Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 , UK (Fully Funded Master’s & PhD)

The Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded award from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, for Master's and PhD study at UK universities. It covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return airfare and extra allowances.

It is open to international students from eligible Commonwealth countries in any subject, with Master's and PhD applicants both considered. The award includes a study travel grant, warm clothing allowance and, for PhD scholars, overseas fieldwork and family support. Application dates are on the official page, and full details follow below.

For Master’s Applicants

• Full tuition fees (paid directly to the university)

• Monthly living allowance:

  • £1,378 per month (outside London)

  • £1,690 per month (London area)

• Economy-class return airfare to and from the UK

• Warm clothing allowance (where applicable)

• Study travel grant for academic-related travel

• Child allowance for eligible single parents

For PhD Applicants

All Master’s benefits, plus:

• Funding for approved overseas fieldwork

• Mid-term home country airfare (conditions apply)

• Family allowances for spouse and/or children

• Additional disability support, based on individual assessment

Note: Family allowances are contributions only - actual living costs may be higher.

• Master's
• PhD

• All subjects

Open to international students from eligible Commonwealth countries.

Master’s Applicants Must:

• Be a citizen (or refugee/British Protected Person) of an eligible Commonwealth country

• Be permanently resident in an eligible country

• Hold at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or 2:2 + relevant postgraduate qualification)

• Be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship

• Be ready to start studies in September 2026

• Submit all required documents correctly

PhD Applicants Must Also:

• Hold a relevant Master’s degree

• Not be registered for a PhD (or MPhil leading to PhD) before Sept/Oct 2026

• Provide a supporting statement from a UK supervisor

Step 1: Online Application

All applications must be submitted via the CSC online application system.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Applicants will need to:

• List academic qualifications

• Add up to 10 publications/prizes

• Provide employment history

• Submit three referee details (minimum two references required)

• Write a Development Impact Statement covering:

  1. Development challenges (global, national, local)

  2. Application of skills after the scholarship

  3. Expected development outcomes & beneficiaries

  4. Measuring and evidencing impact

You will also confirm:

• Scholarship objectives

• 5-year and long-term career plans

• Detailed study/research plan

• Personal statement & leadership experience

Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents

Required documents include:

• Passport or national ID

• Full academic transcripts (with certified translations if needed)

• At least two signed references (PDF, official letterhead)

• PhD applicants only: Supporting statement from a UK supervisor

Note: Incomplete or missing documents = automatic disqualification.

Why Choose the Commonwealth Scholarship? Study at

•  Study at top-ranked UK universities

• Zero financial burden

• Focus on development impact, not just academics

• Build global networks & partnerships

• Strong career boost and leadership recognition

Official Websites

• Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: Official CSC portal

• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships: Official CSC portal

(Always apply only through the official CSC system - no agents required.)