UK FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE (FCDO)
Commonwealth Master's Scholarships
full · masters
- Fully FundedScholarship type
- UK universitiesHost country
- One-year master’sStudy level
- Low/middle-income CommonwealthEligibility
- ~£1,236/mo stipendLiving allowance
- Nominating-body routeApplication
At a glance
full
Funding
€30k
Max amount
Oct 15, 2026
Deadline
Eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries (see the CSC list)
Country
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Provider
Commonwealth Master's Scholarships are funded by the UK government's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC). They enable talented individuals from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to undertake a one-year taught master's degree at a UK university. The scholarship is fully funded: it covers tuition, return airfare to the UK, and a monthly living stipend (around £1,236, with a higher rate in London), plus additional grants such as a thesis and study-travel allowance. The scheme is development-focused, so scholars are expected to apply their studies to their home country's development on return. Applicants apply through an approved nominating body in their home country — a national agency, selected university, or non-governmental organisation — and via the CSC's online Electronic Application System, by the deadline (commonly around mid-October). A core requirement is that the candidate could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — Full university tuition fees for the one-year master's.
- Airfare — Return economy airfare to and from the UK.
- Living stipend — A monthly maintenance allowance (~£1,236, higher in London).
- Additional grants — Thesis, study-travel, warm-clothing, and arrival allowances as applicable.
- Family allowances — Spouse and child allowances for eligible scholars meeting the conditions.
How to apply
Apply through an approved nominating body in your country and via the CSC online Electronic Application System (EAS) by the deadline (commonly ~mid-October).
- Identify your nominating body — Find your country's national nominating agency, eligible university, or approved NGO.
- Choose UK courses — Select eligible one-year taught master's courses at UK universities.
- Prepare your application — Draft your development-focused study plan and gather transcripts and references.
- Apply via the EAS — Submit on the CSC Electronic Application System and to your nominating body by the deadline.
- Nomination & selection — Your nominating body nominates candidates; the CSC selects on merit and development impact.
- Placement — Confirm UK university admission and take up the award the following year.
Eligibility
CitizenshipCitizen of (or refugee/British protected person in) an eligible low/middle-income Commonwealth country.
DegreeAn undergraduate degree at upper-second-class (2:1) honours or above (or a relevant lower degree with a master's).
Financial needBe unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
NominationApply through an approved nominating body in your home country.
Development relevancePropose study aligned with the CSC's development themes.
You apply both to the CSC (via the Electronic Application System) and to your nominating body. The scheme is for one-year taught master's degrees and is strictly need-aware.
Eligible countries
Eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries (see the CSC list)
Deadlines
2027 UK study (typical)2026-10-15
Selection
Candidates are nominated by approved bodies and selected by the CSC against published criteria: academic merit, the quality and development relevance of the study plan, and likely impact on the home country. Financial need (inability to study in the UK otherwise) is a core requirement.
Verified sources
- Commonwealth Master's Scholarships — CSCcscuk.fcdo.gov.ukofficial
About the provider
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) is the UK government agency responsible for Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships, funded mainly by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It supports international development by funding talented people from across the Commonwealth to study in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What are Commonwealth Master's Scholarships?
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UK-government-funded scholarships (via the FCDO) administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, enabling people from eligible low/middle-income Commonwealth countries to take a one-year taught master's in the UK.
Who is eligible?
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Citizens of eligible low/middle-income Commonwealth countries with the required degree who demonstrate financial need and propose development-relevant study, applying through a nominating body.
What does it cover?
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Full tuition, return airfare, a monthly living stipend (~£1,236, higher in London), plus thesis, study-travel, and (where eligible) family allowances.
How do I apply?
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Through an approved nominating body in your home country and via the CSC online Electronic Application System (EAS). You cannot apply directly without a nomination.
When is the deadline?
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Applications generally open in ~September and close around ~mid-October. Check your nominating body and the CSC for exact dates.
Is financial need required?
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Yes — you must be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship. The scheme is aimed at talented people who otherwise could not study in the UK.
What level does it fund?
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One-year taught master's degrees at UK universities. Distance-learning and PhD study fall under other Commonwealth schemes.
What does "development focus" mean?
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Your study should align with the CSC's development themes and have a credible benefit to your home country — a key part of selection.
How competitive is it?
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Highly — nominating bodies forward limited numbers and the CSC selects on merit and development impact, so strong academics and a clear plan are essential.
Do I need a UK university place first?
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You should be seeking admission to an eligible UK master's; the CSC and nominating body confirm placement during the process.
Do I have to return home afterward?
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The scheme expects scholars to return and apply their studies to their home country's development, which is central to its purpose.
How does this differ from Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?
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Commonwealth Master's Scholarships are fully FCDO-funded; Shared Scholarships are jointly funded by the CSC and UK universities, both for low-income-country candidates.