Save progress often (you cannot edit after submission).
- Apply through a nominating body:
- National nominating agencies (main route).
- Selected NGOs and charitable bodies.
- Each nominator sets its own rules and deadlines.
- Wait for nomination results:
- Nominators submit shortlisted candidates by December 2025
- CSC will review nominations and announce final results by July 2026.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be judged on:
- Academic merit.
- Quality of study plan/research proposal.
- Potential development impact in your home country.
To increase your chances, make sure your application shows how your studies will benefit your country’s development.
Key Dates for 2026/2027
- Now – 14 October 2025: Applications open.
- By December 2025: Nominators submit candidates.
- By July 2026: Results released.
- September/October 2026: Classes begin in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need IELTS?
No. The CSC does not require IELTS or other English language tests.
2. Can I apply for a second Master’s?
Not usually. If you already have a Master’s degree, you must justify why you need another one.
3. Is there an age limit?
No. There is no age restriction.
4. Is the application free?
Yes. The Commonwealth Scholarship application is completely free of charge.
5. When will results be announced?
Applicants will be notified by July 2026
The Commonwealth Masters Scholarships 2026/2027 provide a life-changing opportunity for students across the Commonwealth. With full financial support, access to top UK universities, and the chance to make a real impact back home, this is one of the best international scholarship schemes available.
KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
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