The Commonwealth Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international scholarship programs, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). The scholarship offers an excellent opportunity for talented students from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue master's and PhD degrees at leading higher education institutions in the UK.
The objective of the Commonwealth Scholarship is to support talented students who might otherwise be unable to afford an education in the UK and who want to use their research and education to contribute to the development of their home countries.
Why You Should Apply
Benefit
Description
Fully Funded
Complete financial coverage
Prestigious
UK Government scholarship
Global Recognition
Study at leading UK universities
Career Development
Postgraduate qualification
Sustainable Impact
Contribute to home country development
Network
Join global Commonwealth alumni
Scholarship Coverage
Benefit
Details
Full Tuition
Complete tuition fee waiver
Airfare
Return airfare coverage
Living Allowance
Monthly allowance for living expenses
Study Travel Grant
Research-related travel
Fieldwork Support
For PhD students
Family Allowance
For eligible dependents
Disability Allowance
Additional support
CSC Development Themes
Theme
Description
Science & Technology for Development
STEM research
Improving Population Health
Health systems and capacity
Promoting Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Innovation and enterprise
Strengthening Peace, Security & Governance
Peace and governance
Strengthening Resilience & Response to Crises
Crisis response
Access, Inclusion & Opportunity
Inclusion and equity
Eligibility Criteria
Master's Program
Criteria
Requirements
Citizenship
Citizen of eligible Commonwealth country
Education
Undergraduate degree by September 2027
Availability
Available to study in UK in Sep/Oct 2027
Financial Need
Unable to support studies without scholarship
Documents
Submit all required documents
Age
No age restrictions
PhD Program
Criteria
Requirements
Citizenship
Citizen of eligible Commonwealth country
Availability
Available to start in UK in September 2027
Education
Upper Second-Class (2:1) OR Lower Second-Class + Master's
PhD Status
Not already enrolled in a PhD program
Supervisor
Supporting statement from proposed UK supervisor
Eligible Countries
Master's Eligible Countries
Country
Country
Bangladesh
Belize
Botswana
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
Samoa
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
Togo
Tonga
Tuvalu
Uganda
Vanuatu
Zambia
PhD Eligible Countries
Country
Country
Bangladesh
The Gambia
Kiribati
Lesotho
Malawi
Mozambique
Nigeria
Pakistan
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
Togo
Tuvalu
Uganda
Zambia
Required Documents
Document
Description
Passport/National ID
Valid identification
Degree Transcripts
Academic records
Certified Translation
If not in English
References
At least two referees
Research Plan
For PhD students
Application Process
Step
Action
1
Check eligibility and eligible countries
2
Identify nominated agency (national nominating agency or NGO)
Full tuition, airfare, living allowance, study travel, fieldwork, family allowance.
Q2. Who can apply?
Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries.
Q3. What level is supported?
Master's (1 year) and PhD (3 years).
Q4. How to apply?
Through CSC Central application system + nominated agency.
Q5. Are direct applications accepted?
No, must apply through a nominated agency.
Q6. What are the development themes?
Six themes including health, innovation, peace, resilience.
Q7. What is the deadline?
20 October 2026.
Q8. Is there an age limit?
No age restrictions.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The Commonwealth Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international scholarship programs, offering fully funded opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. With comprehensive coverage including full tuition, living allowance, and additional support, the scholarship enables talented students to pursue postgraduate education at leading UK universities.
The six development themes ensure that research and study contribute to sustainable development in scholars' home countries. The requirement to apply through a nominating agency underscores the program's commitment to selecting candidates who will make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Best Opportunity For
Category
Suitable
Commonwealth Citizens
Yes
Master's Applicants
Yes
PhD Applicants
Yes
Development-Focused Students
Yes
Low & Middle-Income Country Students
Yes
Competition Level
Category
Level
Overall Competition
Very High
Selection Difficulty
Highly Competitive
Application Complexity
High
CareerFlora Recommendation
Area
Details
Scholarship Value
Excellent
Career Growth
Very High
Application Difficulty
High
Apply Early
Strongly Recommended
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for Commonwealth Scholarship 2027-28 before 20 October 2026.
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