Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) are a prestigious scholarship programme run by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). They support talented students from across the Commonwealth to study for a two-year Master’s degree at participating ACU member universities in eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.

QECS is designed for students who want to deepen their academic expertise while developing leadership skills, cross-cultural understanding, and a commitment to positive change in their communities. Scholars join an international Commonwealth network and study in a country other than their own, gaining both academic and intercultural experience.

The scholarship is generally fully funded. It typically covers full tuition fees, a living allowance for the duration of the award, return economy flights, a one-off arrival allowance, and in many cases a research support grant on request and subject to approval. Available subjects depend on the participating universities and courses in each application cycle.

Applicants are usually required to be citizens or refugees of a Commonwealth country and must apply to study in an eligible Commonwealth country other than their own. A good undergraduate degree is normally required, often at least the equivalent of a 2:1, though exact academic and language requirements depend on the host university and programme. There is typically no upper age limit.

Applications are made through the QECS application system for the relevant cycle, where candidates select from listed participating universities and eligible Master’s programmes. Because host institutions and courses vary by year, applicants should carefully review the course-specific entry requirements, documentation needs, and host-country options before applying.