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Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 in UK | Fully Funded

Uk

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Dec 12, 2025
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Application opens on the official site (cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk). Scholarship Union does not collect applications.

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Scholarship Summary
Country
UK
Study Level
Master’s
Benefits
Fully Funded

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 offers an excellent fully funded opportunity for international students who want to study a one-year Master’s degree in the UK. This program is funded jointly by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and selected UK universities, giving students full financial support to study approved courses at participating institutions. All applications must be submitted online through the CSC application portal.

Designed to support talented students who otherwise could not afford international study, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses for the entire academic year starting in September 2026. With a wide range of eligible programs and institutions, this remains one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarship options in the UK. More details on eligibility, requirements, and benefits are provided below.

Benefits of Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026

The scholarship covers:

  • Full Tuition Fees
  • Monthly stipend for Living Expenses
  • Warm clothing allowance (as needed)
  • Study-related travel funds
  • Child Allowance
  • Round-trip Airfare

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Applicants Eligibility for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026

  • Be a citizen of or have refugee status from one of the countries listed above.
  • Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
  • By September 2026, hold an undergraduate degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honors standard or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).
  • Be available to start academic study in the UK in September 2025.
  • Have not studied or worked for more than one academic year or more in a high-income country
  • Unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.

Eligible Countries

Please note that only applicants from the eligible countries listed below can apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships.

Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia.

How to Apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026

  • Check your eligibility: make sure you are a national (or have refugee status) of an eligible Commonwealth country, are permanently resident there, and meet the academic and financial-need conditions of the scheme.
  • Choose a qualifying full-time taught master’s course at a UK institution that is participating in the program.
  • Prepare your documents: your degree certificate and transcript, proof of English language ability (if required), references, a study plan and any other supporting materials requested. Study.
  • Apply online through the scheme’s official portal before the closing deadline. Ensure you complete all required sections accurately.
  • Once you’ve submitted your scholarship application, then either apply for admission to your chosen university (or wait for a nomination) depending on the institution’s process.
  • If shortlisted, you’ll receive a nomination from your institution or the scholarship‐commission, then the university may ask for further documentation (offer letter, visa clearance, etc.).
  • After successful nomination and selection, you’ll receive the award offer. Accept the offer and follow any onboarding instructions (how to claim your funding, register with your course, travel arrangements etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 provides a fully-funded UK Master’s opportunity for applicants from eligible Commonwealth countries. It supports tuition, living costs and travel, but requires securing admission, meeting eligibility (including no long study/work in high-income countries) and applying via a two-step process by specified deadlines.

What is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026?

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded award for talented individuals from eligible Commonwealth countries, aimed at supporting one-year full-time Master’s studies in the UK on selected courses.

Who is eligible to apply?

You must be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country, permanently resident there, unable to afford UK study without this support, and by September 2026 hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) or a 2:2 plus relevant postgraduate qualification.

What costs does the scholarship cover?

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 covers full tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, approved airfare to and from the UK, thesis grant and a study travel grant, plus other allowances per university agreement.

What level of study is supported?

Only full-time taught Master’s program are supported — the scholarship does not cover undergraduate or PhD studies.

Are there development themes for eligible subjects?

Yes — priority is given to subjects aligned with six themes including science and technology for development, strengthening health systems, promoting global prosperity, peace and governance, resilience to crises, and access & inclusion.

What are the application steps?

The application process involves two steps: first secure admission to an eligible UK course, then complete the scholarship application via the online portal by the deadline and meet all eligibility criteria.

Can I apply if I have previously studied in a high-income country?

No — you must not have studied or worked for one academic year or more in a high-income country (as defined).

When is the deadline for applying?

While exact dates vary by university, one example listed a deadline of 16:00 (GMT) on Tuesday 9 December 2025 for the academic year 2026-27. Make sure to check each participating university’s timeline.

Will I receive maintenance in addition to tuition?

Yes — alongside tuition fees, a maintenance (living-cost) allowance is provided. Some awards include travel, thesis and other supplemental grants.


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This is Tanvir Ahammed Shovo. I am a content contributor at Scholarship Union, where I collect and publish information about global scholarships, fellowships, conferences, and various international opportunities for students. I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting. With a strong interest in education, research, and international opportunities, I focus on collecting verified information from official sources and presenting it in a clear and simple way so that students from around the world can easily access the information they need. My goal is to inform students about fully funded scholarships, academic programs, and professional opportunities that can support their educational and career development. Through my work at Scholarship Union, I aim to make information about international education and scholarships more accessible and to help students stay informed about academic opportunities around the world.

Joined Oct 9, 2025
Published
Updated Nov 14, 2025
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