Applications for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027–28 in the UK open on November 10, 2026. This prestigious fully funded scholarship programme offers international students from eligible Commonwealth countries the opportunity to pursue a one-year master’s degree at selected universities in the United Kingdom.
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027–28 Overview
- Benefits of Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027
- Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027
- Eligible Countries for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027
- Participating UK Universities and Available Courses
- Required Documents for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
- How to Apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027
- Application Deadline and Selection Process
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Funded jointly by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and participating UK universities, the programme supports talented graduates who demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving their home countries.
Selected students receive full tuition fee coverage, approved return airfare, a monthly living allowance of £1,712 or £2,000 in London, and additional financial assistance for eligible study-related expenses.
The scholarship is particularly valuable for applicants from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, Sri Lanka, and other eligible Commonwealth nations.
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027–28 are available for selected full-time master’s courses beginning in September or October 2027.
Application Deadline: December 8, 2026, at 16:00 GMT.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027–28 Overview
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027–28 |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Funding Organizations | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and UK Universities |
| Degree Level | Master’s |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Study Duration | Normally 12 Months |
| Eligible Countries | 43 Commonwealth Countries and Territories |
| Tuition Fees | Fully Covered |
| Monthly Stipend | £1,712 or £2,000 in London |
| Airfare | Approved Return Ticket |
| Age Limit | No Age Limit |
| Applications Open | November 10, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | December 8, 2026 |
| Application System | CSC Central |
| Academic Intake | September/October 2027 |
The scholarship is designed for students who would otherwise be unable to afford postgraduate education in the United Kingdom.
Unlike many university scholarships that provide only partial tuition discounts, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship covers major academic and living expenses.
Benefits of Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027
One of the strongest advantages of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027–28 is the comprehensive financial support provided throughout the master’s programme.
Successful applicants receive the following benefits:
1. Full Tuition Fee Coverage
The scholarship covers approved tuition fees at the participating UK university.
Scholars are not required to pay any portion of the approved tuition fees covered by the scholarship agreement.
2. Monthly Living Allowance
Students receive a monthly stipend to help cover accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses.
- £1,712 per month for scholars studying outside London.
- £2,000 per month for scholars studying at universities in the London metropolitan area.
These are the currently published rates and may be adjusted by the scholarship provider.
3. International Airfare
The scholarship provides approved airfare from the scholar’s home country to the United Kingdom and return travel after completing the programme.
Flights for dependants and travel undertaken before the award is confirmed are not covered.
4. Warm Clothing Allowance
Eligible students may receive financial assistance to purchase suitable clothing for the UK’s colder climate.
5. Thesis and Dissertation Grant
A grant may be available to help cover expenses associated with preparing a thesis or dissertation, where applicable.
6. Study Travel Grant
Scholars may receive support for approved academic travel within the United Kingdom or overseas.
7. Additional Support
The programme may also provide assistance toward a mandatory tuberculosis test and certain family-related allowances, subject to the official conditions.
These benefits make Commonwealth Shared Scholarships one of the most comprehensive UK master’s funding opportunities for eligible international students.
Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027
Applicants must satisfy the official eligibility requirements established by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
To apply, candidates must:
- Be citizens of, or hold recognized refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to begin academic studies in the United Kingdom in September or October 2027.
- Hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper-second-class honours degree (2:1).
- Alternatively, hold a lower-second-class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a master’s degree.
- Not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country, subject to the CSC’s rules.
- Demonstrate that they cannot afford to study in the UK without scholarship assistance.
- Submit all required supporting documents before the application deadline.
- Meet the admission and English language requirements of the selected university.
- Apply for an approved master’s programme at a participating institution.
Is there an age limit?
No. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission does not impose a general age limit for applicants.
However, candidates must satisfy the academic and other eligibility requirements.
Is work experience required?
There is no universal requirement for a specific number of years of professional work experience.
Nevertheless, relevant professional, academic, voluntary, or community experience may strengthen an applicant’s development-impact statement.
Eligible Countries for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027
The scholarship is available to applicants from 43 eligible Commonwealth countries and territories.
The official list includes:
| Bangladesh | Belize | Botswana |
| Dominica | Eswatini | Fiji |
| Gabon | Ghana | Grenada |
| Guyana | India | Jamaica |
| Kenya | Kiribati | Lesotho |
| Malawi | Malaysia | Maldives |
| Mauritius | Montserrat | Mozambique |
| Namibia | Nauru | Nigeria |
| Pakistan | Papua New Guinea | Rwanda |
| Saint Helena | Saint Lucia | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Samoa | Sierra Leone | Solomon Islands |
| South Africa | Sri Lanka | Tanzania |
| The Gambia | Togo | Tonga |
| Tuvalu | Uganda | Vanuatu |
| Zambia |
Applicants must verify their citizenship or refugee status and permanent residence against the official requirements.
Students from countries not included in the eligible-country list cannot apply under this particular scholarship programme.
For example, applicants from the United States and Canada are not eligible through this scheme.
Participating UK Universities and Available Courses
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are offered only for approved master’s programmes at participating UK universities.
The scholarship does not automatically apply to every university or every master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
Participating universities submit specific courses for approval based on their potential contribution to international development.
