Commonwealth Master's Scholarships 2027/28

The Commonwealth Master's Scholarships support talented candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.

The programme focuses on development-related study and is designed to help scholars build knowledge and skills that can contribute to development in their home countries.

What the scholarship provides

The award includes support such as:

• Approved tuition fees

• Airfare to and from your home country

• Visa costs

• Living allowance

• Additional allowances may be available depending on individual circumstances and the specific award

Who can apply?

You generally need to:

• Be a citizen of, or hold refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country

• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country

• Be available to begin your studies in September/October 2027

• Hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper-second-class (2:1) qualification, or a lower-second-class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, normally a Master's

• Be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship

• Propose study connected to one of the Commonwealth's development themes

There is no general work-experience requirement for the scholarship.

The scholarship does not fund MBA programmes or research Master's programmes.

Development themes

Your proposed study should relate to one of the Commonwealth's development themes:

• Science and technology for development

• Improving health systems and population health

• Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship

• Strengthening peace, security and governance

• Strengthening resilience and responding to crises

• Access, inclusion and opportunity

How to apply

The application involves several steps:

1. Identify a suitable Master's programme at an eligible UK university.

2. Prepare your scholarship application, including your academic background, proposed study and development impact.

3. Submit the scholarship application through CSC Central.

4. Check the requirements of your relevant nominating agency.

5. Apply separately for admission to your chosen UK university.

Important

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's requirements are not the only requirements you need to check.

Your relevant nominating agency may have its own eligibility criteria and an earlier deadline.

University admission is also a separate process, so check your chosen university and programme requirements early.

Key details

Level: Master's
Study: Full-time taught Master's
Location: United Kingdom
Eligibility: Eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries
Study start: September/October 2027
Funding: Fully funded
Deadline: 20 October 2026, 16:00 BST

Before you apply

Check these before starting your application:

Eligibility
Make sure your citizenship, residence and financial circumstances meet the scholarship requirements.

Academic requirements
Your degree must meet the required UK-equivalent academic standard.

Course eligibility
Your chosen programme must fit the scholarship's requirements and development themes.

Nominating agency
Your nominating agency may have additional requirements and a deadline earlier than the CSC deadline.

University admission
The scholarship application and university admission are separate processes.

Why look at it?

This is one of the more substantial Master's funding opportunities in the Inzira collection: it can cover tuition, travel, visa costs and living expenses rather than simply providing a partial tuition award.

It is particularly worth checking if you are from an eligible Commonwealth country, have the academic background required for your intended Master's and would otherwise struggle to finance UK study.

Official details & application

→ Commonwealth Master's Scholarships — csc

→ CSC Central application system

Deadline: 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST