Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and participating UK universities, aim to provide talented students from eligible developing Commonwealth countries the opportunity to pursue Master’s degrees in the United Kingdom. This fully funded program enables students who would otherwise be unable to afford UK study to gain advanced academic and professional skills, preparing them to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.

The scholarship is jointly supported by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and UK universities, covering tuition fees, living allowances, and travel costs. For aspiring students who dream of studying in world-renowned institutions across the UK, understanding the eligibility criteria, benefits, and application process of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026 is crucial to securing this prestigious opportunity.

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Details of Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Host Institutions: Participating UK Universities (including University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, University of Leeds, University of Glasgow, and others)
• Program Level: Master’s Degree (Full-time only)
• Duration: 1 Year (Full-time Master’s programs only)

Eligible Commonwealth countries

• Bangladesh
• Belize
• Botswana
• Cameroon
• Dominica
• Eswatini
• Fiji
• Gabon
• The Gambia
• 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
• Togo
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Vanuatu
• Zambia

Benefits of Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

• Full tuition fee coverage by the university and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).
• Monthly living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and daily expenses.
• Economy class airfare from home country to the UK and back after completion of the program.
• Warm clothing allowance and thesis grant (if applicable).
• Study travel grant and other essential allowances.
• Access to top-tier UK research facilities and academic mentorship.
• Opportunity to become part of the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows alumni network, connecting global leaders.

Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

• Must be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Must be available to start academic studies in the UK by September 2026.
• Must hold a first degree (at least upper second class) or a lower qualification with relevant experience.
• Must be unable to afford studies in the UK without this scholarship.
• Must apply for an eligible Master’s program offered by participating universities for 2026 entry.
• Must not have previously studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country.

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How to Apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

1. Explore Courses: Visit the official CSC website to view the list of participating universities and eligible Master’s courses for 2026.
2. Apply for Admission: Submit an application for your chosen eligible Master’s program at a participating UK university before the internal university deadline.
3. Apply to the CSC: Complete the online Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application form through the CSC’s official online system.
4. Prepare Required Documents and upload on the website before due date.
5. Submit Applications: Both the university and CSC applications must be submitted before their respective deadlines
6. Await Results: Shortlisted candidates are notified via email or university portal once final selections are made by the CSC in mid-2026.

Documents Required

• Degree certificates and academic transcripts
• Proof of citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country
• Admission offer letter (if available)
• Two academic or professional references
• Statement of Purpose / Development Impact Statement
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume
• English language proficiency proof (if required by the university)
• Copy of passport or national ID

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The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026 offer an extraordinary opportunity for students from developing countries to study in some of the UK’s top universities at no cost. By covering tuition, living expenses, and travel, the scholarship ensures that deserving candidates can focus entirely on academic growth and leadership development. Scholars return home equipped with world-class knowledge, global connections, and the expertise to drive change and contribute to the development of their nations.

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Application Deadline

Application deadlines for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026 vary by university but typically fall between November and December 2025. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as late submissions are not accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)