Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/28

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships support full-time Master’s study in the United Kingdom, normally for 12 months. Jointly funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) and participating UK universities, they suit applicants from eligible Commonwealth countries who cannot afford UK study and want to contribute to development at home.

What you get

• Full tuition fees for an approved Master’s course.
• Approved return airfare between your home country and the UK.
• A monthly living allowance of £1,712, or £2,000 at universities in the London metropolitan area, at the rates stated on the official page.
• A thesis or dissertation grant where applicable, and a study travel grant.
• A contribution towards mandatory tuberculosis (TB) testing where required for a visa application.
• Conditional child allowances for scholars who are widowed, divorced or single parents, subject to the official rules.
• An assessment for additional financial support if you disclose a disability.

Who can apply

• You must be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country and permanently reside in an eligible country. Only the following countries are listed: Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu and Zambia.
• By September 2027, you must hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) standard, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• You must be ready to begin UK study in September 2027 and be unable to afford it without the scholarship.
• You must not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country. Distance learning at a high-income-country university while living in your home country is permitted and must be explained in your application.
• There is no age limit. The CSC does not require IELTS, but your university may require evidence of English proficiency.
• You must provide all required supporting documents and undertake to return home before your student visa expires.
• Employment, family-relationship and previous-award restrictions apply. Check the full official rules, including restrictions involving the UK government, Association of Commonwealth Universities, British Council and Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioners.

How to apply

1. Read and complete the Shared Scholarships eligibility checklist on the official page.
2. Choose an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university.
3. Apply separately for university admission and secure admission to your chosen course. Check the university’s admission requirements and deadline.
4. Register with CSC Central. You will need a smartphone or a second email account for two-factor authentication.
5. Complete the scholarship application with your qualifications, employment history, referees, study plans, career plans and intended development impact. The form asks for three referees, including your current employer where applicable.
6. Upload proof of citizenship or refugee status, complete transcripts for all higher education study, and certified English translations where needed. Upload at least two signed references in PDF format, on institutional letterhead or in an email clearly showing the sender’s details.
7. Submit your application and all supporting documents through CSC Central by the deadline. Documents sent outside the system are not accepted, and applications cannot be edited after submission.

Key dates

• Opening date: The official page says applications are open but gives no opening date. Check the official page for updates.
• Scholarship deadline: 8 December 2026 at 16:00 GMT. Your application and all supporting documents, including references, must be submitted by this time.
• University admission deadlines: These are separate. Check with your chosen university.
• Study begins: September/October 2027, with applicants required to be available for the start of the UK academic year in September 2027.

Before you apply

• Prepare your documents early and ask referees for their signed references well before the deadline.
• Read the full official eligibility rules and award conditions before submitting.
• Convert 16:00 GMT to your local time and leave time to check every upload.
• Draft your answers outside the application system, save your progress regularly and review everything before submission.