Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 , UK (Fully Funded Master’s & PhD)
The Commonwealth Scholarship is now open for international students from eligible Commonwealth countries who want to pursue a Master’s or PhD at top UK universities. This prestigious award covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and additional allowances, making it one of the most generous scholarships globally.
What Is the Commonwealth Scholarship?
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a UK Government-funded initiative administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC). It operates under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
The program is designed to support talented individuals who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK, with a strong focus on sustainable development and long-term impact in scholars’ home countries.
Degree Level
- Master's
- PhD
Available Subjects
- All subjects
Benefits
For Master’s Applicants
Full tuition fees (paid directly to the university)
Monthly living allowance:
£1,378 per month (outside London)
£1,690 per month (London area)
Economy-class return airfare to and from the UK
Warm clothing allowance (where applicable)
Study travel grant for academic-related travel
Child allowance for eligible single parents
For PhD Applicants
All Master’s benefits, plus:
Funding for approved overseas fieldwork
Mid-term home country airfare (conditions apply)
Family allowances for spouse and/or children
Additional disability support, based on individual assessment
Note: Family allowances are contributions only—actual living costs may be higher.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to international students from eligible Commonwealth countries.
Eligibility Criteria
Master’s Applicants Must:
Be a citizen (or refugee/British Protected Person) of an eligible Commonwealth country
Be permanently resident in an eligible country
Hold at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or 2:2 + relevant postgraduate qualification)
Be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship
Be ready to start studies in September 2026
Submit all required documents correctly
PhD Applicants Must Also:
Hold a relevant Master’s degree
Not be registered for a PhD (or MPhil leading to PhD) before Sept/Oct 2026
Provide a supporting statement from a UK supervisor
Application Procedure
Step 1: Online Application
All applications must be submitted via the CSC online application system.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Applicants will need to:
List academic qualifications
Add up to 10 publications/prizes
Provide employment history
Submit three referee details (minimum two references required)
Write a Development Impact Statement covering:
Development challenges (global, national, local)
Application of skills after the scholarship
Expected development outcomes & beneficiaries
Measuring and evidencing impact
You will also confirm:
Scholarship objectives
5-year and long-term career plans
Detailed study/research plan
Personal statement & leadership experience
Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents
Required documents include:
Passport or national ID
Full academic transcripts (with certified translations if needed)
At least two signed references (PDF, official letterhead)
PhD applicants only: Supporting statement from a UK supervisor
Note: Incomplete or missing documents = automatic disqualification.
Why Choose the Commonwealth Scholarship? Study at
Study at top-ranked UK universities
Zero financial burden
Focus on development impact, not just academics
Build global networks & partnerships
Strong career boost and leadership recognition
Official Websites
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: Official CSC portal
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships: Official CSC portal
(Always apply only through the official CSC system—no agents required.)
