Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Fully Funded Scholarship 2026

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) 2026 are now opening soon—one of the most prestigious fully funded opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries who dream of pursuing a two-year master’s degree abroad.

If you want a scholarship that not only pays for your entire study journey but also gives you a chance to live, study, and grow in another part of the world, the QECS is designed exactly for you.

For the 2026 intake, applications open on 24 November 2025 and close on 14 January 2026 at 15:00 UTC. This guide provides everything you need to know—from benefits, eligibility, host countries, and required qualifications, all the way to how you can prepare a winning application.

What Is the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship?

The QECS supports talented students committed to bringing meaningful change to their communities. These scholarships enable recipients to pursue a master’s degree in low- or middle-income countries in the Commonwealth, fostering cultural exchange, global collaboration, and long-term professional networks.

Rather than studying in your home country, you are placed in a different Commonwealth nation, giving you a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons, experience new cultures, and gain international academic exposure.

Why QECS Stands Out

1. Fully funded with everything covered

2. Global cultural experience in a new Commonwealth country

3. Networking opportunities with scholars from around the world

4. Life-changing exposure to new education systems, industries, and perspectives

5. Two application cycles each year, giving applicants repeated chances to apply

Application Timeline for 2026

• Applications open: 24 November 2025

• Applications close: 14 January 2026, 15:00 UTC

• Cycles:

  • Cycle 1: November–December

  • Cycle 2: March–April

You only need to submit one application per cycle.
However, you may reapply in the next cycle if you wish to select a different country.

What the QECS 2026 Covers (Fully Funded)

This scholarship removes all financial barriers, offering:

• Full tuition fee coverage

• Monthly living allowance (stipend)

• Return economy airfare to the host country

• One-off arrival allowance

• Research Support Grant (available upon request)

These benefits ensure that scholars can study, live comfortably, and focus entirely on their academic and community development goals.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

To qualify for the QECS 2026, applicants must:

• Be a citizen or refugee of a Commonwealth country

• Apply to study in a Commonwealth country other than their own

• Have achieved at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree

• Meet the specific course and university requirements listed under each host country

How to Apply for the QECS 2026

Follow these steps to submit a successful application:

1. Review the Host Country Options

Each cycle lists a variety of universities and eligible master’s programmes across different Commonwealth nations. Only programmes listed for the cycle are eligible.

2. Check Course Requirements

Every university has distinct academic and admission criteria. Visit the university’s website for detailed prerequisites.

3. Submit the QECS Application Form

Click the “Apply Now” button on the QECS website.
You will be taken to the myACU portal. Create an account if you don’t already have one.

4. Apply Separately to the University

You must also apply directly to your chosen university for admission to the specific Master’s programme.

QECS 2026 Host Countries & Programmes (Full Details)

Below is a detailed breakdown of each participating country, university, and course requirements.

1. Antigua & Barbuda

University: The University of the West Indies – Five Islands Campus
Required qualification: Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree

Programme Offered

• MSc in Corporate Finance

Admission Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with GPA 2.5+

• Must have passed macroeconomics and financial management

• Strong quantitative background

• Mature applicants with 10+ years of finance experience may be considered

2. Bangladesh

University: BRAC University
Required qualification: Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree

Programmes Offered

• Master of Public Health

• Master of Development Studies

• MEd Educational Leadership and School Improvement

• MSc Biotechnology

Admission Requirements Summary:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum CGPA 2.5

• Specific subject requirements depending on programme

• English and Math proficiency

• Some programmes require work experience

• A-Level and O-Level GPA requirements apply

3. Barbados

University: The University of the West Indies – Cave Hill Campus
Required qualification: Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree

Programme Offered

• Master of Public Health

Admission Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in health, biological, or management sciences

• Laptop required + good computing skills

• Letter of intent, CV, references, and transcripts

4. Eswatini

University: University of Eswatini
Required qualification: Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree

Programmes Offered

• MSc Agricultural Extension

• MSc Conservation Ecology

• MSc Agricultural & Applied Economics

• MSc Environmental Resources Management

• MSc Mathematics

Each programme requires relevant bachelor’s degrees in agriculture, biology, chemistry, environmental science, geography, economics, or mathematics.

5. Jamaica

University: The University of the West Indies – Mona Campus
Required qualification: Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree

Programme Offered

• MSc Biomedical Research

Admission Requirements:

• Approved graduate or research-based degree

• Taught Master’s with research component (minimum 25%)

• B+ equivalent performance

• Other equivalent qualifications may be considered

6. Kenya

University: The Technical University of Kenya
Required qualification: Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree

Programmes Offered

• MTech Mechanical Engineering Technology

• MSc Computational Chemistry

• MSc Physics

• MSc Medical Physics

• MTech Design & Interactive Media

Programme requirements vary across engineering, physics, chemistry, design, and computer-related degrees.

7. Mauritius

University: University of Mauritius
Required qualification: Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree

Programme Offered

• Master of Public Health

Requirements include:

• Undergraduate degree with GPA 2.5+

• Strong background in medical or health-related fields

• Some programmes require experience in public health

8. Sri Lanka

University: University of Kelaniya
Required qualification: Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree

Programmes Offered

• Master of Business Administration

• Master of Business Management (Marketing)

• MSc Biochemistry & Biotechnology

• Master of Medical Statistics

• Master of Business Studies

Requirements differ across management, biological sciences, statistics, and professional qualifications.

9. Trinidad & Tobago

University: The University of the West Indies – St. Augustine Campus
Required qualification: Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree

Programme Offered

• MSc Data Science

Requirements include:

• Lower second-class degree in CS, IT, statistics, etc.

• Background in programming, statistics, and linear algebra

• Applicants lacking prerequisites may take qualifying courses

10. Uganda

University: Makerere University
Required qualification: Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree

Programmes Offered

• MSc Plant Breeding & Seed Systems

• MSc Civil Engineering

• MSc Climate Change & Development

• MSc Food Safety & Quality Management

• MSc Renewable Energy

Requirements vary across agriculture, biological sciences, engineering, environmental sciences, and climate-related fields.

Why You Should Apply for QECS 2026

The QECS is more than a scholarship—it’s a chance to:

1. Study in a new country

Experience diverse cultures and education systems firsthand.

2. Build a network

Become part of a global community of professionals and changemakers.

3. Grow your career

A Master’s degree from an international institution opens doors to global opportunities.

4. Give back to society

QECS prioritizes applicants committed to solving community challenges.

Final Thoughts

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Fully Funded Scholarship 2026 is one of the best opportunities for aspiring Master’s students across the Commonwealth. With full financial coverage, international study exposure, and a strong alumni network, this scholarship can transform your academic and professional journey.

Apply on the official website.