Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Commonwealth Masters Scholarships. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
Fully funded, covering approved airfare from the Scholar's home country to the UK and return, full tuition fees, a monthly stipend (£1,452 per month outside London, or £1,781 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area), warm clothing allowance, and a study travel grant. Additional child allowance (£622 per month for the first child, £154 for the second and third child under 16) and disability support are also available where applicable. Approximate annual value in INR is calculated using 1 GBP = 127.68 INR (as of June 9, 2026).
Inclusions
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 start academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September/October 2026.
By September 2026, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree (2:2) and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master's degree).
Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.
The scholarship is for full-time taught Master's study. MBA programs are not eligible.
Applicants who have already studied at Master's level in the UK will not be considered eligible. Justification is required if applying for a second Master's degree (not in the UK).
Not have studied or worked for one academic year or more in a high-income country.
Commit to returning to your home country following the end of your scholarship to contribute to its development.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Masters
Must be enrolled in Masters. Minimum 60% marks required in previous exam.
Financial & Category
Selection Process
Applications are considered based on candidate merit (including academic experience), the quality of the study plan or research proposal, and the potential impact on the development of the candidate's home country
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) does not accept direct applications
candidates must apply through a National Nominating Agency, a university, or a Non-Governmental Organisation
Nominators conduct their own selection processes and may have additional eligibility criteria.
Renewal Policy
Not applicable
Commonwealth Master's Scholarships are typically for a one-year taught Master's degree.
Application Process
- 1
Check your eligibility against all criteria on the official CSC website and your chosen nominating agency's requirements.
- 2
Identify and apply to a National Nominating Agency (NNA) or a selected Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)/charitable body. This is the main route of application for most candidates.
- 3
Research and apply for admission to an eligible full-time Master's programme at a UK university. You must secure a place on your chosen Master's programme. Note that MBA programs are generally not eligible.
- 4
Complete and submit your scholarship application using the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's (CSC) online application system, known as 'CSC Central'. Prepare your answers beforehand and use the two-factor authentication (2FA) system.
- 5
Upload all required supporting documents, including academic transcripts, proof of citizenship, references, and your Development Impact statement, by the specified deadline. References must be submitted directly to the system by your referees.
- 6
Ensure both your nominating agency application and CSC Central application are submitted by their respective deadlines (for 2026/27, the CSC Central deadline was typically mid-October 2025).
Documents Required
Important Dates
Application Deadline
15 October 2026
Applications for the Commonwealth Master's Scholarships for the 2027/2028 academic intake are expected to open in August/September 2026. The primary application deadline for candidates to submit their applications to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) is anticipated to be mid-October 2026. Please note that national nominating bodies may have earlier internal deadlines.
Dates are subject to change as per the provider's official notification. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the closing date.
Scholarship Quick Facts
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q.What does the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship cover?
The scholarship is fully funded, covering approved airfare, full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend (which varies based on location in the UK), warm clothing allowance, and a study travel grant. Additional allowances for children (for single parents) and disability support are also available.
Q.Can I apply for a second Master's degree or if I have already studied in the UK?
No, generally the CSC does not fund a second Master's degree. If you are applying for a second Master's degree (not undertaken in the UK), you must provide strong justification. Applicants who have already studied at Master's level in the UK are not eligible.
Q.Do I apply directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission?
No, you cannot apply directly to the CSC. You must apply through one of their approved nominating agencies, such as a National Nominating Agency in your home country, a university, or a selected Non-Governmental Organisation.
Q.What is the academic requirement for this scholarship?
Applicants must hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard by September 2026. A lower second-class degree (2:2) might be considered if accompanied by a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master's degree).
Help & Contact Support
Official Support
Need Application Help?
If you have trouble applying, you can check your eligibility or browse our step-by-step application guides.
Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. However, scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website before final submission.
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