Commonwealth Scholarships in the UK 2027 – Deadline 20 October 2026

Location: United Kingdom 
Eligible Country: Rwanda 
Study Level: Master’s & PhD
Study Start: September/October 2027
Deadline: 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST

Commonwealth Scholarships in the United Kingdom 2027

The Higher Education Council (HEC) invites eligible Rwandan citizens to apply for Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships to study in the United Kingdom starting in September or October 2027.

Rwanda may nominate 10 candidates for Master’s study and 16 candidates for PhD study. However, nomination by HEC does not guarantee final selection by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).

CSC Development Themes

Applicants must select one development theme and explain how their proposed study or research will address a specific development need in Rwanda:

  • Science and Technology for Development
  • Strengthening Health Systems and Capacity
  • Promoting Global Prosperity
  • Strengthening Global Peace, Security and Governance
  • Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises
  • Access, Inclusion and Opportunity

Master’s Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be a Rwandan citizen permanently resident in Rwanda.
  • Be available to begin full-time study in the UK in September 2027.
  • Hold, or expect to hold by September 2027, a Bachelor’s degree of at least Upper Second Class or equivalent in a relevant field.
  • Apply for a full-time, one-year taught Master’s programme.
  • Not apply for an MBA, as MBA programmes are not funded under this scheme.
  • Identify three suitable UK universities and courses, in order of preference.
  • Meet the admission requirements of the proposed programme.

PhD Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be Rwandan citizens permanently resident in Rwanda.
  • Hold a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent.
  • Meet HEC's academic requirement of at least 70% for PhD nomination.
  • Not already be registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD.
  • Obtain a substantive supporting statement from at least one proposed UK supervisor.
  • Submit a focused research proposal showing the research problem, objectives, methodology, feasibility and expected contribution to Rwanda.

Required Documents

Applicants will need to submit documents including:

  • Application letter addressed to the Director General of HEC
  • Valid passport or national ID
  • Updated CV
  • Degree certificates and complete academic transcripts
  • At least two detailed references
  • Study plan for Master’s applicants or research proposal for PhD applicants
  • University admission evidence where available
  • UK supervisor supporting statement for PhD applicants
  • PDF copy of the final CSC application and application reference number

What Strong Applications Should Demonstrate

Applicants should clearly demonstrate:

  • Strong academic performance
  • A well-researched choice of UK university and programme
  • A clear connection between their education, experience and proposed study
  • A specific development challenge they intend to address
  • A realistic plan for applying their knowledge in Rwanda after the scholarship
  • Leadership, community service, research, innovation or professional achievements
  • Clear and authentic answers to the CSC application questions

How to Apply

Applicants must complete both applications:

1. HECMIS: Submit the national nomination application by 20 October 2026.

2. CSC Central: Submit the Commonwealth Scholarship application by 16:00 BST on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

Applicants should save their CSC confirmation email and application reference number and upload the final CSC application PDF to HECMIS.

Important: Only applications submitted through both HECMIS and CSC Central by the deadlines will be considered.

The CSC does not charge an application fee.

Official websites:
HECMIS: https://hecmis.hec.gov.rw/
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/about-us/scholarships/

Done at Kigali on 20 September 2026.

 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY