The Commonwealth Scholarships 2027-28 offer opportunities for talented students from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
Funded primarily by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the scholarships are designed to support candidates who have the potential to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) offers several scholarship programmes, including Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, Commonwealth PhD Scholarships and Commonwealth Shared Scholarships.
For the 2027/28 academic year, the CSC states that applications for the Commonwealth Master’s and relevant Commonwealth PhD Scholarships will open on 8 September 2026 and close on 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST. Successful scholars are expected to begin their studies in the UK in September/October 2027.
Commonwealth Scholarships 2027-28 — Quick Details
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Academic Year: 2027/28
- Scholarship Provider: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK
- Main Funding: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- Study Level: Primarily Master’s and PhD, depending on the programme
- Study Mode: Mainly full-time postgraduate study
- Opening Date: 8 September 2026
- Deadline: 20 October 2026, 16:00 BST
- Study Start: September/October 2027
- Application System: CSC Central
What Are Commonwealth Scholarships?
Commonwealth Scholarships are international awards administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK. They support students and professionals from Commonwealth countries through different scholarship and fellowship programmes.
The CSC states that its programmes are connected to six development themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Improving population health, health systems and capacity
- Strengthening global peace, security and governance
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
The specific eligibility requirements and application process depend on the scholarship programme.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027-28
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are intended for candidates from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who want to undertake a full-time taught Master’s degree at a UK university.
For the 2027/28 academic year, applications are scheduled to open on 8 September 2026 and close on 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST.
Applicants do not necessarily apply directly to the CSC as an individual. The CSC explains that candidates are put forward by participating nominating agencies, universities or selected organisations, and applicants should check the requirements and deadlines of their relevant nominating body.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027-28
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships support candidates whose proposed research has the potential to contribute to development in eligible Commonwealth countries.
For the relevant 2027/28 Commonwealth PhD Scholarship programme, applications are scheduled to open on 8 September 2026 and close on 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST. The scholarships are intended for studies beginning in September/October 2027.
According to the CSC, applicants generally need to be citizens of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country and be permanently resident there. They must also meet the specified academic requirements by the beginning of their studies.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027-28
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships support students from eligible developing Commonwealth countries to undertake selected one-year taught Master’s courses at participating UK universities.
For 2027/28, the CSC says participating universities are currently being selected through the university bidding process. The list of eligible courses and universities is expected to be published in November 2026, with candidate applications scheduled to open in early November and close in mid-December 2026.
The CSC currently expects to allocate around 180 new Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for 2027/28. These awards are for one-year taught postgraduate courses and are not intended for undergraduate or research-degree study.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on the particular Commonwealth scholarship programme. For the Master’s and PhD programmes, applicants generally need to:
- Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to begin studies in the UK in September/October 2027.
- Meet the required academic qualifications.
- Demonstrate that their proposed study or research is relevant to the CSC’s development objectives.
- Meet any additional requirements set by the relevant nominating agency or university.
Applicants should carefully check the eligibility requirements for their specific programme before submitting an application.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The exact financial package depends on the scholarship programme and award conditions. Commonwealth awards are designed to provide substantial support for eligible postgraduate study in the UK.
Applicants should check the individual CSC programme page for the current list of allowances, fees and other financial support applicable to their award.
Documents You May Need
Applicants should prepare their documents before the application deadline. Depending on the programme, documents may include:
- Academic certificates
- Academic transcripts
- References
- Personal or development-impact statements
- Proposed study or research information
- Details of previous education and experience
- Proof of eligibility
- University information
- Supporting statements or supervisor information where required
The CSC states that required references and supporting statements must be uploaded through the application system. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply for Commonwealth Scholarships 2027-28
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
First, identify the Commonwealth scholarship programme available to applicants from your country.
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Programme
Review the requirements for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, Commonwealth PhD Scholarships or Commonwealth Shared Scholarships.
Step 3: Check Your Nominating Agency
For programmes requiring nomination, check the relevant nominating agency’s requirements and internal deadline. The agency may have a deadline earlier than the CSC deadline.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your academic documents, references and required statements well before the deadline.
Step 5: Apply Through the Official CSC System
Applications are submitted through the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission application system where required.
Step 6: Apply for University Admission
Applicants should also check the admission requirements of their chosen UK universities. The CSC recommends that applicants seek university admission at the time of, or as soon as possible after, submitting their scholarship application.
Official Application Link
Applicants should use only the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website and application systems.
Official CSC Application Page:
Apply for Commonwealth Scholarships — Official CSC Website
Official Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship Information:
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships — CSC
Official Commonwealth PhD Scholarship Information:
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships — CSC
The CSC specifically advises applicants to use the official CSC website and systems and to be cautious about third-party websites requesting personal information or supporting documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Commonwealth Scholarship fully funded?
Commonwealth scholarships provide substantial financial support, but the exact benefits depend on the particular scholarship programme and its award conditions. Applicants should check the official programme page for the current funding package.
When does the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027-28 application open?
For the Commonwealth Master’s and relevant Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, applications are scheduled to open on 8 September 2026.
What is the deadline?
The published deadline for the Commonwealth Master’s and relevant PhD Scholarship applications is 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST. However, nominating agencies may set an earlier internal deadline.
Can I apply without a UK university offer?
For several Commonwealth programmes, a university offer is not necessarily required at the scholarship application stage. However, applicants should check the specific programme and their nominating agency because additional requirements may apply.
Can I apply for more than one university?
For Commonwealth Master’s and PhD applications, the CSC FAQ states that applicants can select up to three institutions in their application.
Does the CSC accept applications by email?
No. The CSC states that applications and required documentation must be submitted through the relevant official application system.
Are Commonwealth Scholarships available for undergraduate students?
The major programmes covered in this 2027/28 announcement are postgraduate opportunities. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, for example, are specifically for one-year taught Master’s courses.
Final Advice
If you are planning to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarships 2027-28, start preparing your academic docum