COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP COMMISSION IN THE UK
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
full · masters
- Full tuition + stipendCoverage
- ~£1,200–£1,500/moLiving stipend (est.)
- Study in the UKWhere
- Taught master's (1 yr)Study level
- Low-income CommonwealthEligibility
- Funded by FCDOFunder
At a glance
full
Funding
€40k
Max amount
Dec 15, 2026
Deadline
Eligible low- and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries (see the Commission's current list)
Country
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK
Provider
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships fund full-time taught master's study in the United Kingdom for students from low- and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study abroad. They are run by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and jointly supported (cost-shared) with UK universities — which is where the name comes from. The scholarship is full: it covers tuition fees, a monthly living stipend of around ~£1,200 (with a higher rate of about ~£1,500 in London), return airfare to and from the UK, and grants toward warm clothing, study travel, and the thesis. Awards are for one-year taught master's programmes at participating UK universities, and applicants must be unable to afford to study in the UK without this support. You apply through one of the participating UK universities, which nominates candidates to the Commission; university deadlines vary but commonly fall around December for the following September, with a representative date of 15 December (est.). Treat the amounts and date here as estimates and confirm current figures on the Commission's official website.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — Full tuition for the one-year taught master's at the participating UK university.
- Living stipend — A monthly allowance of around ~£1,200 (about ~£1,500 for those at London institutions).
- Airfare — Return economy airfare to and from the UK at the start and end of the award.
- Grants — Warm-clothing, study-travel, and thesis grants where applicable.
- Duration — For one full-time taught master's programme (typically ~12 months).
How to apply
Choose a participating UK university and eligible master's, then apply through that university, which nominates candidates to the Commission.
- Find a participating course — Check the Commission's list of participating UK universities and eligible master's programmes.
- Apply for admission — Apply to the university for the chosen master's and indicate your interest in the scholarship.
- Submit the scholarship application — Complete the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application via the university/Commission system (EAS).
- University nomination — The university shortlists and nominates candidates to the Commission.
- Commission selection — The Commission selects final awardees from the nominations.
- Take up the award — If selected, accept, arrange your visa, and travel to the UK to enrol.
Eligibility
CountryA citizen of (or refugee/British protected person in) an eligible low- or lower-middle-income Commonwealth country.
Financial needUnable to afford to study a master's in the UK without this scholarship.
Academic meritNormally at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent).
ProgrammeApplying for an eligible full-time taught master's at a participating UK university.
Not previously UK-studiedGenerally not having studied or worked for a year or more in a high-income country.
You must apply through a participating UK university, not directly to the Commission. The list of participating universities and eligible courses changes each year.
Eligible countries
Eligible low- and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries (see the Commission's current list)
Deadlines
2027 entry2026-12-15
Selection
Participating UK universities shortlist and nominate candidates, and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission makes the final selection on academic merit, the quality of the application, and the likely development impact of the study on return to the candidate's home country, alongside financial need. Places are limited and shared with the universities, so selection is decided among the strongest nominations.
Verified sources
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarships — CSC UKcscuk.fcdo.gov.ukofficial
About the provider
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK awards scholarships and fellowships for study in the UK, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, run jointly with UK universities, support master's study for talented students from low- and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries.
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 Shared Scholarships?
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Scholarships for full-time taught master's study in the UK for students from low- and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford it, funded by the UK FCDO and shared with participating UK universities.
What do they cover?
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Full tuition, a monthly living stipend, return airfare, and grants for warm clothing, study travel, and the thesis.
How much is the stipend?
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Around ~£1,200 per month, with a higher rate of about ~£1,500 for those at London institutions (est.). Confirm current rates on the Commission's site.
Who is eligible?
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Citizens of eligible low- and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries with at least an upper second-class degree who cannot afford UK master's study without the award.
What level of study is funded?
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A one-year full-time taught master's only — not PhDs or undergraduate study.
How do I apply?
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Through a participating UK university (not directly to the Commission): apply for the master's and complete the scholarship application, which the university nominates to the Commission.
When is the deadline?
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University deadlines commonly fall around December for the following September; the 15 December 2026 date here is a representative estimate. Check each university's date.
Why is it called "Shared"?
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Because the cost is shared between the UK government (FCDO) and the participating UK universities that host the scholars.
Does development impact matter?
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Yes — selection considers how your study will contribute to development in your home country when you return.
Can I apply for a PhD with it?
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No — this scheme funds taught master's study. Other Commonwealth schemes (e.g. Commonwealth Scholarships) cover PhD study.
Which universities participate?
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A set of UK universities that changes each year; the Commission publishes the current list of participating institutions and eligible courses.
Where can I confirm current details?
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On the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK's official website, which lists participating universities, eligibility, coverage, and deadlines.