The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026/2027 offer an exceptional opportunity for talented students from low-income and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK at no cost. This fully funded Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026 is designed to support academically outstanding students who would otherwise be unable to afford studying in the United Kingdom.
Administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), the program supports the UK government’s commitment to global development, inclusion, skilled workforce growth, and international collaboration. Through this scholarship, selected students gain access to world-class universities, cutting-edge research environments, and global professional networks.
The program also gives scholars the chance to meet fellow Commonwealth awardees, join alumni networks, share ideas, and collaborate on academic or development-focused projects through established Knowledge Hubs and Regional Networks.
Table of Contents
Overview of Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026/27
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host Institutions: UK Universities (applicants must select a participating university)
- Study Level: Master’s Degree Programs
- Funded by: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)
Benefits of the Commonwealth Shared Master’s Scholarship 2026
This is a fully funded UK scholarship, covering nearly all expenses a student may need while studying abroad. Benefits include:
- Full tuition fees (covered by CSC & the university)
- Return flight tickets to and from the UK
- Monthly stipend:
- £1,452 per month
- £1,781 per month for students studying in the London Metropolitan area
- Warm clothing allowance
- Thesis grant (if required for your program)
- Study travel grants for academic-related trips (within the UK or overseas)
- Visa fee reimbursement
- Reimbursement for mandatory TB test
- Family support:
- £622/month for the first child
- £154/month for second and third children (under 16 years)
- Disability Support Grant (after proper assessment)
Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country or hold refugee status in an eligible nation.
- Be a permanent resident of a Commonwealth country.
- Be a British Protected Person (if applicable).
- Hold an honours degree equivalent to first-class or upper second-class.
A lower second-class degree may be accepted with an additional postgraduate qualification. - Be available to start studies in the UK by September 2026.
- Not have studied or worked for one full academic year in a high-income country (including the UK).
- Demonstrate financial need and inability to study in the UK without a scholarship.
- Meet all university-specific entry requirements.
Eligible Countries
To be eligible for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026, applicants must be nationals or refugees of:
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 & the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia.
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026
Follow these steps carefully:
1. Apply through the CSC Shared Scholarship Portal
- All applications must be submitted online via the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships portal.
2. Apply to your preferred UK university
- You must submit a separate application to the university offering your chosen course.
- Each university has its individual deadlines
3. Select an eligible course
- Choose programs only from the approved list of courses hosted under the Shared Scholarships Scheme.
4. Check university-specific requirements
- Some universities may waive English proficiency tests, but you must request a nomination from the university if they permit it.
5. Multiple applications allowed
- You may apply to more than one course or more than one university.
- If selected, you must accept one offer only.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Deadline 2026
Tuesday, 9 December 2025
FAQs – Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded UK Scholarships)
1. What is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026?
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded UK master’s scholarship offered to students from low-income and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries. It covers tuition fees, monthly stipends, visas, flights, and other study-related expenses.
2. Is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 fully funded?
Yes. It is 100% fully funded. The scholarship covers full university tuition, monthly living allowance, return flights, visa fees, TB test costs, thesis grant, study travel grant, and family allowances.
3. Which countries can apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026?
Eligible countries include Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Malaysia, and many other Commonwealth member countries.
4. What courses are eligible for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?
Only master’s programs selected by participating UK universities for the CSC Shared Scholarship scheme. These courses often relate to:
- Public Health
- Education
- Sustainable Development
- Climate Change
- Engineering
- Science & Technology
- Governance
- Social Sciences
5. What is the stipend for Commonwealth Shared Scholars in 2026?
The scholarship provides:
- £1,452 per month for universities outside London
- £1,781 per month for universities in the London Metropolitan area
- Additional child allowances and disability support if applicable
6. How do I apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026?
You must:
- Apply online through the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Portal (CSC portal).
- Apply separately to the UK university offering your preferred course.
- Submit supporting documents such as transcripts, references, and statements.
7. Do I need IELTS for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?
Not always.
Some UK universities waive IELTS if your previous education was in English. You can contact the university to request nomination without an English test if they allow it.
8. Can I apply to more than one university?
Yes. You can apply to multiple universities and multiple courses, but if you receive multiple offers, you must accept only one scholarship place.
9. What is the deadline for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026?
The deadline for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application is Tuesday, 9 December 2025 at 16:00 GMT.
University deadlines may differ, so applicants must check each institution’s website.
10. What documents are required for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?
Commonly required documents include:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Passport/National ID
- Proof of citizenship
- Reference letters
- Admission letter (if required by the university)
- Research and development-impact statements
11. Can undergraduate students apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?
No. The program is strictly for Master’s degree studies.
12. What is the difference between Commonwealth Shared Scholarship and Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship?
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are jointly funded by the UK university and CSC.
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are fully funded by the UK government.
Both provide full funding but the application processes differ.
13. Can I work in the UK while on the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?
Scholars are generally allowed to work part-time under UK visa rules, but academic responsibilities should remain the priority. Some universities may restrict employment.
14. How competitive is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?
Very competitive. Thousands apply yearly, and only a limited number of scholarships are available. A strong academic record, leadership potential, and a clear development-impact statement increase your chances.
15. What is the selection process for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026?
Selection involves:
- University nomination
- CSC evaluation
- Final award confirmation
Both the university and the CSC must approve your application.
16. Can I apply without an admission offer?
Yes. Many universities allow you to apply for the SSC scholarship even before receiving an admission letter, but you must still meet their entry requirements.
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