Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

Level of Study
Master's
Host Country
United Kingdom
Offered By
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
Eligible Nationalities
... Show more
Eligible Programs
Eligible Institutions
Number of Recipients
Not Specified
Scholarship Category
Full Funding
Scholarship Duration
1 Year
Scholarship Type
Government
Application Deadline
October 14, 2025 (Past Deadline)

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is an agency-nominated grant that provides an opportunity for aspiring international students from low and middle-income countries to study in the United Kingdom. It seeks to heighten collaborations among countries, demonstrating the UK’s mission of contributing to global sustainable development in the coming years. Through this scholarship, outstanding individuals with different backgrounds will be able to gain high-quality learning abroad, offering great chances for their home countries to benefit from their innovative ambitions and leadership skills.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships Coverage

This government fully funded scholarship for international students covers the following:

  • Full tuition fees
  • Living allowance of up to £1,378 per month and £1,690
  • Clothing allowance
  • Study travel allowance
  • Roundtrip airfare ticket
  • Allowance of up to £590 per month for single parents with minor children living in the UK and £146 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • Citizens or permanent residents of one of the eligible Commonwealth countries
  • Available to study in the UK by the start of the academic year
  • Financially incapable of studying in the UK without the scholarship
  • Able to provide all required documents in the suggested format
  • Undergraduate degree holders with good academic background

Please refer to the Eligibility Page for detailed information on the eligibility requirements for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.

Disclaimer:

Direct applications to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission are not applicable. Nominating agencies may set up earlier deadlines for applications.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships Application Process

In this section, we'll provide a clear general overview of requirements and steps to guide you through the application process for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships Application Requirements:

To begin your application for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, you'll need to prepare and submit the following documents:

  • Online application form
  • List academic qualifications obtained
  • List of publications and prizes
  • Employment history
  • References
  • Four-part Development Impact statement
  • Detailed study plan
  • Personal statement

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships Application Procedure:

To apply for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, please follow these steps:

  1. Apply to a nominating agency or through one of the selected non-government organizations.
  2. Follow their directions and advice for applying.
  3. Complete the application form they have provided and prepare the supporting documentation.
  4. Wait for the results via email.

Important Note: The application procedures and required documents for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships may vary depending on your degree, program, nationality and other factors. For specific details regarding the requirements, kindly visit the official website of Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships Deadlines

Now that you’re familiar with the application procedure, it’s time to know the application dates! Knowing the dates for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships will help you prepare early and it will also give you the time you need to put together a competitive application.

Here are the application deadlines for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships:

  • Master's Scholarship Application Deadline: October 14, 2025

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships Eligible Institutions

The eligible institutions for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are Aberystwyth University, Anglia Ruskin University, Aston University, Bangor University, Birkbeck, University of London, Lincoln Bishop University, Bournemouth University ... Show More

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships Official Page

With the help of Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, you’ll surely be able to support your studies abroad! To learn more about Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, and its coverage, application process and deadlines, make sure to visit their official page!

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships FAQ

Is the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The Global Scholarships page lists full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, clothing allowance, study travel allowance, a roundtrip airfare ticket, and additional support for eligible single parents with children. According to Falguni Lalwani, a Commonwealth Master’s Scholar at the London School of Economics, the award covered “full tuition fees + full living expenses.”

Who is eligible to apply?

According to the scholarship page, applicants generally must be citizens or permanent residents of an eligible Commonwealth country, be available to study in the UK by the start of the academic year, be financially unable to study in the UK without the scholarship, be able to submit the required documents in the correct format, and hold an undergraduate degree with a strong academic background. Since eligibility rules can vary by cycle, applicants should still double-check the official criteria page.

Can I apply directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission?

No. The Global Scholarships page specifically notes that direct applications to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission are not applicable. Instead, applicants must apply through a nominating agency or one of the selected non-government organizations and follow that route’s instructions.

What documents are usually required?

The Global Scholarships page says applicants should prepare an online application form, a list of academic qualifications, a list of publications and prizes, employment history, references, a four-part Development Impact statement, a detailed study plan, and a personal statement. Some nominating agencies or universities may request additional materials or earlier internal deadlines.

What makes a strong Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship application?

A strong application usually shows clear academic merit, a well-defined study plan, and a convincing explanation of how the degree will create impact back home. In her Global Scholarships story, Falguni Lalwani explained that she shaped her application around development impact, SDG alignment, and long-term contribution to India. Her story shows that applicants should connect their past work, future goals, and proposed master’s study into one coherent narrative. She also advises candidates to “be authentic and evidence-driven.”

Do I need GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, or IELTS?

There is no single test rule stated on the Global Scholarships scholarship overview page, so requirements can depend on the university and program. In her LSE case, Falguni Lalwani said she was not required to take the GRE, GMAT, SAT, or ACT for her admission and scholarship process, but she did complete the IELTS Academic test. Applicants should therefore check both the scholarship route and the specific university’s admissions requirements.

Which UK universities are eligible under this scholarship?

The Global Scholarships page lists a wide range of eligible UK institutions. These include, among many others, the London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London, Imperial College London, King’s College London, SOAS University of London, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Leeds, the University of Manchester, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the University of York. Applicants should still confirm that their intended university and program are included for the specific application cycle.

What practical advice do past recipients give?

First, start early and leave enough time to revise your personal statement and development impact sections carefully. Second, research the scholarship priorities before drafting. Third, look at how your intended degree connects to your home-country goals. In her story, Falguni Lalwani says receiving the scholarship “turned possibility into access,” and she encourages applicants to “stay calm and patient” throughout the process.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships Scholarship Recipients

Hareem Aqdas

N/A
Pakistan
N/A

Hareem Aqdas from Pakistan completed her Master’s in Development and Governance at the University of Duisburg-Essen through the fully funded DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme (HSP). With a background in International Relations and extensive professional experience in governance, human rights, and strategic communication, she chose this path to deepen her policy expertise and strengthen her ability to design impactful digital education and public sector initiatives.

Read her story to discover how she secured this fully funded scholarship.

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