Number of Applicants: 21.6K
Application Deadline: Tuesday, 9 December at 16:00 GMT
The application window is now open for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year. This scholarship program is administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) under the UK government’s international development strategy. It is part of the broader Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), highlighting the UK’s ongoing dedication to fostering development and educational exchange within Commonwealth nations.
Purpose of the Scholarship
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships aim to address the development priorities of Commonwealth countries by enabling access to advanced training for skilled professionals and academics. The program seeks to support individuals who would otherwise lack the opportunity to pursue postgraduate education in the UK, equipping them with expertise and leadership capabilities to contribute meaningfully to the progress of their home countries.
Who Should Apply?
This scholarship targets outstanding postgraduate candidates originating from Least Developed and middle-income Commonwealth nations, including fragile or conflict-affected states. Eligible applicants must not have undertaken academic or professional experience exceeding one year in a high-income country, must be financially unable to study in the UK independently, and must demonstrate the ability to utilize their acquired knowledge to drive development in their countries.
Duration of Award
Typically, these scholarships provide funding for a period of 12 months, covering full-time Master’s level study.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be citizens of or hold refugee status granted by an eligible Commonwealth country.
- They must be permanent residents of an eligible Commonwealth nation.
- Candidates must be ready to commence their academic program in the UK by the start of the 2026 UK academic year (September).
- At the time of enrolment, candidates should possess a first degree of at least upper second-class honours (2:1), or a lower second-class degree supplemented by a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).
- Applicants must not have spent one academic year or more studying or working in a high-income country.
- Financial incapacity to pursue studies in the UK without this scholarship is essential.
- All required documents must be submitted in the proper format to be considered.
Eligible Countries
Only applicants from the following Commonwealth countries qualify to apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships:
- 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 and The Grenadines
- Samoa
- Sierra Leone
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Zambia
Scholarship Benefits
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are co-funded by the CSC and participating universities across the UK. Recipients can expect comprehensive financial support, including:
- Airfare: The scholarship covers the approved airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK at the start of their studies, and the return journey upon completion of the award. It is important to note that costs for dependants’ travel or any trips made before the scholarship is confirmed are not reimbursed.
- Tuition Fees: Full tuition fees are paid directly through arrangements between the CSC and the UK university, meaning scholars bear no tuition costs.
- Monthly Stipend: Scholars receive a living allowance of £1,452 per month, or £1,781 per month if studying at a university located in the London metropolitan area (these amounts reflect current rates). This allowance is funded and disbursed by the host university.
- Warm Clothing Allowance: Where applicable, a grant to cover essential warm clothing is provided by the university.
- Thesis Grant: Assistance towards expenses related to preparing a thesis or dissertation is available as applicable.
- Study Travel Grant: Funding to support study-related travel within the UK or international travel relevant to the course is provided.
- Tuberculosis Test Contribution: Where a TB test is mandatory for visa purposes, a contribution towards this cost is offered upon submission of valid receipts.
- Child Allowance: For scholars who are widowed, divorced, or single parents with children living at the same UK address, an allowance of £622 per month is granted for the first child, and £154 per month for the second and third children under 16 years of age.
Application Process
Applications for the 2026/27 Commonwealth Shared Scholarships will open at 16:30 GMT on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. These scholarships are intended for study commencing in the UK in September or October 2026. Applicants must submit their applications no later than 16:00 GMT on Tuesday, 9 December 2025.
All applications must be completed through the official online application portal. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission does not accept applications or any supporting documents submitted by any other means.
To apply, please use the CSC Central application system.
For comprehensive details and further guidance on the scholarship, Visit the Official Webpage of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships.