Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027

Overview

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are fully funded awards for Master's-level study at participating UK universities. Funded jointly by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and UK universities through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), these scholarships target talented students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the United Kingdom. The programme has supported thousands of scholars since its launch.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships cover the full cost of a one-year taught Master's degree: tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and return airfare. The scheme is distinctive because universities must bid to participate, so only select courses at approved institutions are eligible each year. Scholars get access to leading UK universities while developing expertise in fields critical to their home countries' development.

Eligibility is limited to citizens of Commonwealth countries classified as low and middle-income by the OECD Development Assistance Committee. Applicants must hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree and must not have previously studied for more than one year in a high-income country. This ensures the scholarship reaches those who would benefit most from the opportunity.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Host Country	United Kingdom
Degree Levels	Master's
Value	Full tuition fees, £1,452/month living allowance (£1,781 in London), return airfare, warm clothing allowance, study travel grant, and child allowance where applicable
Deadline	December 2026
Duration	1 year (full-time taught Master's)
Eligible Nationalities	Citizens of low and middle-income Commonwealth countries (as classified by OECD DAC)
Official Website	https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-shared-scholarships-applications/

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Applicants must hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard by September 2026. A lower second-class (2:2) degree combined with a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master's degree) is also accepted.

Nationality Requirements

Applicants must be citizens of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country and must be permanently resident in that country. Eligible countries are those classified as low and middle-income by the OECD DAC list.

Language Requirements

English language proficiency must meet the entry requirements of the chosen university and course. Most UK universities require IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, though requirements vary by institution and programme.

Work Experience

No specific work experience is required, but professional experience relevant to the chosen field of study can strengthen an application, especially in showing how the degree will be applied upon return home.

Other Requirements

Applicants must not have studied or worked for one academic year or more in a high-income country. They must be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship. Applicants must be available to start their studies in the UK by September 2026.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fees paid directly to the university by the CSC
• Monthly living allowance of £1,452, or £1,781 for scholars studying in the London metropolitan area
• Return economy airfare from the scholar's home country to the UK
• Warm clothing allowance where applicable
• Study travel grant for study-related travel within the UK or overseas
• Child allowance of £622/month for the first child and £154/month for the second and third child (if children live with the scholar in the UK)
• Excess baggage allowance for return journey
• Initial arrival allowance to cover settling-in costs

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility and Find Eligible Courses: Verify that you meet all eligibility criteria: nationality, academic qualifications, and residency. Check the CSC website for the list of eligible courses offered by participating universities for the current cycle.
2. Apply for University Admission: Submit a separate application for admission to your chosen Master's course directly with the university. You must secure a conditional or unconditional offer of admission alongside the scholarship application.
3. Register on CSC Central: Create an account on the CSC's online application system (CSC Central). This is the only platform that accepts scholarship applications. The CSC does not accept paper applications.
4. Complete the Scholarship Application: Fill out the online application form in full, including your academic background, development impact statement, and personal details. You may apply for more than one course and more than one university, but you can only accept one offer.
5. Submit Supporting Documents and References: Upload all required supporting documents and arrange for referees to submit their references through CSC Central before the deadline. All documents must be complete and properly formatted.
6. Await Nomination and Selection: After the deadline, universities review applications and nominate candidates to the CSC. The CSC then runs its own selection process. Results come in April-May, and successful scholars receive a formal offer.

Required Documents

• Completed CSC Central online application form
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Two academic or professional references submitted through CSC Central
• Personal statement or development impact statement
• Proof of citizenship (passport or national identity document)
• English language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
• University admission offer letter (conditional or unconditional)
• CV or resume detailing academic and professional background

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	Early November 2025
Application Deadline	Mid-December 2025
Results Announced	April–May 2026
Course Start	September 2026

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Centre your statement on the development impact of your proposed study. Explain exactly how your Master's degree will benefit your home country and community.
• Provide specific, measurable goals for what you intend to achieve after returning home with your new qualification
• Show that you cannot access equivalent training in your home country or region, justifying the need to study in the UK
• Connect your professional background and career direction to the course you are applying for
• Show awareness of development challenges in your country and how your studies will address them

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for a course that is not on the list of eligible programmes for the current cycle. Only pre-approved courses qualify.
• Failing to submit a separate university admission application alongside the CSC scholarship application
• Providing references that do not speak to your academic ability or development potential
• Not showing financial need. The scholarship is specifically for those who cannot afford UK study without support.
• Missing the tight application window, which is only four to six weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

What countries are eligible for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?

Commonwealth nations classified as low and middle-income by the OECD Development Assistance Committee. This includes countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. The full list is published on the CSC website each year.

How much is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship living allowance?

£1,452 per month for scholars studying outside London, and £1,781 for those at universities in the London metropolitan area. Rates are reviewed annually.

Can I apply for a PhD with the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are for one-year taught Master's programmes only. For PhD funding, apply for Commonwealth Scholarships for doctoral study, which is a separate scheme administered by the CSC.

Do I need a university offer before applying for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

Apply for both the scholarship and university admission at the same time. You do not need a confirmed offer when applying for the scholarship, but you must secure an offer of admission to receive the award.

How competitive is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

Each year, only a limited number of scholarships are available across participating universities. Strong academic records, a compelling development impact statement, and clear alignment between your career goals and chosen course are all needed.

Can I choose any Master's course at any UK university?

Only specific courses at participating universities are eligible each year. Universities must bid to the CSC to offer courses under this scheme. The list of eligible courses is published on the CSC website when applications open.

Does the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship cover family expenses?

The scholarship includes a child allowance of £622 per month for one child and £154 per month for a second and third child, if they live with the scholar in the UK. Travel costs for dependants are not covered.

What is the difference between Commonwealth Shared Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships?

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are jointly funded by the FCDO and UK universities for taught Master's programmes. Commonwealth Scholarships (without 'Shared') are fully funded by the FCDO and cover Master's and PhD study. Shared Scholarships are for applicants from low and middle-income countries who cannot afford UK study.

When is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship deadline for 2026 entry?

Applications for 2026-27 open in early November 2025 and close in mid-December 2025. The exact dates are on the CSC website. The application window is short, so start preparing early.

Can I work while on a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

Scholars are expected to focus full-time on their studies. UK visa regulations may permit limited part-time work, but the CSC expects scholars to prioritise their academic programme.

What happens if I already have a postgraduate degree?

Having a postgraduate degree does not automatically disqualify you, but you must show a clear need for the specific Master's programme and explain how it adds value beyond your existing qualifications.

Is there an age limit for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

There is no formal age limit. The focus is on academic merit, development impact, and financial need rather than age.

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