Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/28: Funded Master’s Study in the UK

Applications are open for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/28, supporting eligible applicants who could not otherwise afford postgraduate study in the UK.

The awards fund approved full-time Master’s courses beginning in September/October 2027, normally for 12 months. They are jointly funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) and participating universities. 

Application deadline: Tuesday 8 December 2026 at 16:00 GMT.

What the scholarship covers

The published financial package includes:

• Full approved tuition fees.
• Approved return airfare between your home country and the UK.
• A monthly living allowance of £1,712, or £2,000 at universities in the London metropolitan area.
• A thesis or dissertation grant, where applicable.
• A study travel grant.
• A contribution towards a mandatory tuberculosis test, where required.

The living allowances are quoted at current rates. Additional disability support and child allowances depend on eligibility and circumstances. CSC funding details, participating-university funding information.

Who can apply?

You must:

• Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be available to begin your UK studies in September 2027.
• By September 2027, hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree.
• Meet the restriction on previous study or work in a high-income country.
• Be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship.
• Submit all required supporting documents.

Participating-university guidance states that applicants must not have studied or worked in a high-income country for one academic year or more. There is no CSC age limit. Eligibility guidance.

Only countries on the official eligible-country list qualify. Commonwealth membership alone does not establish eligibility.

Which courses are eligible?

You must select a course from the 2027 approved-course list. The scholarships cover specific courses at participating universities, rather than every Master’s programme an institution offers.

The list groups courses under six development themes:

• Access, inclusion and opportunity.
• Improving population health, health systems and capacity.
• Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Science and technology for development.
• Strengthening peace, security and governance.
• Strengthening resilience and response to crises.

Check the exact university and course combination on the official approved-course list.

How many scholarships are available?

Allocations vary by university. For example, the current list assigns six scholarships to Cranfield University, five to University College London and seven to the University of Cambridge.

The participating-university directory provides allocations, contacts and any institution-specific preferences.

Documents to prepare

You will need:

• Evidence of eligible citizenship or refugee status.
• Complete higher-education transcripts, including current-study transcripts where applicable.
• Certified translations of transcripts that are not in English.
• At least two signed references in PDF format.

The form also requests details of three referees, including your current employer where applicable. Listing referees and uploading reference letters are separate requirements. Supporting-document instructions.

Collect references yourself and upload them through the application system. References should be on institutional letterhead or in an email clearly identifying the sender. Transcripts must cover every year of study. Documents sent by email or post are not accepted. CSC documentation FAQs.

How to apply

1. Choose an approved course.
   Use the official course list and university directory.

2. Check the university’s admission process.
   A university offer is not required by the CSC when you submit your scholarship application. However, you must ultimately secure admission. Follow your chosen university’s instructions and deadlines. Admission guidance.

3. Complete your application through CSC Central.
   Prepare your answers and upload the required documents.

4. Review everything before submitting.
   Applications cannot be edited after submission. Ensure all required materials are included by the deadline. Application instructions.

What should your application explain?

Your application should connect your proposed studies to a clear development need in your home country.

Explain what you want to learn, why the selected course is appropriate, how you will use the skills afterwards and who will benefit. Support your plans with specific examples of leadership, professional experience or community involvement.

The CSC advises applicants to write clearly for non-specialist readers and explain their course choices beyond university reputation or rankings. Your personal statement should show how your background has shaped your commitment to development. Official applicant advice.

Selection process

Participating universities assess applicants and nominate candidates. The CSC then checks eligibility and confirms selections with the universities, which communicate outcomes. Selection process.

Universities are scheduled to submit nominations in March 2027. 2027/28 application timetable.

For Master’s applicants, the detailed assessment criteria focus on:

• Academic merit.
• The quality and suitability of the study plan.
• Potential development impact in the applicant’s home country.

Explain the expected outcomes, beneficiaries and timeframe for applying your new skills. Official selection criteria.

English-language requirements and returning home

The CSC does not require IELTS for the scholarship application, but your university may require evidence of English proficiency.

Award holders commit to returning home after their scholarship. Review the full award conditions before accepting. CSC FAQs.

Official information and application

• Full scholarship details: Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
• Apply online: CSC Central
• Eligible courses: 2027 approved-course list
• University allocations and enquiries: Participating-university directory
• Application preparation: CSC applicant advice