Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2025/2026 for Full-Time Master’s Study at a UK University (Fully Funded)

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for the 2025/26 academic year are now open for applications.

This scholarship offers full funding for Master’s degrees at UK universities, aiming to support students from Commonwealth countries.

Administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK, this program emphasizes international development and the UK’s commitment to supporting education within the Commonwealth.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country or hold British Protected Person status.
2. Reside permanently in an eligible Commonwealth country.
3. Be available to begin full-time academic studies in the UK by September 2025.
4. Hold a first degree with at least an upper second-class (2:1) honors standard by September 2025, or have a lower second-class degree and relevant postgraduate qualifications. Note: The CSC does not typically fund second Master’s degrees unless applicants can justify their necessity.
5. Demonstrate financial need and inability to fund their studies in the UK without this scholarship.
6. Submit all required documentation in the correct format.

Financial Benefits

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships offer comprehensive financial support, including:

• Round-trip airfare from the Scholar’s home country to the UK.
• Full coverage of tuition fees, as agreed between the CSC and the university.
• A monthly living stipend of £1,378 (or £1,690 for students at London-based universities).
• A warm clothing allowance where applicable.
• Study travel grants for research-related travel.
• Child allowances for single parents or widowed scholars with dependents, providing £590 per month for the first child and £146 per month for additional children under 16, living with the Scholar in the UK.

Required Documentation

To ensure their application is processed, applicants must provide:

• Proof of citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country via a passport or national ID.
• Full transcripts of all higher education qualifications, including ongoing studies.
• References from at least two individuals on official letterhead or signed emails showing their contact details.

How to Apply

Applicants are advised to complete their applications early to avoid system delays near the deadline. In addition to applying to the CSC, applicants must apply through a nominator. These nominators can be either:

1. National nominating agencies (main application route).
2. Select non-governmental organizations and charitable bodies.

Applicants are required to:

• List all academic qualifications and relevant employment history.
• Provide up to 10 publications or awards.
• Name three referees who can assess their eligibility and ability to impact development after the program. One referee must be their current employer (if applicable).

For detailed information and to apply, visit the official webpage of the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.