The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/2028 are now open for applications, offering full-time Master's study in the United Kingdom with complete funding. This programme is one of three Master's programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC). It is designed to support talented postgraduate students from Least Developed and middle-income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
Complete guide to the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/2028, covering the purpose and intended beneficiaries, eligibility criteria, benefits and funding, award duration, application process and important dates.
Quick Highlights
Parameter
Details
Organization
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC)
Position
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/2028
Job Type
Full-time Master's study
Location
United Kingdom
Eligibility
Citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country, permanently resident there
Experience Required
Must not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country
Sector
Higher Education / Development
Preferred Applicants
High-quality postgraduate students from Least Developed and middle-income countries
About Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC)
The CSC delivers the UK government scholarship scheme, guided by international development objectives. It operates within the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) framework and reflects the UK's enduring commitment to the Commonwealth.
Area
Details
Purpose
Contribute to development needs of Commonwealth countries by training skilled and qualified professionals and academics who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK
Intended Beneficiaries
High-quality postgraduate students from Least Developed and middle-income countries (including fragile and conflict-affected states)
Beneficiary Conditions
Have not studied for a year or more in a high-income country before; cannot otherwise afford to study in the UK; have potential to enhance development of their home countries with knowledge and leadership skills acquired
Award Duration
Normally 12 months
Programme Type
One of three Master's programmes offered by the CSC
Funding Partners
Jointly funded by the CSC and participating UK universities
Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/2028
Requirement
Details
Citizenship
Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country
Residence
Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
Availability
Be available to start academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2027
Academic Qualification
By September 2027, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master's degree)
High-Income Country Study/Work
Not have studied or worked for more than one (academic) year or more in a high-income country
Financial Need
Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship
Documentation
Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format
Benefits and Funding
Benefit
Details
Airfare
Approved airfare from the Scholar's home country to the UK and return at the end of the award (CSC will not reimburse fares for dependants or journeys made before the award is confirmed) – funded by the CSC
Tuition Fees
Approved tuition fees: full fees covered by agreement between the CSC and the UK university; scholars are not liable to pay any part of the tuition fee
Stipend (Living Allowance)
£1,712 per month, or £2,000 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area (rates quoted at current levels) – paid and funded by the university
Thesis Grant
Towards the cost of preparing a thesis or dissertation, where applicable – paid by the university, funded by the CSC
Study Travel Grant
Towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas – paid by the university, funded by the CSC
Tuberculosis (TB) Test
Contribution towards the cost of a mandatory TB test, where required for a visa application (receipts must be supplied) – paid by the university, funded by the CSC
Child Allowance
If a Scholar has children and is widowed, divorced, or a single parent: £622 per month for the first child and £154 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if their children are living with them at the same address in the UK
Important Dates
Event
Date
Application Deadline
8 December 2026
Academic Studies Start
September 2027
Award Duration
Normally 12 months
How to Apply
Step
Action
1
Confirm you meet all candidate eligibility requirements before starting
2
Prepare all supporting documentation in the required format
3
Submit your application online via the official Commonwealth Shared Scholarships page before 8 December 2026
4
Ensure your application is complete, as incomplete applications will not be considered
Important Links (Direct URLs)
Description
URL
Official Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Applications Page
Q1. What is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/2028?
It is one of three Master's programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK, providing full funding for full-time Master's study in the UK.
Q2. What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 8 December 2026.
Q3. Who can apply for these scholarships?
Citizens of, or those granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country who are permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country and meet all other criteria.
Q4. What academic qualification is required?
By September 2027, a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master's degree).
Q5. What is the award duration?
The award duration is normally 12 months.
Q6. What costs are covered by the scholarship?
Approved airfare, full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, a thesis grant, a study travel grant, a TB test contribution and, where applicable, a child allowance.
Q7. What is the monthly stipend amount?
£1,712 per month, or £2,000 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area (rates quoted at current levels).
Q8. Can I apply if I have studied in a high-income country?
You must not have studied or worked for more than one (academic) year or more in a high-income country.
Q9. When do academic studies begin?
Studies begin by the start of the UK academic year in September 2027.
Q10. How do I apply?
Submit an online application through the official Commonwealth Shared Scholarships page before 8 December 2026, with all supporting documentation in the required format.
Final Call-to-Action
Step
Action
1
Check the full eligibility criteria before applying
2
Prepare all supporting documentation in the required format
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