Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/28: Opening Date, Timeline & UK Deadlines

Overview

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship scheme was created in 1986 to support candidates from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to afford studying in the United Kingdom. Unlike the general Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships—which require nomination through national agencies or non-governmental organizations—Shared Scholarships are administered directly through participating UK universities. Selected scholars pursue one-year taught Master's programmes aligned with one of six CSC development themes: Science and technology for development; Strengthening health systems and capacity; Promoting global prosperity; Strengthening global peace, security and governance; Strengthening resilience and response to crises; and Access, inclusion and opportunity.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a citizen of or have refugee status granted by an eligible low- or middle-income Commonwealth country (including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and others).
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country at the time of application.
• Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class (2:2) degree alongside a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Not have studied or worked for one academic year or more in a high-income country.
• Demonstrate that you cannot afford to study at a UK university without financial support from this scholarship.
• Hold an admission offer or submit an active application for an eligible taught Master’s programme at an approved UK partner university.
• Commit to returning to your home country immediately upon completion of your studies.

Benefits

• Full approved tuition and examination fees paid directly to the host UK university.
• Approved round-trip airfare from your home country to the United Kingdom and return journey.
• Monthly living allowance (stipend) of £1,347 per month, or £1,652 per month for universities within London.
• Warm clothing allowance paid upon arrival in the United Kingdom.
• Thesis or dissertation grant toward the cost of preparing your final project.
• Study travel grant toward authorized academic field trips within the UK or overseas.
• UK visa application fee reimbursement and tuberculosis testing coverage where required.

Application Process

1. 1Step 1: Check the CSC list of eligible Master’s courses and participating UK universities released when applications open in November 2026.
2. 2Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen UK partner university for admission into an approved, eligible Master’s programme.
3. 3Step 3: Open an account on the official CSC Online Application System (OAS) and select the specific university and course you applied for.
4. 4Step 4: Write compelling development impact statements explaining how your UK studies will address specific challenges in your home country.
5. 5Step 5: Upload your academic transcripts, degree certificates, passport biodata page, and names of two academic referees into the CSC OAS.
6. 6Step 6: Submit your completed application through the CSC OAS before the December 2026 portal deadline.
7. 7Step 7: Complete any independent internal scholarship assessment forms requested by the university before their specific institutional deadline.

Required Documents

• Official bachelor's degree certificate and complete academic transcripts.
• Valid international passport biodata page proving Commonwealth nationality and date of birth.
• Proof of admission or conditional offer letter from a participating UK university.
• Two signed academic or professional letters of reference submitted directly by referees.
• Detailed Development Impact Statement aligned with the six CSC development themes.
• English language proficiency evidence (IELTS, WAEC/NECO scratch card verification, or university waiver letter).
• An up-to-date academic curriculum vitae (CV) detailing work experience and community impact.

Deadline

Applications open 10 November 2026. The CSC OAS portal closes 12 December 2026 at 16:00 GMT. Partner university course application deadlines vary between 1 December 2026 and 10 January 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2027/28 is one of the most generous educational opportunities in the world, giving high-achieving graduates the chance to earn a world-class UK Master's degree debt-free. Because the application window is short and requires dual applications to both the university and the CSC portal, starting your university admissions and drafting your development impact statements today will give you a decisive edge. Which UK university and development theme are you targeting for this cycle? Drop your questions below and our team will guide you through the process.