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Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 in UK | Fully Funded

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Jun 3, 2026
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Application opens on the official site (www.acu.ac.uk). Scholarship Union does not collect applications.

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Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships Summary
Country
UK
Study Level
Master’s
Benefit
Fully Funded

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) are a unique opportunity for students from Commonwealth countries to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in another Commonwealth nation. These scholarships aim to foster cultural exchange and build a global network of future leaders committed to positive change.

The scholarships are managed by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), which supports higher education across the Commonwealth. The ACU facilitates these awards to promote international collaboration and development through academic mobility and shared learning.

Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships Benefits

  • Fully-funded tuition fees
  • Living allowance (stipend) for duration of award
  • Return economy flights to their host country
  • An arrival allowance
  • Research support grant – on request only; subject to approval

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Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships Eligibility Criteria

  • Citizens (or those who hold refugee status) in a Commonwealth country are welcome to apply.
  • Applicants must apply for a QECS award in a country other than their home country/country of citizenship.
  • There is no upper age limit to be eligible for a QECS Award.
  • You must have attained a minimum of 2:1 (or equivalent) at undergraduate level to be eligible to apply.
  • You must have already completed your degree and have graduated with an equivalent of a 2:1 at the time of application.
  • QECS are for Master’s degrees only.
  • The QECS will only fund Master’s courses with a maximum duration of two years.
  • The QECS awards are for full-time study only.
  • The QECS awards are international scholarship opportunities and are for courses taught in-person on campus only.

How to Apply for Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships?

  1. Applications must be submitted online through Online Application System.
  2. You will need to upload your supporting documents before submitting your application.
  3. Your application must be written in English throughout, and any supporting documentation that you submit must also be in English.
  4. Include two references; one academic reference is advised, but professional referees can be used if necessary.
  5. You can submit more than one application as long as they are for different host countries/universities, but only one application per host university.
  6. You do not need to have received an offer at your chosen institution at the time of submitting your QECS application, but you are encouraged to apply for your chosen course of study before or at the same time.
  7. If you want a full guide, go to this link- https://guides.scholarshipunion.com/commonwealth/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships. These answers cover eligibility, application procedures, funding, and other essential details for prospective applicants.

Who can apply for a Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships?

Citizens (or those who hold refugee status) in a Commonwealth country are welcome to apply.

Can I apply for a QECS in my home country/country of citizenship?

No. Applicants must apply for a QECS award in a country other than their home country/country of citizenship. Refugees should apply as if they were a citizen of the country that has offered them refugee status.

Is there an age limit for Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships awards?

No. There is no upper age limit to be eligible for a QECS Award.

What are the minimum academic requirements to be considered eligible?

You must have attained a minimum of 2:1 (or equivalent) at undergraduate level to be eligible to apply.

Can I apply for a QECS to study for an undergraduate degree?

No. QECS are for Master’s degrees only.

Can I apply for a QECS to study for a PhD?

No. QECS are for Master’s degrees only.

What does a QECS cover?

QECS scholars receive: Fully-funded tuition fees, Living allowance (stipend) for duration of award, Return economy flights to their host country, An arrival allowance, (Research support grant – on request only; subject to approval).

Do I need to apply for admission to my chosen university course separately to the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship application?

Yes. You will need to submit an application for admission to your chosen university course directly to the university in addition to completing a QECS application.

When am I likely to hear back regarding the outcome of my application?

The timing depends on the application cycle. Cycle 1 applicants (courses starting in July-October): July of the year of award. Cycle 2 applicants (courses starting in January-February): October prior to the start of award.

Can I bring my family with me?

We strongly discourage scholars from bringing dependants with them to their host country. QECS living allowances are calculated to cover the scholar’s costs only. Scholars will be solely responsible for all welfare and financial arrangements for any accompanying dependants.


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Joined Feb 3, 2026
Published
Updated Apr 14, 2026
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