Commonwealth Scholarships

About the project

The scholarships offer an opportunity for future leaders and influencers from all over the world who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK to develop professionally and academically, network, experience UK culture and build lasting positive relationships with the UK.

Applications for Commonwealth Scholarships for 2026/27 entry are now open . Applications for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships and Commonwealth PhD Scholarships close on Tuesday 14 October 2026 at 16:00 BST .

Please note that national nominating bodies in applicants’ home countries may set earlier internal deadlines.

About the scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to outstanding scholars with the ability to create change.

The awards are open to candidates from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries to undertake a full time Master’s degree as well as PhD students from least developed countries and vulnerable states.

Commonwealth Scholarships are a global programme focused on international development objectives funded by the UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).

The programme demonstrates the UK Government’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth.

The scholarships offer an opportunity for future leaders and influencers from all over the world who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK to develop professionally and academically, network, experience UK culture and build lasting positive relationships with the UK.

Who can apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship?

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are for candidates from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries to undertake full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university. The scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are for high-quality graduates from least developed countries and vulnerable Commonwealth countries who have the potential to undertake world-class research of a developmental nature and to become influential leaders, teachers, or researchers in their home countries. Funding is for full time doctoral study at a UK university.

The Commonwealth Split-site PhD programme is for candidates from low and middle income Commonwealth countries, who are currently studying for a PhD in their home country, to conduct research at a university in the UK for 12 months. They enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.

Please note that the Split-site PhD Scholarship is currently paused and unavailable for this cycle.

Candidates come from 56 Commonwealth countries worldwide. There are over 31,000 Commonwealth scholarship alumni around the world who together comprise an influential global network.

What does the scholarship cover?

These Scholarships cover:

• Tuition fees
• A living allowance at a set rate (for one individual)
• An economy class return airfare to the UK
• Warm clothing allowance, where applicable
• Study travel grant towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas
• Family/ child allowance in certain circumstances
• Thesis grant (for Master's Scholarships)
• Eligibility for additional financial support if you have a disability.

How to apply

To learn more about scholarships offered by the Commonwealth, refer to their website which provides guidance and support to help prepare you for the application process, along with full details of the conditions of each scholarship. You should ensure you read these carefully before applying.

Research areas