Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026 for Developing Countries
Published: 02 Sep 20253,653 views
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The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. It operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and offers a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are for candidates from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries, to undertake full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university.
Video Guide on How to Successfully Submit your Commonwealth Masters Scholarship Application
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the main UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. The CSC is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for International Development (DFID). The CSC operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and is a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. By supporting innovators and leaders of the future from across the Commonwealth, and by attracting outstanding talent to Britain’s univer... continue reading
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Aim and Benefits of Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Full flight coverage to the United Kingdom at the beginning of the study and back to the scholar's home country at the end of the award (the CSC will not cover the cost of fares for dependents, nor the cost of journeys made before confirmation of the scholarship).
A full tuition fee coverage agreement between the CSC and the UK university, which implies that the successful scholars will not pay for any part of the tuition fee.
A living allowance of £1,452 per month, or £1,781 per month for scholars studying in universities in the London metropolitan area.
Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
A grant that covers the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
Child allowance for scholars who have children and are widowed, divorced, or single parents.
Additional support for scholars with disability based on a full assessment of their needs.
Requirements for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships Qualification
To be eligible for the Commonwealth scholarships, applicants need to:
Be a citizen of a Commonwealth eligible Country or have refugee status for an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
Be a permanent resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
Be available to start academic studies in the UK at the start of the September 2026 academic year.
Hold a first degree of at least second-class upper (2:1) honours, or a second-class lower degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree) by September 2026.
Demonstrate that they are unable to study in the UK without this scholarship.
Have submitted all the required documents in the stated format.
Below is a list of Commonwealth eligible countries
Bangladesh
Belize
Botswana
Cameroon
Dominica
Eswatini
Fiji
Gabon
The Gambia
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
Togo
Tonga
Tuvalu
Uganda
Vanuatu
Zambia
Interview date, Process and Venue for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
The selection is made from a pool of nominations. Please note that being nominated does not guarantee that you will be selected. Candidates will be selected based on the following:
Candidate merit (including academic experience)
The quality of the research proposal
Potential impact on the development of the candidate’s home country
If an application is successful, the CSC will notify the applicant that they have been provisionally selected (selected for an award subject to the CSC agreeing to the terms of admission to the university), making the applicant a provisional scholarship candidate.
Applicants will get feedback on their applications by July 2026
Documents Required for Application
Proof of citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country. These include
A copy of a valid passport (or national ID card) showing a photograph,
Date of birth, and
Country of citizenship.
Full transcripts detailing all higher education qualifications, including up-to-date transcripts for any courses currently being studied (with certified translations if not in English). The application will be considered ineligible if any transcripts are missing or do not include all the requested pages.
Signed references from at least two individuals, in PDF format. The reference must be on institutional letterhead or an email showing the sender’s details.
For the referees, they will be asked to comment on the applicant based on:
How long, and in what capacity, have they known the applicant?
Their perspective on the suitability of the applicant for the proposed Scholarship and the need for the particular subject of study in the UK.
Their information on how, and to what extent, the applicant has shown ability in terms of:
capability to grasp concepts and reason analytically;
capacity for original thought;
And motivation and perseverance in achieving objectives.
Assessment of the applicant’s particular strengths and weaknesses.
The applicant’s potential to impact development in their home country.
Any other general qualities that the referee considers would make the applicant a good recipient of a Scholarship.
You are advised to do the following for a successful application:
Apply through the CSC Central application system.
State the qualification you are applying for.
List your three preferred universities and courses in order of preference and explain the reason for your choice. Kindly note that the CSC will make the final decision on the institution of study.
Apply to your preferred Universities (probably in advance, as some courses have set deadlines).
In addition to applying through CSC, applicants must apply to a nominator. Commonwealth lists two types of nominators for the scholarship scheme:
