Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/2028 Application Form is out

Brief description:

• The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is a UK government-funded scholarship programme administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in partnership with participating UK universities.

• It aims to support talented students from eligible developing Commonwealth countries who cannot afford to study in the UK.

• The programme provides opportunities for postgraduate study to individuals who can contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries.

• Successful scholars are expected to return to their home countries after completing their studies.

Host Institution:

• Participating universities in the United Kingdom (UK).

• Applicants must select an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university.

• The list of participating institutions is available on the official CSC website.

Level/Field(s) of Study:

• Master’s degree (postgraduate) programmes only.

• Full-time, one-year taught Master’s courses.

• Eligible courses must be approved by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and demonstrate development impact.

• Undergraduate and PhD programmes are not covered.

Number of Scholarship Slots:

• The exact total number of scholarships available for the 2027/2028 academic year is not specified on the scholarship webpage.

• Each participating UK university is allocated a specified number of scholarships and selects candidates for nomination to the CSC.

Target Group:

• Citizens or refugees from eligible Commonwealth countries.

• Applicants from least-developed and lower- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.

• The programme particularly targets talented individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford postgraduate education in the UK.

• Eligible countries include Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, and other listed Commonwealth countries.

Scholarship Value/Inclusions/Duration:

• Full tuition fees: Coverage of approved tuition fees.

• Airfare: Approved return airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK.

• Monthly living allowance (stipend):

  • £1,712 per month.

  • £2,000 per month for scholars studying at universities in the London metropolitan area.

• Thesis grant: Contribution towards the preparation of a thesis or dissertation, where applicable.

• Study travel grant: Financial support for study-related travel within the UK or overseas.

• TB test allowance: Contribution towards the cost of a mandatory tuberculosis test, where required for visa applications.

• Child allowance: Eligible single parents, widowed or divorced scholars may receive:

  • £622 per month for the first child.

  • £154 per month for the second and third children under 16.

• Disability support: Additional financial assistance may be available following an assessment of individual needs.

• Duration: Normally 12 months (one academic year).

Eligibility:
Applicants must:

• Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country.

• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.

• Be available to commence studies in the UK in September/October 2027.

• Hold a first degree equivalent to at least an upper second-class honours (2:1) degree by September 2027.

• Alternatively, applicants with a lower second-class degree must possess a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree.

• Not have studied or worked for one academic year or more in a high-income country.

• Demonstrate that they cannot afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.

• Provide all required supporting documents.

• There is no age limit for applicants.

Application Instructions:

• Identify an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university.

• Apply separately for admission to the chosen university and for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.

• Complete the online scholarship application through the CSC Central application portal.

• Applicants may apply for more than one course and university but can accept only one Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.

• Upload the following supporting documents:

  • Proof of citizenship or refugee status (valid passport or national identity card).

  • Full academic transcripts, including certified translations where necessary.

  • At least two references in PDF format, signed and provided on institutional letterhead or through an email showing the referee’s details.

• Complete the application sections covering academic qualifications, employment history, career plans, study objectives, leadership experience, and potential development impact.

• Applications are initially assessed by participating universities, which nominate selected candidates to the CSC for final eligibility approval.

• There is no application fee.

• All supporting documents must be uploaded through the online application system before the deadline.

Deadline:

• Application deadline: Tuesday, 8 December 2026, at 16:00 GMT.

• Successful university nominations will be submitted to the CSC in March 2027.

• Successful applicants are expected to begin their studies in September/October 2027.

Official source: Commonwealth Shared Scholarships.