Commonwealth Scholarship (fully funded)

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), established in 1959, represents one of the world’s oldest and most respected international scholarship programs, embodying the Commonwealth’s enduring commitment to educational cooperation, sustainable development, and capacity building across member nations. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Commonwealth Scholarships support talented individuals from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue life-changing postgraduate education at leading UK universities. With a rich history spanning over six decades and more than 30,000 alumni who have gone on to become influential leaders, policymakers, academics, and changemakers in their home countries, the program exemplifies the power of education to transform lives, strengthen institutions, and address global development challenges. The scholarships are grounded in principles of equity, excellence, and impact, prioritizing candidates who would otherwise be unable to study in the UK and who demonstrate clear commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries upon return.

For the 2026 academic year, Commonwealth Scholarships continue to offer fully funded opportunities for citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees at UK universities. The program encompasses several distinct scholarship schemes, each designed to address specific development needs and priorities: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for one-year taught master’s programs, Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for three-year doctoral research, Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships allowing doctoral candidates to spend up to 12 months in the UK while remaining registered at their home institution, and Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for online master’s programs. These comprehensive funding packages cover international airfares, full tuition fees, monthly living stipends, thesis grants for research students, additional allowances for those with children, and various other support provisions that ensure scholars can focus entirely on their academic and professional development without financial constraints.

Commonwealth Scholarships are strategically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UK development priorities, with particular emphasis on six thematic areas critical to global development: 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, and access, inclusion and opportunity. Scholars are selected not only for their academic excellence but also for their potential to create meaningful development impact in their home countries, their leadership qualities, and their commitment to addressing pressing challenges facing Commonwealth nations. Beyond financial support, scholars benefit from studying at world-renowned UK universities, accessing cutting-edge research facilities, building international networks through Commonwealth alumni associations, and participating in professional development activities designed to maximize their future impact.

For ambitious and committed individuals from Commonwealth developing countries seeking transformative education, world-class research opportunities, and the knowledge and skills necessary to drive positive change in their communities and nations, Commonwealth Scholarships offer an unparalleled pathway to academic excellence, leadership development, and sustainable impact in the service of Commonwealth development objectives.

Scholarship Summary

Scholarship Programs:

1. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

• Fully funded scholarships for one-year taught master’s programs at UK universities.
• Open to citizens of least developed and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries.
• Monthly stipend of £1,347 (or £1,652 for London-based institutions) for 12 months.
• Full tuition fee coverage regardless of program cost.
• Return airfare from home country to UK.
• Warm clothing allowance for first-time UK arrivals.
• Thesis grant (if applicable) up to £1,000.
• Study travel grant for approved academic activities.
• Approximately 800 scholarships awarded annually at master’s level.
• Highly competitive with emphasis on development impact and leadership potential.

Also check: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded Graduate Programs in France

2. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

• Full funding for three-year doctoral research programs at UK universities.
• For candidates from least developed and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries.
• Monthly stipend of £1,347 (or £1,652 for London) for 36 months.
• Full tuition fees covered for the entire doctoral program.
• Return airfare at beginning and end of scholarship.
• Fieldwork allowance for approved research in home country or elsewhere (up to £1,000).
• Thesis grant up to £1,000 for printing and binding.
• Conference attendance grant for presenting research (up to £1,000).
• Family allowances for scholars accompanied by dependents.
• Approximately 100 PhD scholarships awarded annually.
• Strong emphasis on research addressing development challenges.

3. Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships

• Enables doctoral candidates registered at universities in their home country to spend up to 12 months conducting research in the UK.
• Must remain registered and pay fees at home institution.
• Monthly stipend of £1,347 (or £1,652 for London) for the UK period only.
• Return airfare between home country and UK.
• Research support grant for materials and equipment.
• Does not cover tuition fees (scholar remains enrolled at home institution).
• Ideal for candidates requiring access to UK facilities, expertise, or archives not available at home.
• Approximately 75 split-site scholarships awarded annually.
• Strengthens institutional links between UK and Commonwealth universities.

4. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships

• Funding for master’s programs delivered entirely by distance learning/online.
• Allows scholars to study while remaining in their home countries and continuing employment.
• Does not include monthly stipend or airfare (as no relocation required).
• Covers full tuition fees for the distance learning program.
• May include some study visit costs if program requires brief UK attendance.
• Available for part-time study over two years.
• Approximately 100 distance learning scholarships awarded annually.
• Particularly suitable for mid-career professionals who cannot relocate.

5. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

• Partnership between CSC and UK universities to fund master’s students.
• Universities contribute a portion of the scholarship cost (typically tuition fee waiver).
• Available for taught master’s programs in specific development-related fields.
• Same benefits as regular Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.
• Only available at participating UK universities offering Shared Scholarship places.
• Approximately 200 Shared Scholarships available annually.
• Expands opportunities beyond FCDO-funded Commonwealth Scholarships.

Also check: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees 2026 – Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe

Eligibility Criteria

General Eligibility (All Scholarship Types):

• Must be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country (see eligible country list on CSC website).
• Must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Must be available to start academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September/October 2026.
• Cannot hold British or dual British citizenship.
• Cannot be currently living or studying in a high-income country.
• Must not have previously studied for one year or more in a high-income country.

Master’s Scholarships Specific:

• Must hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honors standard, or equivalent.
• Must not already hold a master’s degree or higher qualification.
• Must demonstrate clear commitment to development in home country.
• Unable to afford to study in the UK without scholarship support.

PhD Scholarships Specific:

• Must hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent, or be in the final year of a master’s program.
• Must not already hold a PhD or have studied for more than one year toward a PhD in a high-income country.
• Strong academic record with first-class or upper second-class bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
• Clear research proposal addressing development challenges.

Split-site PhD Specific:

• Must be registered for a PhD at a university in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Must have completed at least one year of PhD study by the time of UK arrival.
• Requires formal agreement between home and UK institutions.
• Must return to home institution to complete PhD.

Distance Learning Specific:

• Same citizenship and residency requirements as other schemes.
• May have lower academic entry requirements depending on program.
• Must have access to necessary technology for online study.

Also check: DAAD Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded Study Programs in Germany

Scholarship Benefits

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships:

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage regardless of program cost
• Monthly Stipend: £1,347 (institutions outside London) or £1,652 (London-based institutions)
• Return Airfare: Economy class ticket from home country to UK and return
• Arrival Allowance: £1,347 for initial expenses
• Warm Clothing Allowance: £235 (if applicable)
• Thesis Grant: Up to £1,000 for dissertation expenses
• Study Travel Grant: For approved academic travel within UK or overseas
• Mid-term Travel: One return airfare to home country for programs exceeding 18 months

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships:

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage for three years
• Monthly Stipend: £1,347 (outside London) or £1,652 (London) for 36 months
• Return Airfare: At beginning and end of award
• Arrival Allowance: £1,347
• Warm Clothing Allowance: £235 (if applicable)
• Thesis Grant: Up to £1,000
• Fieldwork Allowance: Up to £1,000 for approved research travel
• Conference Grant: Up to £1,000 for presenting research at conferences
• Family Allowances:
  • Child allowance: £529 per month for first child, £131 for second and third children (under 16)
  • Spouse allowance: £265 per month (if spouse’s annual income is below £38,544)
• Study Travel Grant: For approved academic activities
• Mid-term Travel: One return airfare to home country every 24 months

Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships:

• Monthly Stipend: £1,347 (outside London) or £1,652 (London) for UK period
• Return Airfare: Between home country and UK
• Research Support Grant: For materials and equipment
• No tuition fee coverage (remains at home institution)

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships:

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage for distance learning program
• No stipend or airfare (scholars remain in home country)
• Study visit costs: If program requires brief UK attendance

Also check: Australia Awards Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded Study Programs in Australia

Required Documents

Academic Documents:

• Certified copies of degree certificates and academic transcripts for all post-secondary qualifications
• Academic references (typically two) from individuals who can assess academic ability and potential
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted tests)
• Master’s degree certificate (for PhD applicants)

Personal Documents:

• Valid passport or national identity document showing citizenship
• Birth certificate (for family allowance claims)
• Marriage certificate (if claiming spouse allowance)
• Children’s birth certificates (if claiming child allowances)

Application Materials:

• Completed Commonwealth Scholarship online application form
• Statement of proposed study or research (typically 500-word development impact statement)
• Research proposal (for PhD applicants, typically 1,500-2,000 words)
• Personal statement explaining development impact and career plans
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) with full education and employment history
• Employment verification letters (if applicable)
• Development impact statement linking proposed study to home country development

Supporting Letters:

• Two references (one academic, one professional preferred)
• Letter from home institution (for split-site PhD applicants)
• UK supervisor support letter (for PhD applicants, if already identified)
• Employer support letter (if required to return to current employment)

Also check: University of Edinburgh Scholarships 2026 (UK)

Application Process

Commonwealth Scholarships have different application routes depending on the scholarship type and applicant’s country:

Route 1: Application via National Nominating Agency

1. Check Eligibility: Verify you are a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country and meet all criteria.
2. Contact Nominating Agency: Identify your country’s National Nominating Agency (listed on CSC website) and check their internal deadlines and procedures.
3. Apply to UK Universities: Secure admission or conditional admission to a UK university for your chosen program. Some agencies require this before nominating you.
4. Submit National Application: Complete your country’s nominating agency application process, which may include additional forms and interviews.
5. Agency Nomination: If selected by your national agency, they will forward your nomination to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
6. CSC Selection: The Commission reviews all nominations and makes final scholarship awards.

