Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/2028 – Fully Funded Study in the UK

Last reviewed: September 28, 2026, against the official scholarship sources listed below.

Current status: The 2027/28 call for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships opened on 8 September 2026. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) deadline is 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST, but most candidates apply through a national nominating agency that often sets an earlier deadline. Find out your nominator’s date first. Studies begin in the UK in September/October 2027.

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships provide fully funded opportunities for students from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to study a one-year taught master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), these scholarships aim to support future leaders who will contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries.

These scholarships are among the most respected fully funded opportunities available to students from the Commonwealth. They cover almost all major costs associated with studying in the UK.

What the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship Covers

Full approved tuition fees, paid by agreement between the CSC and the UK university
A monthly living allowance. For recent intakes this was £1,452 per month outside London and £1,781 per month in the London area, and rates are reviewed each year
Return economy airfare from your home country to the UK
A study travel grant and, where applicable, a warm clothing allowance
Additional support in some cases, such as a child allowance or disability support

The package is designed to remove the main financial barriers to study, but always check the current terms on the CSC website.

Other Commonwealth Scholarship Programmes

This guide covers the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for one-year, full-time taught master’s programmes. The CSC also runs other schemes, each with its own call, eligibility rules and deadlines:

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, for doctoral research
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, jointly funded with UK universities for selected development-related courses
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships, for part-time distance learning master’s programmes

Check the CSC website to see which scheme fits your situation.

Eligibility Criteria

Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person
Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
Be available to start your studies in the UK by the beginning of the UK academic year in September/October 2027
Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard, or equivalent, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification
Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship
Meet any extra criteria set by your national nominating agency

The CSC does not normally fund a second master’s degree. If you already hold one, you will need to explain why further study is needed.

Application Process

The CSC does not accept direct applications for this scheme. In practice you deal with up to three separate processes at the same time:

Your nominating body. Apply to a national nominating agency (the main route) or to an approved charity or non-governmental organisation. Each has its own selection process and closing date.
The CSC application. Submit your application, references and supporting documents through the CSC’s online system, CSC Central, before the CSC deadline.
Your university choices. Candidates also apply to UK universities, because the scholarship is tied to a place on an eligible course.

Nominating bodies send their candidates to the CSC by December 2026, and applicants can expect to hear the outcome around July 2027. The CSC does not accept documents by email or post, and it warns applicants to use only its official website.

Tips for a Competitive Application

Clearly demonstrate how your proposed studies will contribute to the development of your home country.
Show a strong academic background and relevant work or research experience.
Choose referees who can speak in detail about your abilities and potential.
Make sure your development impact statement is specific and realistic.

Official website: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/

Disclaimer: Always confirm the latest deadlines, eligible countries, and application routes on the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website, as they can vary by year and by country.