Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), in partnership with participating UK universities
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/2028 | Fully Funded Master's
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships support talented students from eligible Commonwealth countries who cannot afford to study in the UK without financial assistance. Successful applicants receive funding for eligible full-time Master's programmes beginning in September or October 2027, including tuition fees, return airfare and a monthly living allowance.
This page is an informational summary. Requirements and dates can change. Confirm every detail on the official provider website before taking action.
Key facts:
- Organisation: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), in partnership with participating UK universities
- Category: Scholarship
- Country / region: United Kingdom
- Deadline: 2026-12-08
- Funding: Full tuition fees, approved return airfare, monthly living allowance, and other eligible allowances.
- Study level: Master's degree.
- Field of study: Selected courses offered by participating UK universities.
- Duration: Depends on the selected Master's programme and scholarship award.
- Host institution: Participating UK universities.
- Language requirement: Not specified in the supplied announcement. Applicants should check the admission and English-language requirements of their chosen university.
Full details:
About the programme
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are part of the scholarship programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC).
The programme is designed to support talented individuals from eligible Commonwealth countries who have the potential to contribute to development in their home countries.
The scholarships are jointly funded by the CSC and participating UK universities. They provide opportunities for students who would otherwise be unable to afford postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, applications will open on 10 November 2026. Successful applicants will begin their studies in September or October 2027.
Who can apply
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to begin academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2027.
- By September 2027, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master's degree.
- Not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country.
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
- Provide all supporting documents in the required format.
Age requirement: There is no age limit for Commonwealth Scholarship Commission applications. However, applicants should check whether their employers have any age-related restrictions on study leave.
Previous study in high-income countries: Applicants must declare that they have not studied in a high-income country for more than the permitted period. Distance learning at a university in a high-income country is allowed if the applicant remained resident in their home country. Any such remote study must be clearly explained in the application form.
What you get
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship provides several financial benefits.
1. Full tuition fees
Approved tuition fees are covered through an agreement between the CSC and the participating UK university. Scholars are not required to pay any part of the approved tuition fees.
2. Return airfare
Approved economy airfare from the scholar's home country to the UK and back at the end of the scholarship.
The CSC does not cover travel costs for dependants or journeys made before the scholarship award is confirmed.
3. Monthly living allowance
- £1,712 per month for scholars studying outside the London metropolitan area.
- £2,000 per month for scholars studying at universities within the London metropolitan area.
These are the rates quoted in the supplied announcement and may be subject to change.
4. Additional allowances
Depending on eligibility and circumstances, scholars may also receive:
- Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
- Thesis or dissertation grant, where applicable.
- Study travel grant for approved academic travel within the UK or overseas.
- Contribution towards the cost of a mandatory tuberculosis (TB) test required for a visa application, where applicable.
5. Child allowance
Eligible scholars who are widowed, divorced or single parents may receive:
- £622 per month for the first child.
- £154 per month for the second and third child under 16.
Children must live with the scholar at the same address in the UK.
These family allowances are intended as a contribution towards childcare and family living costs, not full financial support for accompanying family members.
6. Disability support
Applicants who disclose a disability may receive a full assessment of their needs and eligibility for additional financial support from the CSC.
How to apply
Applications for the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Shared Scholarships open on 10 November 2026.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Commonwealth Shared Scholarships application webpage.
- Review the eligible courses offered by participating UK universities.
- Choose a course that matches your academic background and future career goals.
- Check the university's admission requirements and any additional scholarship conditions.
- Complete the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application through the relevant application process.
- Provide the required supporting documents and submit your application before the deadline.
Each participating UK university conducts its own selection process. Universities nominate selected candidates to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, which then confirms whether they meet the programme's eligibility requirements.
Documents required
The supplied announcement does not provide a complete document checklist.
However, applicants must provide all supporting documentation in the required format. Check the application instructions and the requirements of your selected university for the exact documents needed.
Prepare to check requirements relating to:
- Academic certificates and transcripts.
- Evidence of citizenship or refugee status.
- Evidence of permanent residence in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Supporting information for your application and proposed study.
- Any additional documents requested by the participating university.
Do not assume this is the complete official checklist. Follow the university and CSC instructions.
Selection criteria
Applications are assessed using three main criteria:
1. Academic merit
Your academic achievements and qualifications will be considered.
2. Quality of the study or research proposal
The quality and relevance of your proposed programme or research will be assessed.
3. Potential impact on your home country
The selection process considers how your education and future plans could contribute to development in your home country.
Applicants should make sure their application answers clearly demonstrate these qualities.
Important dates
- Applications open: 10 November 2026.
- Application deadline: 8 December 2026, at 16:00 GMT.
- Expected study commencement: September/October 2027.
Applicants should submit early enough to avoid last-minute technical or documentation problems.
Official source
Use the official provider's website for current eligibility rules, application instructions, fees and deadlines.
Visit official websiteSource verification date: November 2, 2026. This is not a guarantee that the opportunity remains open.
