Commonwealth Master's Scholarships 2027 – Full Guide
By Status: open
The Commonwealth Scholarships cycle for 2027 study opens in autumn 2026. Check cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk and your national nominating agency for exact closing dates.
Status last checked September 24, 2026
Commonwealth Master's Scholarships are among the most respected fully funded awards for students from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), they pay for a one-year taught Master's at a UK university, including tuition, flights and a monthly living allowance. The scholarships target talented people who could not otherwise afford UK study and who want to contribute to development in their home country. This guide explains how the 2027 cycle works, who is eligible, what the award covers and how to apply through your national nominating body.
Overview
The CSC offers several schemes. Commonwealth Master's Scholarships are for citizens of eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries and are applied for through a national nominating agency (such as a ministry of education or scholarship board) or, in some cases, a selected university. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are co-funded with UK universities and applied for directly through the university. There are also Commonwealth PhD Scholarships and Distance Learning Scholarships. Each nominating agency sets its own internal deadline, which is often earlier than the CSC's own closing date, so candidates should contact their agency as soon as the cycle opens in autumn.
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizen of, or refugee protected by, an eligible Commonwealth country (check the current list on cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk)
- Permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Available to start UK study in September/October 2027
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification
- Unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship
- Meet the English language and academic requirements of the UK university
- Must apply through a national nominating agency (Master's) or directly via a participating university (Shared Scholarships)
Benefits
- Full tuition fees paid directly to the UK university
- Return economy airfare between your home country and the UK
- Monthly stipend (living allowance) at the CSC's published rate, with a higher rate for London
- Warm clothing allowance where applicable
- Thesis grant towards the cost of preparing your dissertation
- Study travel grant for fieldwork within the UK or overseas where eligible
- Access to the Commonwealth alumni network across more than 50 countries
Application Process
- 1Check the eligible countries and the rules for the 2027 cycle on cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
- 2Identify up to three eligible UK Master's courses that match your development goals
- 3Contact your national nominating agency to confirm its internal deadline and any additional requirements
- 4Complete the CSC online application, including the development impact statement and study plan
- 5Upload supporting documents and ask two referees to submit references
- 6Submit to your nominating agency before its deadline — it shortlists and nominates candidates to the CSC
- 7Shortlisted candidates are reviewed by the CSC; results are usually communicated in spring/summer 2027
- 8Secure an unconditional offer from a UK university to take up the award
Required Documents
- Valid passport or national ID proving citizenship
- Degree certificates and full academic transcripts (with certified translations if not in English)
- Two references submitted through the online system
- Development impact and study plan statements
- Evidence of English language proficiency if required by the university
- Any documents required by your nominating agency
Deadline
The CSC normally opens the Master's cycle in autumn and closes in October, but national nominating agencies set their own earlier deadlines. Check cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk and your agency's website for the exact 2027 dates.
Visit Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition, return flights, a monthly stipend and additional allowances such as a thesis grant, as set out by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Can I apply directly to the CSC without a nominating agency?
For Commonwealth Master's Scholarships, no — you must be nominated by your national nominating agency or a selected university. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are applied for directly through participating UK universities.
Is Nigeria eligible for Commonwealth Scholarships?
Nigeria has historically been an eligible country, with nominations handled through the Federal Scholarship Board. Always confirm the current list for the 2027 cycle on cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk.
Do I need an admission letter before applying?
Not necessarily at application stage, but you must obtain an unconditional offer from a UK university before the scholarship can be confirmed.
Must I return home after the scholarship?
Commonwealth Scholars are expected to return to their home country after their award ends and to contribute to its development. Check the award terms for details.
Conclusion
Commonwealth Master's Scholarships offer a fully funded year at a UK university and a lifelong professional network. Because nominating agencies close early, start preparing your statements and references now. Which UK course are you considering? Share it in the comments, and compare options with our Chevening and DAAD scholarship guides.