Apply for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28 in the UK (Fully Funded) - the UK government’s agency-nominated Master’s awards run by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
These scholarships support talented candidates from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to complete a full-time taught Master’s at a UK university, starting September/October 2027. Applications open on Tuesday 8 September 2026 and close at 16:00 BST on Tuesday 20 October 2026 via CSC Central. You must also apply through a nominating agency (national or selected NGO) - the CSC does not accept direct-only applications for this programme.
This Opportunity Station guide covers funding, eligibility, documents, nominators, and how to apply using official CSC information.
Quick Facts - Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host country | United Kingdom |
| Organisation | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) |
| Funder | UK FCDO |
| Level | Full-time taught Master’s (one year; MBA not funded) |
| Start | September / October 2027 |
| Applications open | Tuesday 8 September 2026 |
| CSC deadline | Tuesday 20 October 2026, 16:00 BST |
| Nominator nominations to CSC | By December 2026 |
| Outcomes | Typically by July 2027 |
| Application system | CSC Central (+ nominating agency process) |
| Official page | cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk - Master’s Scholarships |
Why Apply?
- Fully funded Master’s study at approved UK universities
- Monthly living stipend (current CSC rates: £1,712 / month, or £2,000 in London)
- Full tuition, return airfare, and study-travel support
- Development-focused awards under CSC themes
- No CSC application fee; CSC does not require IELTS for the scholarship application
Fully Funded Benefits
- Approved return airfare (home country ↔ UK) at the start and end of the award
- Full approved tuition fees (paid via CSC - university agreement)
- Stipend: £1,712 per month, or £2,000 per month for London metropolitan universities (current published rates)
- Study travel grant for study-related travel
- Child allowance (if eligible): £622/month for the first child; £154/month for the second and third child under 16 living with the scholar in the UK
- Additional disability-related support assessment where disclosed
Scholars commit to returning home after the award to contribute to development. Rates and conditions can change - confirm on the official CSC page and Scholar Handbook.
Eligibility
- Citizen of (or refugee status from) an eligible Commonwealth country, or British Protected Person
- Permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Available to start in the UK by September 2027
- By September 2027: first degree of at least 2:1, or a 2:2 plus a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s)*
- Unable to afford UK study without the scholarship
- Upload all required supporting documents in the correct format by the deadline
*Contextual routes may exist for some disabled applicants via the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum nominator - see CSC guidance.
CSC prefers applicants who have already finished their undergraduate degree and does not normally fund a second Master’s (strong justification required). Applicants who already studied a Master’s at a UK institution, or already held a Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship, are not eligible. No age limit from CSC (check employer leave rules).
Eligible Countries (as published by CSC)
Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, 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, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia.
Applications from Small Island Developing States are particularly welcomed (CHOGM 2024 commitments). Always re-check the live eligible-country list on the CSC site.
How to Apply
- Read the official call: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.
- Identify your national nominating agency (or eligible NGO nominator) and note its earlier internal deadline.
- From 8 September 2026, apply on CSC Central (linked from the CSC page). Submit before 20 October 2026, 16:00 BST.
- Upload passport/ID proof, full transcripts, and at least two PDF references (on letterhead or clearly identified email).
- Complete the Development Impact statement and list up to three preferred UK universities/courses (order matters).
- Separately apply for admission to your preferred UK courses (many have early deadlines).
- Nominators forward candidates to CSC by December 2026; selections are made from nominations (nomination ≠ award).
Late CSC Central submissions are not accepted. Do not email documents outside the system.
Official Links
Apply / programme page - CSC Master’s Scholarships
Approved UK universities (CSC)
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission homepage
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- EU Blue Book Traineeship Program 2027
- ARES Scholarship Belgium 2027/28
- MITACS Globalink Internship 2027 Canada
- Browse all scholarships
FAQs - Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28
When do applications open and close?
Open 8 September 2026; close 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST. Nominating agencies often close earlier - follow both deadlines.
Is it fully funded?
Yes: tuition, stipend, return airfare, and study-travel support (plus eligible family/disability support as published).
Can I apply directly to the CSC only?
No. You must apply via CSC Central and through a participating nominator. The CSC does not accept direct-only applications for this scheme.
Does CSC require IELTS?
CSC does not require IELTS for the scholarship application. Universities may still have English requirements for admission.
Are MBA programmes funded?
No. CSC funds one-year taught Master’s programmes only and does not fund MBAs.
