Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer a unique and fully funded opportunity for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue a two-year Master’s degree at leading universities in fellow Commonwealth nations. These scholarships are designed to support individuals committed to creating lasting change in their communities while experiencing international academic exchange and cross-cultural collaboration.

The application window for the second cycle is now open and closes at 15:00 UTC on 4 June 2025. Successful candidates will begin their studies in 2026.

Why Apply for the QECS?

QECS are more than just financial support - they are a life-changing experience that combines advanced education, leadership development, and cultural immersion. These awards empower scholars to:

1. Broaden their academic and professional skills
2. Gain exposure to international networks
3. Contribute to sustainable development goals
4. Develop collaborative solutions to global and local challenges

Each Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship is fully funded and includes:

1. Full tuition fees
2. Monthly living allowance (stipend) for the duration of the award
3. Return economy flights to the host country
4. One-time arrival allowance
5. Research support grant (available upon request and subject to approval)

This support allows students to focus entirely on their studies and leadership development without financial burden.

This scholarship is open to international students from Commonwealth countries.

The scholarships are open to:

1. Citizens (or those with refugee status) in a Commonwealth country
2. Individuals who are applying to study in a country other than their own
3. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
4. Professionals or students committed to community impact and development

Each applicant must choose a host country and university from the available options and apply to one of the eligible Master’s programmes listed.

Host Countries and Universities (Cycle 2 – 2026)

Participants can apply to study at one of the following institutions:

Fiji

1. University of the South Pacific (USP)

Mauritius

1. University of Mauritius

Papua New Guinea

1. Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT)

South Africa

1. Tshwane University of Technology
2. University of Pretoria
3. University of the Free State
4. University of Venda

Sri Lanka

1. University of Colombo
2. University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Only the listed programmes and universities are eligible for this scholarship round.

1. Review eligible courses and universities listed for the current cycle on the QECS portal.
2. Research your chosen course via the university’s official website.
3. Register or log in to your myACU account here.
4. Submit your QECS application for your selected course/university.
5. Separately apply for admission to the university for your chosen course (according to the university’s procedures).

Note: You only need to submit one QECS application, but you can apply again in future cycles if you're interested in a different country or course.

Application Deadline

1. Opening Date: 16 April 2025
2. Closing Date: 4 June 2025 at 15:00 UTC

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. All applicants are strongly advised to review the official application guidance and FAQs on the QECS website.