Thinking about pursuing a fully funded master’s or Ph.D. in the UK? It’s time to start preparing for the Commonwealth Scholarships 2026! In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, from benefits and eligibility to how to apply step by step. This prestigious scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly living expenses, airfare, and additional allowances, making it one of the best opportunities to study abroad in the UK without financial stress.
What are the Commonwealth Scholarships?
The Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 are funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK, under the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). It reflects the UK’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and innovators from across the Commonwealth, especially from developing countries. Whether you’re aiming for a one-year master’s or a three-year Ph.D., this scholarship can support your academic and professional journey while promoting development and global collaboration.
You may also like, Commonwealth Peace Prize
Details of the Commonwealth Scholarships
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Program Levels: Master’s & Ph.D.
- Duration:
- Master’s: 1 year
- Ph.D.: Up to 3 years
- Host Institutions: Various UK universities (see full list below)
Participating UK Universities
These institutions have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the CSC and are eligible for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, Ph.D. Scholarships for low‑ and middle‑income countries, and Split‑Site Scholarships.
| Aberystwyth University | Kingston University | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | City, University of London |
| Anglia Ruskin University | Lancaster University | London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | Coventry University |
| Aston University | Leeds Beckett University | Loughborough University | Cranfield University |
| Bangor University | Liverpool Hope University | Queen Margaret University | De Montfort University |
| Birkbeck, University of London | Liverpool John Moores University | Queen Mary, University of London | Durham University |
| Bishop Grosseteste University | Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine | Manchester Metropolitan University | Edinburgh Napier University |
| Bournemouth University | King’s College London | Newcastle University | Falmouth University |
| Brunel University London | Keele University | Northumbria University | Glasgow Caledonian University |
| Cardiff University | Imperial College London | Nottingham Trent University | Goldsmiths, University of London |
| Cardiff Metropolitan University | Heriot‑Watt University | Oxford Brookes University | Harper Adams University |
| Sheffield Hallam University | University of Brighton | University of Cambridge | University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) |
| SOAS, University of London | University of Bristol | University of Chester | University of Derby |
| Queen’s University Belfast | University of Bradford | University of Dundee | University of East Anglia (UEA) |
| The Glasgow School of Art | University of Birmingham | University of Edinburgh | University of Hertfordshire |
| Staffordshire University | University of Aberdeen | University of Exeter | University of Hull |
| St George’s, University of London | University of Bath | University of Greenwich | University of Kent |
| Swansea University | University College London (UCL) | University of Glasgow | University of Leeds |
| University of Leicester | University of Lincoln | University of Liverpool | University of Manchester |
| University of Nottingham | University of Oxford | University of Plymouth | University of Portsmouth |
| University of Reading | University of Salford | University of Sheffield | University of Southampton |
| University of Stirling | University of Strathclyde | University of St Andrews | University of Surrey |
| Writtle University College | York St John University | Royal Agricultural University | Robert Gordon University |
| University of Warwick | University of Westminster | University of Worcester | University of York |
| University of West London | University of the West of Scotland | University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) | University of Sussex |
| Ulster University | Royal Veterinary College |
Benefits of Commonwealth Scholarships
For Master’s Applicants
- Full Tuition Fees: Covered by the CSC in partnership with UK universities.
- Airfare: Economy class travel to and from the UK.
- Monthly Living Allowance:
- £1,347/month outside London
- £1,652/month in London
- Warm Clothing Allowance (if required)
- Study-Related Travel Grant
- Child Allowance (for single parents):
- £576.61/month for the first child
- £143/month for the second and third child (under 16)
For Ph.D. Applicants
Includes all the benefits listed above, plus:
- Fieldwork Grant: Covers fieldwork expenses, including one round-trip airfare.
- Mid-Term Home Visit: Paid airfare to return to your home country (if you don’t take family allowance).
- Spouse & Child Allowances:
- £290/month for your spouse
- £290/month for the first child, £143/month for each additional child under 16
Also check, Commonwealth Startup Fellowship
Eligible Fields of Study
All academic disciplines are covered for the Master’s program, and research-focused programs for Ph.D. applicants. Fields contributing to development goals are especially encouraged.
Eligibility Criteria
General Requirements (Both Programs)
- Must be a citizen, refugee, or British Protected Person from an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Must be permanently resident in that country.
- Must not be able to afford study in the UK without this scholarship.
- Must be ready to begin studies in the UK by September 2026.
For Master’s
- Hold a first degree with at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, or equivalent.
- Applicants should not apply for a second master’s in the UK.
For Ph.D.
- Hold a master’s degree (or at least a lower second-class undergraduate degree + relevant postgraduate qualification).
- Must not already be registered for a Ph.D. or MPhil leading to a Ph.D. in the UK or your home country.
Required Documents
- Valid proof of citizenship or refugee status
- Academic transcripts (with certified English translations if applicable)
- Three reference letters (signed, on letterhead, or sent from institutional emails)
- For Ph.D. applicants: A supporting statement from your proposed UK supervisor
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarships 2026
Step 1: Apply Online via CSC
Fill out the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online application form. You’ll need to include:
- Education and work history
- Up to 10 publications or achievements
- Names and emails of 3 referees
- A detailed Development Impact Statement
- A compelling Personal Statement
Step 2: Apply Through Your Country’s Nominating Agency
Every applicant must be nominated by an official national nominating agency (like HEC in Pakistan) or approved NGOs/charitable bodies.
For applicants in Pakistan: You must also apply via the HEC portal and submit your HAT test score for eligibility.
Development Impact Statement (Tips)
This is one of the most important parts of your application. You’ll need to explain:
- What development issues your country faces
- How your studies in the UK will address these issues
- How your future work will create measurable impact
- How you plan to track this impact over time
Looking to maximize your chances of acceptance?
Consider using our Professional Services to polish your application and stand out from the crowd.
For detailed videos on relevant opportunities check out:
Application Deadline
Applications for Commonwealth Master’s scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year will open on 2 September.
Deadline: October 2025 (exact dates may vary by country and nominating agency)
Always double-check the deadline on the Official Commonwealth Scholarships Website or your country’s nominating agency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is IELTS required for Commonwealth Scholarships?
Not required by CSC or HEC in Pakistan, but some UK universities may need it.
Is HAT required?
Yes, in countries like Pakistan where HEC handles nominations.
Can I apply without transcripts?
No. You must upload complete transcripts of your previous qualifications.
Can I apply for the Commonwealth Scholarships if I already have a Master’s degree?
You can apply for a Ph.D. scholarship if you already hold a Master’s degree. However, if you’re applying for a Master’s scholarship, you should not already hold a Master’s degree from a high-income country like the UK. The scholarship is intended for those who do not already have equivalent qualifications.
Can I submit my application without reference letters and upload them later?
No. Your application will be considered incomplete without all three reference letters submitted by the deadline. References must be uploaded directly to the CSC application portal, either by your referees or yourself (as PDFs with signatures and letterheads, if applicable).