The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) is set to open applications for the 2026 Agency-Nominated Commonwealth Masters Scholarship Programme, one of its flagship awards for students from developing countries.
The Commonwealth Masters Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity that covers tuition fees, accommodation, airfare, and living expenses, enabling scholars to study at leading universities across the United Kingdom.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Developing Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | £21,372 Annual Stipend | Accommodation | Airfare Tickets
- No IELTS Required
- Application Opens: September 2, 2025
Scholarship Details
The Commonwealth Masters Scholarship 2026 provides talented individuals from eligible developing countries the chance to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. This program, funded by the UK Government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), is part of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).
The scholarship is designed not only to promote academic excellence but also to support sustainable development, leadership, and innovation. By investing in scholars who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and leadership potential, the CSC ensures that recipients contribute meaningfully to their home countries upon completion of their studies, while also fostering stronger ties between the UK and the Commonwealth community.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Masters Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee status from, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Be ready to begin academic studies in the UK by September 2026
- Hold a first degree of at least Upper Second Class (2:1) standard, or a Second Class Lower (2:2) with a relevant postgraduate qualification (normally a Master’s degree)
- Be unable to afford studies in the UK without financial support from the scholarship
- Submit all required supporting documentation in the correct format
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship 2026 will receive:
- Approved round-trip airfare from home country to the UK and back at the end of the program
- Full tuition fees, covered directly through agreements between CSC and UK universities
- Monthly stipend (living allowance):
- £1,452 per month for most universities
- £1,781 per month for universities in London metropolitan area
- Warm clothing allowance (where applicable)
- Study travel grant for academic-related travel within or outside the UK
- Child allowance for eligible single parents:
- £622 per month for the first child
- £154 per month for the second and third child under 16 years old
Required Documents
Applicants will be asked to provide:
- Full list of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications obtained
- Details of up to 10 publications, prizes, or recognitions
- Employment history with relevance to the chosen program
- Statement explaining the relevance of previous work experience to the scholarship
- Names and positions of three referees (one must be a current employer, if applicable)
- Development Impact Statement in four parts, covering:
- Global, national, and local development challenges related to the chosen field
- How the acquired skills will be applied after the scholarship
- Expected development outcomes, timeframe, and beneficiaries
- How the impact of work will be measured
- Career objectives for the 5 years following the scholarship, and long-term goals
- Personal statement highlighting background, leadership, voluntary contributions, and community involvement (up to 500 words)
- Scan of passport or national identity card
How to Apply
To apply for the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship 2026:
- Applications must be submitted via the CSC’s online application system
- The application portal will open on September 2, 2025 and close in October 2025
- Applicants must apply through one of the approved nominating agencies as well as directly to the CSC
- Nominating agencies may include:
- National nominating agencies (primary route of application)
- Selected non-governmental organizations and charitable bodies
- Each nominating agency manages its own selection process and may impose additional eligibility requirements
- Applicants are strongly advised to check with their nominating agency for specific rules, deadlines, and application guidelines
To begin the application process, click HERE
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