Eligible programmes may relate to areas such as:
- Public health and healthcare systems.
- Education and professional development.
- Climate change and environmental sustainability.
- Agriculture and food security.
- Engineering and infrastructure.
- Governance and public policy.
- Economic development.
- Technology and innovation.
- Social development and community wellbeing.
The availability of individual subjects depends on the officially approved 2027–28 course list.
Important: Applicants should select their course from the CSC’s approved programme list rather than assuming that every master’s course is eligible.
Candidates may apply to more than one approved course and university, but they can accept only one Commonwealth Shared Scholarship offer.
The scholarship is intended for full-time master’s study and does not fund bachelor’s degrees or PhD programmes.
Required Documents for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Applicants must prepare their documents carefully because incomplete submissions may be considered ineligible.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission requires supporting evidence through the official CSC Central application system.
Required documents include:
- A valid passport or national identity document showing a photograph, date of birth, and nationality.
- Full academic transcripts covering all higher education qualifications.
- Transcripts for ongoing studies, where applicable.
- Certified English translations of documents not originally issued in English.
- References from at least two individuals.
- Completed scholarship application form.
- Academic and professional background information.
- Development-impact information requested in the application.
Academic transcripts
Applicants must upload complete transcripts, including every required page.
Missing pages or incomplete academic records can result in an ineligible application.
Recommendation letters
References must be submitted in PDF format and should be signed on institutional letterhead or provided in a format clearly identifying the referee and their contact information.
Choose referees who can explain your academic ability, achievements, and potential to contribute to your country’s development.
Development-impact statement
The development-impact statement is an important part of the scholarship application.
Applicants should explain how their chosen master’s programme will help them address challenges in their home country.
Strong responses connect previous experience, proposed UK study, realistic future goals, and measurable community or national benefits.
The university may request additional documents, such as proof of English proficiency or a personal statement, for admission.
How to Apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027
The application process involves both the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the participating UK university.
Applicants must complete the required steps for both processes.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.
- Open the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027–28 information page.
- Review the eligibility requirements and approved master’s courses.
- Select a participating UK university and an eligible master’s programme.
- Check the university’s admission requirements and application deadline.
- Apply for admission to the selected master’s course through the university’s official admissions system.
- Access the CSC Central online scholarship application system when applications open.
- Complete the scholarship form with accurate personal, academic, and professional information.
- Prepare your development-impact statement and supporting responses.
- Upload your identity documents, academic transcripts, and two required references.
- Review your application carefully and submit it before December 8, 2026, at 16:00 GMT.
- Monitor your email and university application portal for selection updates.
Important application advice
University admission and the CSC scholarship application are separate requirements.
Submitting a scholarship application does not automatically count as an application for admission to the university.
Similarly, receiving a university admission offer does not guarantee a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.
Some universities may have earlier internal deadlines or additional selection requirements.
Applicants should begin preparing documents and university applications before the CSC deadline.
The official scholarship page provides access to CSC Central and the approved course information when available.
Application Deadline and Selection Process
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027–28 application period begins on:
Opening Date: November 10, 2026
Closing Date: December 8, 2026, at 16:00 GMT
The scholarships are intended for students beginning approved UK master’s programmes in September or October 2027.
After the application deadline, participating universities review eligible candidates and nominate selected applicants to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
The CSC subsequently confirms that nominated candidates meet the programme requirements.
Selection considers several factors, including:
- Academic merit and achievements.
- Quality and relevance of the proposed study.
- Potential contribution to development in the applicant’s home country.
- Ability to explain clear professional and community goals.
- Compliance with all eligibility and documentation requirements.
The programme is highly competitive, so applicants should demonstrate how their proposed studies will produce meaningful benefits after returning home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027 fully funded?
Yes. They cover approved tuition fees, return airfare, a monthly living allowance, and additional eligible expenses such as study travel and thesis-related support.
2. Can Pakistani students apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?
Yes. Pakistan is included in the official list of eligible countries. Pakistani applicants must also meet the academic, residency, financial-need, and university admission requirements.
3. Is IELTS required for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?
The CSC does not set one universal IELTS score for every applicant. However, participating universities require applicants to meet their English language admission requirements, which may include IELTS or accepted alternatives.
4. Can undergraduate students apply?
Students completing a bachelor’s degree may apply if they will meet the required academic qualification conditions by the specified date. The scholarship itself funds master’s study only.
5. Is there an age limit for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?
No. There is no general age limit established by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
6. What is the deadline for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027?
The official deadline is December 8, 2026, at 16:00 GMT. Applications open on November 10, 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027–28 in the UK provide an excellent opportunity for talented graduates from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue fully funded master’s education.
With full tuition fee coverage, approved international airfare, monthly living support, and additional academic allowances, the programme significantly reduces the financial burden of studying abroad.
However, applicants should pay close attention to the approved course list, university admission requirements, and development-impact statement.
Students who can clearly demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and a commitment to improving their communities may be particularly well positioned to compete for these prestigious awards.
Prepare your documents early and submit your application before December 8, 2026.
For more opportunities, explore our guides to UK Scholarships 2027, Gates Cambridge Scholarship, and University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships.
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Author: Muhammad Khayam Afridi — Founder & Editor
Last verified: November 9, 2026
