Commonwealth Scholarships in the United Kingdom 2026

Fully Funded Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s and PhD Studies in the United Kingdom 2026–2027

The Commonwealth Scholarship 2026–2027 presents an exceptional opportunity for talented students seeking to further their education in the United Kingdom. Awarded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), this fully funded scholarship is open to citizens of Commonwealth countries and is designed to support the development of future leaders and innovators. Through this program, selected candidates will have the privilege of studying at some of Europe’s most prestigious universities.

In addition to full tuition coverage, recipients will benefit from airfare, a study travel allowance, and a generous living stipend.

UK universities are ranked among the best in the world for hosting international students. This scholarship therefore offers one of the most valuable opportunities to access high-quality education in the UK, enhance professional skills, and build a strong career foundation. For applicants looking to strengthen their expertise in research and teaching, the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships serve as a remarkable steppingstone to future success.

Commonwealth Scholarship 2026–2027 Details

• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Host Institutions: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC)
• Program Location: Various UK universities
• Study Levels: Master’s and PhD

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships in the UK

Benefits of the Master’s Scholarship 2026–2027

• No age restrictions for applicants.
• Full coverage of airfare.
• Full tuition fee waiver (covered by CSC and the host university).
• Monthly living allowance of £1,452.
• Increased stipend of £1,781 for students based in the Greater London area.
• Warm clothing allowance (if required).
• Coverage of study-related travel costs within or outside the UK.
• Child allowance for widowed, divorced, or single-parent scholars.
• Additional financial support for scholars with disabilities.

Eligibility Criteria for the Master’s Scholarship 2026–2027

• Must be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country, hold refugee status, or be a British-protected person.
• Must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Must be available to commence studies in the UK in September 2026.
• Must hold a first degree of at least Upper Second Class standard, or a lower qualification combined with a relevant postgraduate degree (Master’s).
• Must demonstrate financial need and be unable to afford studies in the UK without the scholarship.
• Must provide all required documents in the specified format.
• Preference given to candidates with an existing Master’s degree who cannot afford a second Master’s.
• Applicants pursuing a second Master’s must provide a strong justification.
• Candidates who have already studied at Master’s level in the UK are not eligible.
• Scholars must return to their home country upon completion of studies.
• No possibility of switching to a work or other visa to remain in the UK.

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.

Note: Small Island Developing States may apply under the limited-time special program.

Application Deadline: 14 October 2025

For more details: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships in the UK

Benefits of the PhD Scholarship 2026–2027

• Full coverage of airfare.
• Full tuition fee waiver (covered by CSC and the host university).
• Monthly living allowance of £1,452.
• Increased stipend of £1,781 for students based in the Greater London area.
• Warm clothing allowance (if required).
• Coverage of study-related travel costs within or outside the UK.
• Funding for one return airfare to conduct fieldwork abroad.
• Possible coverage of mid-term travel (conditions apply: only if no spouse/child allowance or return ticket already provided).
• Family allowances as per CSC policy.
• Additional financial support for scholars with disabilities.

Eligibility Criteria for the PhD Scholarship 2026–2027

• Must be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country, hold refugee status, or be a British-protected person.
• Must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Must be available to begin studies in the UK in September 2026.
• Must hold a first degree of at least Upper Second Class standard, or a lower qualification combined with a relevant postgraduate degree (typically a Master’s).
• Must not already be registered for a PhD or an MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university or in the applicant’s home country before September/October 2026.
• Must demonstrate financial need and be unable to afford studies in the UK without the scholarship.
• Must provide all required documents in the specified format.
• Scholars must return to their home country upon completion of studies.
• No possibility of switching to a work or other visa to remain in the UK.

Eligible Countries

Bangladesh, Cameroon, The Gambia, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Zambia.

Application Deadline: 14 October 2025

For more details: Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

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