The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/28 offer international students an opportunity to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree at participating universities in the United Kingdom. Funded jointly by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and UK universities, the programme supports talented students who want to develop professional skills and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
Applications open on 10 November 2026, giving eligible candidates an opportunity to prepare their documents and identify approved courses before the closing date.
At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Commonwealth Shared Scholarships |
| Academic year | 2027/28 |
| Study destination | United Kingdom |
| Study level | Master’s degree |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Monthly stipend | £1,712 or £2,000 in London |
| Duration | Normally 12 months |
| Applications open | 10 November 2026 |
| Deadline | 8 December 2026, 16:00 GMT |
| Age limit | No age limit |
About the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK, with funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and participating universities.
The programme targets students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who have the academic ability to succeed at postgraduate level but cannot afford to study in the UK independently.
Successful scholars undertake approved full-time Master’s programmes, normally lasting one year. Their studies should help address development challenges and strengthen their ability to contribute to their communities after graduation.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/28 provide comprehensive financial assistance, including:
- Full tuition fees for the approved Master’s programme.
- Return airfare between the scholar’s home country and the UK.
- Monthly living allowance of £1,712, or £2,000 for scholars at universities in the London metropolitan area, at the currently published rates.
- Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
- Thesis or dissertation grant, where applicable.
- Study travel grant for approved academic travel.
- Contribution towards a mandatory tuberculosis test where required for the visa application.
- Additional child allowances for eligible scholars who meet the programme’s family circumstances requirements.
These benefits make the award a fully funded opportunity, although individual allowances are subject to the scholarship’s conditions.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must satisfy the official eligibility requirements. Candidates should:
- Be citizens of, or hold refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) standard, or a lower second-class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s.
- Be available to begin studies in September or October 2027.
- Have no more than one academic year of study or work experience in a high-income country.
- Demonstrate that they cannot afford UK study without the scholarship.
There is no age limit for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. However, applicants should check their employer’s leave requirements where relevant.
Eligible Countries and Universities
The scholarship is not available to citizens of every Commonwealth country. Eligible countries include Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and others listed by the CSC.
Applicants must select an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university. The 2027/28 course and university lists are expected to be published before applications open.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the CSC Central online system. Candidates must also apply separately for admission to their chosen university.
Prepare academic transcripts, proof of citizenship or refugee status, references and a strong development impact statement. Explain how the proposed Master’s degree will help address development challenges in your home country.
Applicants may apply for multiple approved courses and universities but can accept only one Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.
Application Dates
- Opening date: 10 November 2026.
- Closing date: 8 December 2026 at 16:00 GMT.
- Expected study commencement: September/October 2027.
Final Thoughts
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/28 provide a valuable opportunity to earn a fully funded Master’s degree in the UK without an age restriction. Eligible candidates should identify suitable courses, prepare supporting documents and submit their applications before the deadline.
Official application information:
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