The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026/2027 Application

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is one of the most highly respected and competitive scholarship programmes for international students who aspire to study in the United Kingdom. Designed to support students from Least Developed, lower-middle income, and fragile Commonwealth countries, the programme offers a life-changing opportunity to complete a fully funded one-year Master’s degree at top UK universities.

Offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), this scholarship supports skilled and talented professionals who do not have the financial means to study in the UK and who demonstrate clear potential to contribute to development in their home countries. Applications for the 2026/27 academic year open on 12 November 2025 at 16:30 GMT and will close on 9 December 2025 at 16:00 GMT.

This guide provides everything you need to know about the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 — eligibility, benefits, selection process, required documents, application tips, and more.

About the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Programme

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is one of three Master’s-level programmes funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC). The CSC is responsible for administering the UK government scholarship scheme aligned with global development goals and the UK’s commitment to the Commonwealth.

The programme supports the UK’s long-standing goal of international development, social progress, and capacity-building by offering educational access to students who would otherwise be unable to afford postgraduate study abroad.

Purpose of the Scholarship

The scholarship aims:

• To contribute to the development needs of eligible Commonwealth countries

• To build professional and academic capacity

• To support future leaders, innovators, and changemakers

• To strengthen international partnerships and collaboration

Who Is the Scholarship For?

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is intended for:

• High-achieving postgraduate students from Least Developed, Low-Income, and Middle-Income Commonwealth countries

• Individuals who have not studied for more than one year in a high-income country

• Applicants who lack the financial means to fund UK studies independently

• Students with strong academic merit and leadership potential

• Those committed to contributing to development in their home country

The scholarship supports Master’s study only (not undergraduate or PhD).

Scholarship Duration

Duration: 12 months (full-time Master’s)

Participating Universities & Courses

UK universities must bid to offer scholarship places for approved Master’s courses that demonstrate clear development impact. Students apply directly to participating universities and must also apply through the CSC application portal.

Applicants may:

• Apply to multiple eligible courses

• Apply to multiple participating universities

• Accept only one offer

Students must separately secure admission to the university program, as well as apply for the scholarship.

Application Timeline for 2026/27

Applicants are strongly advised to apply as early as possible, as the system becomes busy close to the deadline.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Choose an Approved Course & University

Applicants must:

• Select a participating UK university

• Choose an approved development-focused Master’s course

2. Apply Online via CSC Central

All scholarship applications must be submitted via the CSC Central online application portal. No documents will be accepted by email or outside the platform.

3. Submit Required Supporting Documents

To be eligible, applicants must upload:

• Valid passport or national ID (showing citizenship and date of birth)

• Full academic transcripts

• Two signed references (PDF format on institutional letterhead or verifiable email)

• Degree certificate(s) where applicable

Missing or incomplete documentation results in automatic rejection.

4. Apply Separately for University Admission

Applicants must submit a university admission application as per each institution’s deadline.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, an applicant must:

• Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country

• Be permanently living in an eligible Commonwealth country

• Hold a first degree equivalent to at least 2:1 standard (or 2:2 with a relevant postgraduate qualification)

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

• Be unable to afford UK study without funding

• Be able to start the academic programme in September 2026

• Submit all required documents by deadline

No age limit to apply.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be citizens of one of the following Commonwealth countries:

Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, 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, Zambia.

Financial Coverage (What the Scholarship Includes)

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is fully funded, covering:

Academic Expenses

• Full tuition fees

• Study travel grant

• Thesis or dissertation grant (if applicable)

Travel & Visa Support

• Return airfare to/from the UK

• Contribution to TB test costs for visa (receipts required)

Monthly Allowance

Family Allowance

Available to single parents, widowed or divorced scholars:

• £622/month for the first child

• £154/month for second & third child under 16

Additional Allowances

• Warm clothing allowance

• Full support assessment for scholars with disabilities

Note: Family allowance covers only part of the cost. Students should budget extra if relocating with dependents.

Completing the Application Form

Applicants must:

• List academic qualifications & employment history

• Provide publication/prize records (if any)

• Submit referee details (one must be a current employer)

• Provide a personal statement

• Submit a Development Impact statement (4-part structured essay) explaining:

  1. Link between the chosen course and development challenges

  2. How skills gained will be applied after returning home

  3. Expected measurable development outcomes and beneficiaries

  4. How progress and impact will be monitored

Applicants must also provide:

• Career plans (5-year and long-term)

• Study plan

• Leadership and volunteer experience summary

Selection Process

1. UK universities review applications and nominate candidates

2. Nominations forwarded to CSC for final approval

3. Final award decisions released

Selection is based on:

• Academic excellence

• Development relevance

• Leadership potential

• Feasibility of study and impact plan

• Financial need

Why Apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

Benefits Beyond Funding

• Enroll at a top-ranked UK university

• Join a network of over 30,000 influential alumni

• Gain access to global research & career opportunities

• Participate in leadership and professional development

• Become part of an international community of scholars

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Tips for a Strong Application

Official Website & Resources

For official details, visit: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-shared-scholarships-applications/

Final Thoughts

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 is an extraordinary opportunity for students passionate about contributing to the development of their home country through advanced study. With full financial support, access to world-class education, and participation in one of the most respected global scholarship networks, scholars gain tools to drive meaningful change in their communities.