Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027 (UK)

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships fund students from low and middle income Commonwealth countries (including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, India, and many others) to take a one-year master’s degree at a UK university, fully funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The scheme is run by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and is aimed at talented students who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK, with selection criteria that weigh development impact alongside academic merit.

Applications for 2027 awards are expected to open around September 2026 on the CSC online application system, with a deadline typically in mid-October. Some routes require nomination, so check the current cycle’s rules early.

• Citizen of (or refugee in) an eligible low or middle income Commonwealth country
• Permanently resident in an eligible country
• Bachelor's degree at upper second class (2:1) standard, or 2:2 plus a relevant postgraduate qualification
• Unable to afford UK study without this scholarship
• Study themes aligned with the CSC's six development themes

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly stipend (higher rate in London)
• Return economy airfare to the UK
• Arrival allowance and thesis grant where applicable
• Study travel grant and other allowances per CSC rules

• CSC online application
• Transcripts and degree certificates
• References as required by the cycle
• Development impact statement
• University admission is arranged with CSC nominated bodies and UK universities

• Check the eligible country and route list on the CSC website
• Apply on the CSC online application system when it opens (around September 2026)
• Complete any nominating body requirements for your route
• Submit before the mid-October deadline and await shortlisting