Commonwealth Scholarships 2026
About this scholarship
Commonwealth Scholarships are UK Government-funded awards for students from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue Master's and PhD study in the United Kingdom.
Commonwealth Scholarships are prestigious international awards funded by the UK Government and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom. They support talented students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who want to undertake postgraduate study at universities in the United Kingdom.
The programme commonly supports Master's and PhD study across a wide range of academic disciplines. It is designed for applicants with strong academic records who can show how their proposed study will contribute to development and create positive impact in their home countries. Depending on the scholarship route, applicants are usually expected to hold an undergraduate degree for Master's study, and a relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent preparation for doctoral study.
Commonwealth Scholarships are generally fully funded. Reference postings indicate that support may include full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, international travel to and from the UK, and additional allowances or grants where applicable. For PhD awards, this can include thesis or research-related support, and in some cases study travel or family-related allowances. Exact benefits can vary by scholarship category and year.
The scholarships are not tied to a single university; instead, they can usually be taken at participating UK universities. Applicants normally apply through the relevant Commonwealth Scholarship route and must also meet the admission requirements of their chosen university and programme, including any academic and English-language conditions.
If you are from an eligible Commonwealth country and want to build advanced knowledge while contributing to sustainable development, Commonwealth Scholarships can be a strong route to postgraduate study in the UK. Always check the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission guidance for the current scholarship category, participating universities, eligibility rules, and application process.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Applicants are typically citizens of eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries and are expected to demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to development impact. Master's applicants generally need a completed undergraduate degree, while PhD applicants usually need a relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent academic preparation. Additional eligibility rules depend on the specific Commonwealth Scholarship category.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Language requirements
English language proficiency may be required according to the chosen UK university and programme.
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting Commonwealth Scholarships.
