Commonwealth Master's Scholarships Open for 2027/28
The UK-funded Commonwealth Master's Scholarships for the 2027/28 academic year are now accepting applications, with a deadline of October 20, 2026.
Applications for the fully-funded Commonwealth Master's Scholarships for the 2027/2028 academic year are now open. According to the opportunity desk, the deadline for submissions is October 20, 2026.
The scholarships are financed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). They are designed to allow talented individuals from low and middle income Commonwealth nations to pursue full-time taught Master's degrees in the United Kingdom. The programme specifically targets those who would otherwise be unable to afford such an education.
Scholarship Benefits
Each award is comprehensive, covering all major costs associated with studying in the UK. The funding includes approved round-trip airfare from the scholar's home country and full tuition fees, which are settled directly between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and the host university.
A monthly stipend for living costs is provided. The rate differs depending on the university's location.
| Location | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Outside London metropolitan area | £1,712 |
| Within London metropolitan area | £2,000 |
Additional financial support includes a study travel grant for academic trips. For scholars who are widowed, divorced, or single parents, a child allowance is available if their children reside with them at the same UK address. This allowance is set at £622 per month for the first child and £154 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16.
Eligibility Requirements
Prospective applicants must meet several strict criteria. They must be citizens, refugees, or British Protected Persons from an eligible Commonwealth country and be permanent residents there. Candidates must be ready to begin their studies in the UK by the start of the academic year in September 2027.
Academic requirements are clear. By September 2027, applicants must hold a first degree at upper second-class honours (2:1) standard. Alternatively, a lower second-class degree is acceptable if combined with a relevant postgraduate qualification, typically a Master's degree. A key criterion is financial need; applicants must demonstrate they cannot afford UK study without this scholarship. All supporting documents must be submitted in the required format.
Application and Selection Process
The selection process will evaluate candidates based on academic merit, the quality of their research proposal, and the potential impact of their studies on their home country's development. The application form requires detailed information.
Applicants must list all their university qualifications and provide details of their employment history, explaining its relevance to their proposed UK study programme. They can list up to ten publications and prizes. A crucial component is securing references; applicants must provide the names and positions of three referees qualified to comment on their potential to benefit from the scholarship and to deliver development impact afterwards. One referee must be a current employer, if applicable, and at least two references must be included with the application.
Finally, candidates must complete a Development Impact statement divided into four parts. The source notes that more information is available through the official Commonwealth Master's Scholarships portal.
