Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/2028 in the UK | Fully Funded | Deadline: October 20, 2026
Published: August 10, 2026
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/2028 offer fully funded opportunities for talented students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue a full-time taught Master’s degree at a university in the United Kingdom.
The scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).
The programme is designed for talented individuals who have the potential to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries but would otherwise be unable to afford to study in the UK.
Applications for the 2027/28 academic year will open on September 8, 2026, and the deadline is October 20, 2026 at 16:00 BST.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/2028 – Quick Details
About the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are part of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), one of the UK’s major international scholarship schemes.
The programme supports talented candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries who want to pursue postgraduate education in the UK.
The main goal is to help scholars gain advanced knowledge and skills that can contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries.
Successful scholars will study a full-time taught Master’s programme at an eligible UK university.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship provides substantial financial support, including:
International Airfare
An approved return airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK is provided.
The CSC does not normally cover airfare for dependants or journeys made before the award is officially confirmed.
Full Tuition Fees
The scholarship covers the approved tuition fees through an agreement between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the UK university.
Scholars are therefore not required to pay the approved tuition fees themselves.
Monthly Living Allowance
Scholars receive a monthly stipend of:
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£1,712 per month, or
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£2,000 per month for scholars studying at universities in the London metropolitan area.
These rates are quoted at current levels and may be subject to change.
Study Travel Grant
Scholars may receive a study travel grant to help cover approved study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
Family Allowance
Eligible scholars who are widowed, divorced, or single parents may receive family support if their children live with them at the same address in the UK.
The current allowance is:
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£622 per month for the first child
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£154 per month for the second and third child under 16
The family allowance is intended as a contribution toward family maintenance costs and may not cover the full cost of supporting dependants in the UK.
Additional Disability Support
Applicants who declare a disability may receive a full assessment of their needs and eligibility for additional financial support from the CSC.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's eligibility requirements.
To be considered, applicants must generally:
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Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
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Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
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Be available to start academic studies in the UK in September 2027.
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By September 2027, hold a first degree equivalent to at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours standard.
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Alternatively, applicants with a lower second-class degree may be considered if they also have a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree.
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Be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
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Provide all required supporting documents in the correct format.
There is no age limit for CSC applications.
Applicants should also check whether their employer has any age-related restrictions concerning study leave.
Are Rwandan Students Eligible?
Yes, potentially. 🇷🇼
Rwanda is a Commonwealth member country, but applicants must still meet the scholarship's specific eligibility and nomination requirements.
A Rwandan applicant should therefore:
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Be a Rwandan citizen and permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country;
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Hold the required undergraduate qualification;
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Meet the academic requirements;
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Demonstrate financial need;
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Be available to begin studies in the UK in September 2027;
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Submit all required documents;
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Follow the relevant nomination/application route for the scholarship.
Important: Meeting the general eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection. Commonwealth scholarships are highly competitive.
Academic Requirement
By September 2027, applicants should normally hold:
Option 1: A first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second-class (2:1) honours degree.
OR
Option 2: A lower second-class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree.
Applicants should ensure that their academic qualifications meet the CSC's requirements before submitting an application.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed competitively.
Key selection considerations include:
1. Candidate Merit
The CSC considers the applicant's academic record, experience, achievements and overall potential.
2. Quality of the Proposed Study
Applicants should demonstrate that their proposed Master’s study is relevant, well considered and appropriate to their academic and professional goals.
3. Development Impact
Applicants should clearly explain how their education and skills will contribute to the development of their home country.
This is an important part of the Commonwealth Scholarship selection process.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide supporting documentation by the application deadline.
Required documents generally include:
Proof of Citizenship
A copy of a valid passport or national identity document showing:
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Photograph
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Date of birth
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Country of citizenship
Academic Transcripts
Applicants must provide full transcripts showing all higher education qualifications.
If transcripts are not in English, certified translations should be provided.
Incomplete transcripts may result in the application being considered ineligible.
References
Applicants must provide references from at least two referees.
References should be:
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In PDF format;
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Signed;
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On institutional letterhead, or
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Sent from an email clearly showing the referee's details.
References must be uploaded to the application system before the deadline.
The CSC does not accept references submitted separately or after the application deadline.
What Should Referees Discuss?
References should provide meaningful information about the applicant, including where appropriate:
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How long the referee has known the applicant;
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The applicant's suitability for the scholarship;
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The relevance of the proposed Master’s study;
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Analytical and academic ability;
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Capacity for original thinking;
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Motivation and perseverance;
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Strengths and weaknesses;
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Potential contribution to development in the applicant's home country;
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Other qualities that make the applicant suitable for the scholarship.
Application Timeline
Application Opens
September 8, 2026
Application Deadline
October 20, 2026 at 16:00 BST
Study Period
Successful scholars are expected to begin their Master’s studies in the UK in September/October 2027.
Applicants should not wait until the final day to prepare their applications because references and academic documents must also be uploaded before the deadline.
Is the Commonwealth Scholarship Fully Funded?
Yes.
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship provides major financial support, including:
Approved return airfare
Full approved tuition fees
Monthly living allowance
Study travel grant
Eligible family allowance
Additional disability support where applicable
This makes it one of the major fully funded Master’s scholarship opportunities for eligible Commonwealth applicants.
Does It Cost Money to Apply?
No.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission does not charge applicants to apply through its official online application system.
Applicants should be cautious of anyone asking for payment in exchange for a Commonwealth Scholarship application or guaranteed selection.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2027/28 Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships open on:
September 8, 2026
Applicants should:
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Check their eligibility.
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Identify suitable Master’s programmes and UK universities.
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Prepare their academic transcripts.
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Arrange at least two references.
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Prepare proof of citizenship.
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Prepare strong application responses explaining their academic goals and development impact.
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Complete the official application.
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Upload all required documents.
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Submit the application before the deadline.
Applicants should also carefully check the applicable nominating agency or organisation requirements, as the agency-nominated route forms part of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's wider scholarship programme.
Important Note About University Admission
A Commonwealth Scholarship application and university admission are related but should not be assumed to be the same process.
Applicants should carefully review the requirements of their preferred UK university and Master's programme and ensure that they understand any separate admission requirements.
Why Apply?
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship can provide an excellent opportunity for talented professionals and graduates to gain a high-quality postgraduate education in the UK without having to pay the approved tuition fees and major study-related expenses themselves.
Beyond financial support, scholars can benefit from:
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International academic exposure;
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Professional networking;
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Advanced knowledge and skills;
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Experience studying in the UK;
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Opportunities to contribute to development in their home countries;
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Connections with the wider Commonwealth scholar community.
Final Takeaway
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/2028 provide fully funded opportunities for eligible Commonwealth citizens to pursue full-time taught Master’s degrees in the United Kingdom.
For eligible applicants, the scholarship can cover full tuition fees, return airfare, monthly living costs and study-related travel, with additional support available in certain circumstances.
🇷🇼 Rwandan applicants can potentially apply, provided they meet the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's eligibility requirements and follow the appropriate application/nomination process.
Important Dates
Applications Open: September 8, 2026
Application Deadline: October 20, 2026 at 16:00 BST
Study Begins: September/October 2027
Application is free.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their documents, references and application responses before the application portal opens.
