Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/2028: Fully Funded UK Scholarship – Apply Now

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Category: Scholarships

Published on Thursday, 01 October 2026 09:53

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The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/2028 are now open for eligible applicants from Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria. The fully funded scholarship supports full-time, taught Master’s study at participating universities in the United Kingdom.

 

The scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). It is designed for talented graduates from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who would otherwise be unable to afford postgraduate study in the UK.

 

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 – Key Details

 

• Scholarship: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

• Academic year: 2027/2028

• Study level: Master’s degree

• Study location: United Kingdom

• Study type: Full-time taught Master’s

• Funding: Fully funded

• Eligible countries: Selected low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries

• Nigeria: Eligible

• Application opening date: 8 September 2026

• Application closing date: 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST

• Expected study start: September/October 2027

• Application system: CSC Central

• Nigerian nominating agency: Federal Scholarship Board

• Official application: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

 

The CSC states that candidates must apply through its official application system and also apply through an approved nominating agency. The CSC does not accept direct applications outside its official process.

 

What Is the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship?

 

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is an international postgraduate scholarship programme for candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries.

 

The programme supports students who want to gain advanced knowledge and professional skills through a Master’s degree in the UK, particularly where their proposed study can contribute to development in their home country.

 

The scholarship is offered under the CSC's six development themes and focuses on candidates who demonstrate academic ability, a strong study plan and potential development impact.

 

What Does the Commonwealth Scholarship Cover?

 

The 2027/28 Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship provides substantial financial support for eligible scholars.

 

According to the CSC, the scholarship includes:

 

1. Full tuition fees

Approved tuition fees are covered under arrangements between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the participating UK university.

 

This means successful scholars are not expected to pay the approved tuition fees themselves.

 

2. Monthly living allowance

Scholars receive a monthly stipend to help cover living expenses while studying in the UK.

 

The current rate listed by the CSC is:

• £1,712 per month for study outside the London metropolitan area

• £2,000 per month for scholars studying at universities in the London metropolitan area

 

These figures are quoted at the current rates and may be subject to change under the scholarship's conditions.

 

3. International airfare

The scholarship provides approved airfare from the scholar's home country to the UK and a return flight at the end of the award.

 

The CSC does not cover flights for dependants or journeys made before the scholarship is formally confirmed.

 

4. Study travel grant

A study travel grant is also available to contribute towards approved study-related travel within the UK or overseas.

 

5. Family allowance in certain circumstances

Eligible scholars who are widowed, divorced or single parents may receive child allowances where their children live with them at the same UK address.

 

The current rates listed by the CSC are £622 per month for the first child and £154 per month for the second and third child under 16. These allowances are intended as a contribution towards family costs rather than full financial support for dependants.

 

Applicants who disclose a disability can also receive an assessment of their needs and eligibility for additional financial support.

 

Who Can Apply for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship?

 

The scholarship is open to applicants from eligible Commonwealth countries.

 

Nigeria is included on the CSC's current list of eligible countries. Other eligible countries include Ghana, India, Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Bangladesh and several other Commonwealth countries.

 

To be considered, applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:

• 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 the academic programme in the UK in September 2027.

• Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard by September 2027.

• Applicants with a lower second-class degree may be considered if they also hold a relevant postgraduate qualification, normally a Master’s degree.

• Demonstrate that they cannot afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.

• Provide all required supporting documents in the specified format.

There is no general age limit for Commonwealth Scholarship applications, according to the CSC.

 

Do You Need a UK University Admission Offer Before Applying?

 

A UK university admission or offer letter is not an eligibility requirement at the CSC application stage for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship.

 

However, the CSC strongly advises applicants to seek admission to their proposed UK university at the same time as, or as soon as possible after, submitting their scholarship application.

 

Applicants should also check the individual university's admission requirements because universities can have separate application deadlines.

 

This is important because being nominated or selected for a Commonwealth Scholarship does not automatically mean that every university admission requirement has been satisfied.

 

What Can You Study?

 

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship supports one-year taught Master’s programmes.

 

The CSC does not fund:

• MBA programmes

• Research Master’s programmes

• More than one degree under the same scholarship award

Applicants should therefore carefully check that their proposed course is eligible before completing the application.

 

The proposed course should also relate to development priorities and one or more of the CSC's development themes.

 

How Many UK Universities Can You Choose?

 

Applicants for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship can list up to three UK universities and courses on the application.

 

The choices should be entered in order of preference, with the first university/course representing the applicant's first choice.

 

The CSC advises applicants to research their proposed universities and courses carefully before submitting the application because the order of preference is important during the selection and placement process.

 

How Applicants Are Selected

 

Submitting an application does not guarantee a scholarship.

