The Commonwealth Scholarship 2027 gives talented students from eligible Commonwealth countries the opportunity to study in the UK with full financial support.
The programme is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).
For 2027, the CSC offers separate scholarships for Master’s and PhD study. The two programmes have different eligibility requirements, so applicants should check the rules for their chosen degree carefully.
Applications open on September 8, 2026, and the main CSC deadline is October 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM BST. Your nominating agency may set an earlier deadline.
Quick Highlights for Commonwealth Scholarship 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Funded By | UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office |
| Administered By | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission |
| Study Level | Master’s and PhD |
| Master’s Duration | 1 year |
| PhD Duration | 36 months |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Application Fee | No fee |
| Applications Open | September 8, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | October 20, 2026 |
| Closing Time | 4:00 PM BST |
| Study Start | September/October 2027 |
| Application System | CSC Central |
What Is the Commonwealth Scholarship?
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a UK Government-funded programme for students and researchers from eligible Commonwealth countries.
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship supports one-year taught Master’s programmes in the UK.
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship supports three years of full-time doctoral study for applicants eligible under the PhD scheme.
Both programmes are designed for candidates with strong academic potential who can show how their studies or research can contribute to development in their home countries.
Master’s in Commonwealth Scholarship 2027
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is for candidates who want to complete a one-year taught Master’s degree in the UK but would not otherwise be able to afford UK study.
Financial Benefits for Master’s in Commonwealth Scholarship 2027
The scholarship provides:
- Full approved tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance of £1,712
- £2,000 per month for scholars studying at universities in the London metropolitan area
- Approved return airfare
- Study travel grant
- Other approved allowances under CSC rules
The award is designed to cover the main costs of studying and living in the UK.
Related Scholarships: 🎓 Chevening Scholarship 2027.
Eligibility for Master’s in Commonwealth Scholarship 2027
Applicants must generally:
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to start the scholarship in September 2027.
- Hold a first degree of at least Upper Second Class (2:1) standard by September 2027.
- Have a relevant postgraduate qualification if applying with a Lower Second Class degree.
- Be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship.
- Meet all required application and document conditions.
There is no general age limit for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship.
The CSC normally does not fund a second Master’s degree unless there is a strong justification.
What Can You Study?
The scholarship supports eligible one-year taught Master’s programmes.
The CSC’s development themes include:
- 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
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
Your proposed course should have a clear connection to development and your future plans.
Master’s Application Requirements for Commonwealth Scholarship 2027
Applicants should prepare:
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of citizenship or refugee status
- At least two references
- Study and career information
- Details of relevant leadership or voluntary activities
- Information about the expected development impact of their studies
A nominating agency may request additional documents.
PhD in Commonwealth Scholarship 2027
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship is a separate programme from the Master’s Scholarship.
It provides funding for 36 months of full-time doctoral study in the UK for applicants from countries included in the CSC’s eligible list for this scheme.
The programme places strong emphasis on research that can contribute to development in the applicant’s home country.
Financial Benefits for PhD In Commonwealth Scholarship 2027
Successful scholars can receive these benefits:
- Full approved tuition fees
- Approved return airfare
- Monthly living allowance of £1,712
- £2,000 per month for study at universities in the London metropolitan area
- Study travel grant
- Approved overseas fieldwork support
- Eligible family allowances
- Additional disability-related support where applicable
Related Scholarships: 🎓 Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027.
Eligibility for PhD In Commonwealth Scholarship 2027
Applicants must generally:
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to start the PhD in September/October 2027.
- Hold a first degree of at least Upper Second Class (2:1) standard, or a Lower Second Class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification.
- Be unable to afford UK doctoral study without the scholarship.
- Meet all required application conditions.
- Not already be registered for a PhD or an MPhil leading to a PhD before the scholarship begins.
There is no general age limit for the PhD Scholarship.
PhD Research Requirements for Commonwealth Scholarship 2027
Your research proposal is an important part of the application.
The CSC considers:
- Your academic and professional merit
- The quality of your research proposal
- The potential development impact of your research
PhD applicants also need a supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor at an eligible university.
The scholarship supports 36 months of study and does not fund four-year PhD programmes under this scheme.
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027
1. Check Your Eligibility
Check the CSC requirements for your specific scholarship. Master’s and PhD applicants have different rules.
2. Choose Your Programme
Select an eligible one-year Master’s programme or a suitable full-time PhD programme at a UK university.
3. Check Your Nominating Agency
You normally cannot apply directly to the CSC for these scholarships. You must apply through an approved nominating route.
Your nominating agency may have additional requirements and an earlier deadline.
4. Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your transcripts, references, identification documents and required statements.
PhD applicants should also arrange the required supervisor statement.
5. Submit Your CSC Application
Complete and submit the online application through CSC Central before the deadline.
6. Complete the Nominating Process
Follow any additional instructions from your nominating agency after submitting your application.
Deadline for Commonwealth Scholarship 2027
The main CSC deadline is:
October 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM BST
Applications open on September 8, 2026.
Do not wait until the final CSC deadline. Your nominating agency may close its application process earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027 open?
Applications open on September 8, 2026
What is the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027 deadline?
The main CSC deadline is October 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM BST. Your nominating agency may have an earlier deadline.
Is the Commonwealth Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers approved tuition fees and provides living and travel support. Additional benefits depend on the specific scholarship and circumstances.
Does the Commonwealth Scholarship require IELTS?
The CSC does not set a general IELTS requirement. However, your chosen UK university may require proof of English proficiency.
How long is the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship?
It funds a one-year taught Master’s programme in the UK.
How long is the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship?
It provides funding for 36 months of full-time doctoral study.
Is there an application fee?
No. The CSC does not charge an application fee for these scholarships
Do I need a UK university offer?
You should check the admission requirements and deadlines of your chosen university. PhD applicants also need a supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor.
Can I apply for a second Master’s degree?
Normally, the CSC does not fund a second Master’s degree unless there is a strong justification.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the CSC Central application system.
Official Links
🌐 Official Website
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
📝 Scholarships Portal
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/about-us/scholarships/
📄 Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/
📄 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-phd-scholarships/