The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, jointly funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and UK universities, are now open for applications for the 2026/27 academic year.
This prestigious award covers approved airfare, full tuition fees, and a monthly stipend of £1,781, along with study and clothing grants.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: UK Government | UK Universities
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | £21,372 per year Stipends | Accommodation | Airfare Tickets
- Deadline: December 9, 2025
Scholarship Details
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is a key part of the UK’s global development initiatives, designed to provide opportunities for talented postgraduate students from least-developed and middle-income Commonwealth countries to study in the United Kingdom.
This scholarship aims to equip recipients with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive sustainable development in their home countries while fostering international collaboration and academic exchange.
The award covers full study costs, approved travel expenses, and personal maintenance throughout the study period. Scholars are not permitted to hold any other awards or scholarships that cover the same costs simultaneously.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) manages all applications and maintains applicant data for efficient processing and analytical research purposes.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- 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 studies in the UK by September 2026.
- Hold by September 2026 either:
- A first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) standard, or
- A lower second-class (2:2) degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s).
- Not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country.
- Be unable to afford study in the UK without the scholarship.
- Submit all required supporting documents in the correct format.
Scholarship Benefits
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship offers a comprehensive package jointly funded by the CSC and participating UK universities, including:
- Approved airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK and return after the award period (CSC-funded; excludes dependent fares).
- Full tuition fees, covered through an agreement between the CSC and the host university.
- Monthly stipend (living allowance):
- £1,452 per month (outside London)
- £1,781 per month (within the London metropolitan area).
- Warm clothing allowance, where applicable (funded by the university).
- Thesis grant towards the cost of preparing dissertations, where applicable.
- Study travel grant for study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
- Contribution toward mandatory tuberculosis (TB) test fees for visa applications (with valid receipts).
- Child allowance:
- £622 per month for the first child, and
- £154 per month for the second and third children under 16 years old, for single, widowed, or divorced parents with dependents residing with them in the UK.
Selection Process
Each participating UK university carries out its own selection process to recommend candidates to the CSC. The CSC then confirms the eligibility of those selected.
Applications will be assessed based on the following key selection criteria:
- Academic merit
- Quality of research proposal
- Potential developmental impact in the applicant’s home country
Applicants are encouraged to pay close attention to these criteria and link their responses in the application form to each listed point for a stronger submission.
How to Apply
To apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026, follow the steps below:
- Application Opening: The online portal for the 2026/27 academic year opens November 12, 2025.
- Online Submission: Applications must be submitted exclusively through the CSC’s online application system. The CSC does not accept documents sent via email or post.
- Apply Early: Due to high traffic near the deadline, applicants are advised to submit early to avoid technical issues.
- Select an Approved Master’s Course: Choose an approved Master’s program at a participating UK university. The complete list of eligible courses is available on the official CSC website.
- Explore Universities: You may apply to multiple universities and courses but can only accept one scholarship offer. Note that the award applies only to Master’s programs.
- Secure Admission: In addition to applying for the scholarship, you must apply separately to the university for admission. Review the university’s admission timeline and requirements carefully.
- Nomination Phase: After the application deadline, universities will nominate candidates to the CSC in March 2026. Follow the guidance of your chosen university throughout the process.
Applicants are also encouraged to review application tips and checklists from past Commonwealth Shared Scholars to strengthen their submission.
To begin your application, click HERE
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