Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are funded by the UK government and managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC). They are for talented people from eligible Commonwealth countries who want to study a master’s degree in the UK and contribute to the development of their home countries. This guide explains how the process works.
Information checked: 24 October 2026.
Important: The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships. You must apply through a nominating body in your country.
What the Scholarship Typically Covers
According to the CSC, each scholarship provides:
| Benefit | Details published by the CSC (current rates) |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Approved fees covered in full |
| Airfare | Approved return airfare between home country and the UK |
| Stipend | £1,712 per month, or £2,000 per month in the London metropolitan area |
| Study travel grant | Towards study-related travel |
| Child allowance | Only for widowed, divorced or single-parent scholars, under set conditions |
The CSC funds one-year taught master’s programmes and does not fund MBA degrees. Rates can change, so check the official page.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants usually need to:
- be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country;
- be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country;
- be available to start their course in the UK in the autumn;
- hold an undergraduate degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard or equivalent (or a lower second plus a relevant postgraduate qualification);
- be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
The CSC states that there is no age limit, and it does not itself require an IELTS test (your university may set English requirements). Applicants who have already studied a master’s at a UK institution are not eligible.
The CSC’s list of eligible countries for the 2027/28 cycle includes countries such as Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, among others. Check the official list.
How to Apply: Two Steps
- Check your national nominating agency. Each eligible country has a nominating agency, often a ministry of education or higher education commission, which sets its own deadlines and selection rules.
- Apply through the CSC online system and follow your nominating agency’s instructions.
For the 2027/28 cycle, the CSC’s closing date was 16:00 BST on 20 October 2026, and that window is now closed. Nominating agencies set their own, often earlier, deadlines and nominate candidates to the CSC by December. The CSC says applicants can expect to hear the outcome by July 2027. Expect a similar pattern for the next cycle, but check both the CSC and your nominator.
CSC’s Selection Criteria
The CSC assesses applications on:
- candidate merit (including academic experience);
- quality of the proposal (plan of study);
- potential impact on the development of the candidate’s home country.
The application includes a four-part Development Impact statement, career plans for the five years after the scholarship, a detailed plan of study, a personal statement and details of volunteering and leadership. At least two references must be uploaded by the deadline.
Your application should clearly explain how your study will help address development challenges.
CSC Development Themes
Master’s scholarships are offered under six CSC development themes. Check the CSC website for the current list and link your plan clearly to one of them.
Writing a Strong Application
- Development impact: explain the problem you want to address and how your course will help you solve it.
- Plan of study: describe the course content and how it relates to your goals.
- Evidence: show prior work, volunteering or research related to your theme.
- References: choose referees who can comment on your academic ability and commitment.
Choosing Courses
The CSC advises listing three universities and courses in order of preference, with reasons, and applying for admission in advance. The CSC makes the final decision on placement. Choose courses that clearly link to your development theme, and check entry requirements.
After Selection
If you are provisionally selected, the CSC confirms your university placement before issuing a formal award. Scholars sign an undertaking to return to their home country before their student visa expires, and switching to a Graduate or other visa to remain in the UK is not permitted.
A Practical Preparation Timeline
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships usually involve a national nomination stage before the CSC application, and national deadlines can be earlier than the CSC deadline. A practical plan:
- Early: find your country’s national nominating agency on the CSC website and read its rules, as some agencies set extra requirements or earlier deadlines.
- Choose courses: identify three eligible UK master’s courses that match your development goals.
- Prepare documents: transcripts, references and any documents your nominating agency requests.
- Draft your statements: focus on development impact, your plan for the future and how the course connects to one of the CSC development themes.
- Submit the CSC application: after being nominated, complete the online CSC application by the deadline.
Explaining Development Impact
CSC selection places weight on the potential impact of your work on your home country. Strong applications:
- describe a specific development challenge you have worked on;
- explain what skills or knowledge you lack and how the UK course will fill that gap;
- outline what you will do after you return, with realistic short- and long-term goals;
- name the people, organisations or communities who will benefit;
- show any evidence of past impact, such as projects delivered, policies influenced or people trained.
References and Supporting Evidence
Choose referees who know your academic or professional work well. Give them a summary of your application so they can support the same themes. References that include specific examples of your achievements are much more useful than general praise.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing courses that do not clearly relate to your development goals.
- Missing the national nominating agency’s deadline, which may be earlier than the CSC deadline.
- Writing about personal ambition without explaining the wider benefit to your country.
- Paying anyone who claims they can secure a nomination. Nominations are made by the official agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply directly to the CSC?
No, you apply through your national nominating agency.
Do I need a UK university offer to apply?
Not always at application stage, but you must secure admission.
Is there an age limit?
No. The CSC states there is no age limit for its applications.
Can I bring my family?
Family allowances are limited and only a contribution to costs. Check the CSC handbook.
Are there other CSC scholarships?
Yes, including PhD scholarships and distance learning scholarships.
Is the scholarship available to UK residents?
No. It is for residents of eligible Commonwealth countries.
Summary and Next Step
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships fund UK master’s study for talented people who want to contribute to development in their home countries. Apply through your national nominating agency, link your plan to a development theme and start early. Also consider Chevening.