Route 2: Direct Application to CSC (Selected Countries)

1. Verify Direct Application Eligibility – Check if your country uses direct application system (list available on CSC website).
2. Secure University Admission – Apply to UK universities and obtain admission or conditional offer for your chosen program.
3. Complete Online Application – Submit application through CSC’s online application system with all supporting documents.
4. Nominating Agency Endorsement – Your application will be reviewed by your country’s nominating agency for endorsement.
5. CSC Assessment – Applications assessed by subject specialists and selection committees.
6. Final Selection – Successful candidates notified typically in May-June.

Route 3: Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

1. Identify Participating Universities – Check which UK universities offer Shared Scholarship places in your field.
2. Apply to University – Submit regular university admission application, indicating interest in Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.
3. Complete CSC Application – Submit Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application through CSC portal.
4. Dual Assessment – Both university and CSC assess applications; university nominates candidates.
5. Award Notification – Successful candidates informed by participating universities.

Also check: Cambridge Trust Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (UK)

Deadlines

Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships:

• Countries with Nominating Agencies: Internal deadlines set by each agency, typically October-December . Check your national nominating agency for specific dates.
• Direct Application Countries: Typically mid-December (exact date announced annually).

Selection Timeline:

• January-March : Applications reviewed and assessed
• April-May : Interviews conducted (for selected candidates)
• May-June: Final scholarship offers made
• September-October : Academic programs commence

Important Notes:

• Nominating agency deadlines are often 1-2 months before CSC deadlines
• Early application to UK universities recommended (starting August-September 2025)
• Scholarship cannot be deferred; must be taken up in the year awarded

Also check: ETH Zurich Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (Switzerland)

Final Thoughts

The Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 represent a transformative opportunity for talented and committed individuals from Commonwealth developing countries to access world-class postgraduate education in the United Kingdom while positioning themselves to drive meaningful development impact in their home nations. As one of the oldest and most respected international scholarship programs globally, Commonwealth Scholarships embody the enduring values of the Commonwealth community: cooperation, mutual support, and shared commitment to sustainable development and prosperity for all member nations.

The UK offers Commonwealth Scholars access to some of the world’s leading universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, London School of Economics, University of Edinburgh, and many others consistently ranked among the global top 100. Scholars benefit from the UK’s rich academic traditions, cutting-edge research facilities, diverse and intellectually stimulating environments, and strong connections between universities and industry, government, and civil society organizations. The experience of studying in the UK provides not only academic knowledge but also exposure to different perspectives, research methodologies, and governance systems that can inform development solutions.

The comprehensive financial support covering full tuition regardless of program cost, generous monthly stipends sufficient for comfortable living, return airfare, and various additional allowances ensures that scholars can focus entirely on their studies without financial stress. The monthly stipend of £1,347 outside London or £1,652 in London, while modest by UK standards, provides adequate support for student living when combined with free tuition and other benefits. Family allowances for PhD scholars enable those with dependents to bring their families, recognizing that longer-term scholarships benefit from family support.

Commonwealth Scholars join an influential global network of over 30,000 alumni who have leveraged their UK education to achieve remarkable impact. Many former scholars have become heads of state, cabinet ministers, supreme court judges, university vice-chancellors, leading researchers, successful entrepreneurs, and influential civil society leaders. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission maintains active alumni networks in member countries and facilitates ongoing engagement through conferences, research collaborations, and professional development opportunities.

The two year return requirement reinforces the program’s development mandate and ensures that UK-trained professionals contribute their expertise where it is most needed. This requirement, far from being restrictive, represents the scholarship’s core purpose: building human capacity in Commonwealth developing countries to drive their own development agendas.

For ambitious, development oriented individuals from Commonwealth countries seeking world class education, research opportunities, and the knowledge and skills necessary to create lasting positive change in their nations, Commonwealth Scholarships offer an unparalleled combination of academic excellence, comprehensive financial support, development focus, and global networking that positions scholars for leadership and impact throughout their careers. The program’s enduring legacy of six decades demonstrates the transformative power of education to change lives, strengthen institutions, and advance sustainable development across the Commonwealth and beyond.