Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 offer a unique opportunity to study a two-year master’s degree in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country. Aimed at students committed to creating change in their communities, the scholarships are a life-changing opportunity to experience a new country and culture, to broaden horizons, and to build a global network that will last a lifetime.
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships are made possible by the generous support of The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) endowment fund. The scholarships are administered by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), which facilitates academic collaboration and cultural exchange across the Commonwealth.
Benefits of Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026
- Fully-funded tuition fees
- Living allowance (stipend) for duration of award
- Return economy flights to host country
- One-off arrival allowance
- Research Support Grant (on request only; subject to approval)
Eligibility Criteria for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026
- You must have obtained a 2:1 to be able to apply for the scholarship.
- Look through the list of countries and universities hosting scholarships in this cycle. Please note that only the courses listed are eligible for scholarship funding.
How to Apply for Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026
- Look through the list of countries and universities hosting scholarships in this cycle. Please note that only the courses listed are eligible for scholarship funding.
- You must have obtained a 2:1 to be able to apply for the scholarship.
- Visit the relevant university website for more information on your chosen course using the links included below.
- Complete and submit a QECS application for your chosen university/course by clicking the ‘Apply now’ button. Once you’ve clicked apply, you’ll be directed to a log in page. If you don’t already have a myACU account, please create a new account to get started.
- Submit an application to your chosen university for admission to your chosen course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What does the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 cover?
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 covers fully-funded tuition fees, a living allowance (stipend) for the duration of the award, return economy flights to the host country, a one-off arrival allowance, and a Research Support Grant on request and subject to approval.
What is the application deadline for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026?
Applications close on 3 June 2026 at 15:00 UTC. Applications open on 9 April 2026.
What study level is eligible for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships?
The scholarships are for two-year master’s degree programmes at ACU member universities in low or middle-income Commonwealth countries.
What academic qualification is required to apply?
You must have obtained a 2:1 (or equivalent) to be able to apply for the scholarship.
How many times can I apply for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships?
Each year there are two opportunities to apply – cycle 1 opens in November/December and cycle 2 opens in March/April. You only need to submit one application, but you are welcome to apply more than once if there is another country you are interested in studying in.
What is the aim of the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships?
The scholarships are aimed at students who are committed to creating change in their communities. They offer a life-changing opportunity to experience a new country and culture, broaden horizons, and build a global network.
Who funds the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships?
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships are made possible by the generous support of The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) endowment fund.
What are the steps to apply for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships?
Steps include: looking through the list of host countries and universities; ensuring you have a 2:1; visiting the university website for course details; completing and submitting a QECS application via the ‘Apply now’ button (creating a myACU account if needed); and submitting an application to your chosen university for admission.
Are there specific course requirements for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships?
Yes, you must check the specific course requirements for your chosen programme at the host university. Only the courses listed on the official page are eligible for scholarship funding.
What countries host Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships?
The scholarships are hosted in low or middle-income Commonwealth countries. Examples from the current cycle include Papua New Guinea and South Africa, with specific universities and courses listed.
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