Commonwealth Shared Scholarship In UK 2026 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026, one of the most prestigious and competitive fully funded scholarship programs in the world. Offered under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), this program provides exceptional international students with the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) awards approximately 700 scholarships and fellowships each year for master’s study and professional development, exclusively for citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries. Funded by the UK Government and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this scholarship covers all expenses including tuition fees, travel costs, and living allowances.

Since the program began in 1959, over 30,000 scholars and fellows have benefited from Commonwealth funding, with 28,500 supported directly by the UK Government. The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship continues its mission to support talented individuals who would not otherwise have the financial means to study in the UK, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to their home countries after graduation.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026

• Country: UK
• Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Countries
• Cost: Fully Funded
• Course Level: Masters (1 Year)
• Deadline: 9 December

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Eligibility Criteria

To apply for these scholarships, you must:

Have received refugee status from an eligible Commonwealth country. Be a permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth country

Be available to start your academic studies in the UK, or remotely if required. Candidates have not studied in other European countries before.

You must have at least a second-class superior standard (2: 1), or a second-class diploma and a relevant postgraduate qualification.

Scholarship Coverage

Approved round-trip airfare from your residence in the United States to the United Kingdom and returned after the award expires. Approved full monthly installments.

Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,452 per month, or £1,781 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area (rates quoted at current levels) – paid and funded by the university.

Warm clothing allowance, where applicable. Financing the thesis by the completion rate of the thesis

Study tours in other countries or within the UK are also free.

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Schemes Offered by the Commonwealth

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are offered in 6 development themes:

• Science and technology for development
• Strengthening health systems and capacity
• Promoting global prosperity
• Strengthening world peace, security, and governance
• Building resilience and responding to crises
• Access, inclusion, and opportunity

Available Courses 

For a full list of eligible courses, View the full list of approved courses

Eligible Countries

• Bangladesh
• Cameroon
• Eswatini
• Ghana
• India
• Kenya
• Kiribati
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Mozambique
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
  Papua New Guinea
• Rwanda
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• Sri Lanka
• Tanzania
• The Gambia
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Vanuatu
• Zambia

How To Apply 

Applications for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year open at 16:30 GMT on Wednesday 12 November 2025. The scholarships are for study in the UK beginning in September/October 2026.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 9 December at 16:00 GMT.

Applications to the CSC must be made using the application system, CSC Central.

The CSC is unable to accept any applications or documentation not submitted via the online application system.  

Candidates must apply to study an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university:

• View full list of approved courses
• View details of all participating UK universities

Candidates can apply for more than one course and to more than one university, but they may only accept one offer of a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. Please note, these scholarships are for Master’s courses only and not for undergraduate or PhD study.

Candidates must also apply and secure admission for the chosen university course in addition to applying for a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. Please check with your chosen university for specific advice on when to apply, admission requirements, and rules for applying.

Applications will be shared with the universities that will nominate their chosen candidates to the CSC in March 2026.

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