 

The CSC considers applications using selection criteria that include:

• Academic merit and experience

• The quality of the proposed study plan

• The potential development impact of the proposed study in the applicant's home country

 

For Master’s applications, applicants should explain clearly why their proposed course is relevant to their career and how the knowledge and skills gained could contribute to development after returning home.

 

Commonwealth Scholarship Application Process

 

Applicants should complete both parts of the process where applicable:

 

Step 1: Complete the CSC application

Applications to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission must be submitted through the official CSC Central application system.

 

The CSC states that applications or supporting documents sent by email or other methods will not be accepted.

 

Step 2: Apply through a nominating agency

Applicants must also apply to an approved nominating agency.

 

There are two main nomination routes:

• National nominating agencies

• Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable organisations

Each nominating organisation may have its own eligibility requirements and deadline.

 

For Nigerian applicants, the CSC lists the Federal Scholarship Board as the national nominating agency.

 

This means Nigerian applicants should pay close attention to instructions issued by the Federal Scholarship Board in addition to the CSC deadline.

 

Documents You Should Prepare

 

Applicants should prepare their supporting documents well before the deadline.

 

Depending on the application and nominating route, applicants should expect to provide information such as:

• University degree certificates

• Academic transcripts

• Details of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications

• Information about employment history

• Details of publications and prizes, where applicable

• References

• Proposed course and university choices

• A study plan explaining the relevance of the proposed programme

• Information about the expected development impact of the study

 

References must be uploaded through the official application system in the required format before the deadline. The CSC does not accept references submitted separately by email or after the deadline.

 

Do You Need IELTS for the Commonwealth Scholarship?

 

The CSC states that it does not require applicants to take an IELTS test for its scholarship application.

 

However, this does not necessarily mean that a particular UK university will not have an English-language requirement. Applicants should therefore check the admission requirements of each university and course they intend to apply for.

 

Is the Commonwealth Scholarship Free to Apply For?

 

Yes. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission states that it does not charge applicants to apply through its online application system.

 

Applicants should be careful with websites, agents or individuals asking for money in exchange for guaranteed Commonwealth Scholarship selection.

 

The CSC has specifically warned prospective applicants to use only its official website and systems and to be cautious of third-party organisations requesting personal information or supporting documents.

 

Important Information for Nigerian Applicants

 

Nigeria is one of the countries eligible for the 2027/28 Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.

 

The CSC lists the Federal Scholarship Board, Abuja, as Nigeria's national nominating agency.

 

The Federal Ministry of Education also has a Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan section on its official website and has published previous Commonwealth scholarship information for Nigerian applicants.

 

Nigerian applicants should therefore monitor both the official CSC website and the Federal Ministry of Education/Federal Scholarship Board for any country-specific nomination instructions or deadlines.

 

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/2028 – Important Dates

 

Event	Date
Application opens	8 September 2026
CSC application deadline	20 October 2026, 16:00 BST
Nominating agencies submit nominations	December 2026
Expected scholarship results	July 2027
UK study begins	September/October 2027

 

The CSC confirms the opening and closing dates for the 2027/28 round and notes that applicants should also check the deadline set by their individual nominating agency.

 

How to Apply for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/2028

 

Interested applicants should begin by reviewing the official eligibility requirements and choosing suitable eligible UK Master’s programmes.

 

Application steps

1. Check that your country is on the CSC's eligible-country list.

2. Check that you meet the academic and financial eligibility requirements.

3. Research eligible one-year taught Master’s courses at UK universities.

4. Select up to three suitable university/course choices.

5. Prepare your academic records, references and other supporting documents.

6. Complete the Commonwealth Scholarship application through CSC Central.

7. Apply through your relevant national nominating agency or other approved nominating route.

8. Submit everything before the applicable deadline.

9. Monitor your email for updates from the CSC and your nominating agency.

 

Applicants should submit their applications early because the CSC warns that the online application system can become busy close to the deadline and late applications are not accepted.

 

Official Registration and Application Link

 

Applications should only be made through the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission system.

 

Official Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship information and application:
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships – Official CSC Website

 

Nigeria's national nominating agency:
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission – National Nominating Agencies

 

Applicants should avoid unofficial websites claiming to offer guaranteed Commonwealth Scholarships. The CSC has warned applicants to use its official website and systems when applying.

 

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Conclusion

 

For eligible Nigerian graduates and applicants from other participating Commonwealth countries, the programme provides an opportunity to pursue a fully funded, full-time taught Master’s degree in the UK, with approved tuition fees, living allowance, airfare and other support included.

 

Applicants should start preparing their documents and university choices early and should also check their national nominating agency's requirements because the agency may have a separate deadline.

 

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