Henry Izuu 
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026/2027 Opens for Master’s Degree Applications
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship represents a transformative opportunity for talented postgraduate students from Commonwealth nations to pursue Master’s degrees in the United Kingdom. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Programme for the 2026/2027 academic year.
About the Program
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is one of three Master’s scholarship programmes administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC). Operating under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship reflects the UK’s commitment to international development within the Commonwealth community.
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is jointly funded by the CSC and participating UK universities, specifically designed to support students who would otherwise be unable to afford postgraduate study in the UK. The primary objective of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is to develop skilled professionals and future leaders who will contribute to the development needs of their home Commonwealth countries.
Key Information:
- Applications open: 16:30 GMT, Wednesday 12 November 2025
- Application deadline: 16:00 GMT, Tuesday 9 December 2025
- Study begins: September/October 2026
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, you must meet strict criteria regarding citizenship, residency, academic qualifications, and financial need.
You must:
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Be available to start your studies in the UK by September 2026
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard by September 2026, OR hold a lower second-class degree combined with a relevant postgraduate qualification (typically a Master’s degree)
- Not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high income country
- Be unable to afford UK study without the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
- Provide all supporting documentation in the required format
Eligible Commonwealth countries include: Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and others.
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship primarily targets high-quality postgraduate students from Least Developed and middle-income countries who demonstrate potential to drive development in their home nations.
Benefits
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support covering all essential costs for the duration of your Master’s programme (normally 12 months).
Financial benefits included in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship:
- Full Tuition Fees – Completely covered through agreement between the CSC and your UK university
- Monthly Stipend – £1,452 per month (£1,781 per month for London-based universities)
- Return Airfare – Flight costs from your home country to the UK and back, funded by the CSC
- Warm Clothing Allowance – Provided where applicable
- Thesis Grant – Support for preparing your thesis or dissertation
- Study Travel Grant – Funding for study-related travel within the UK or overseas
- TB Test Contribution – Coverage toward mandatory tuberculosis testing for visa applications
- Child Allowance – £622 per month for the first child and £154 per month for the second and third child (for eligible single parents, widowed, or divorced scholars with children under 16 living with them in the UK)
All Commonwealth Shared Scholarship benefits are designed to ensure you can focus entirely on your studies without financial burden.
Application Guidelines
Applications for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship must be submitted through the CSC’s online platform, CSC Central. The Commission cannot accept applications or documentation submitted through any other channel.
When completing your Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application, you’ll need to provide:
- Academic History – Complete list of all undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications
- Achievements – Up to 10 publications and prizes
- Employment Details – Comprehensive employment history demonstrating relevant experience that supports your proposed UK programme
- Three References – From qualified referees who can assess your capacity to benefit from the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship and deliver development impact. One referee must be your current employer (if applicable)
- Development Impact Statement – A critical four-part statement explaining how the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship will enable you to contribute to your home country’s development
Required Documents
To complete your Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application successfully, ensure you prepare all supporting documentation in the required format before the deadline.
Essential documents for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship include:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of citizenship or refugee status
- Evidence of permanent residency in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Employment references and documentation
- Three complete referee assessments submitted through CSC Central
- Development Impact Statement (four parts)
- TB test receipts (if applicable)
- Any additional documentation specified by your chosen UK university
Remember: The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application system will not accept documents submitted outside the CSC Central platform.
Program Structure and Duration
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship supports full-time Master’s degree programmes aligned with six core CSC Development themes. Understanding these themes is crucial for your application success.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Development Themes and Examples:
| Development Theme | Example Course |
|---|---|
| Access, inclusion and opportunity | MA Disability Studies (Liverpool Hope University) |
| Improving population health, health systems and capacity | MPH Public Health (University of Glasgow, Newcastle University, Queen’s University Belfast) |
| Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship | MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management (University of Surrey) |
| Science and technology for development | MSc Renewable Energy Engineering (Brunel University of London) |
| Strengthening peace, security and governance | MA Conflict Transformation and Social Justice (Queen’s University Belfast) |
| Strengthening resilience and response to crises | MSc Climate Change Science and Policy (University of Bristol) |
Duration: The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship normally covers 12 months of full-time Master’s study, beginning in September/October 2026.
Why You Should Apply
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship offers more than financial support – it’s an investment in your future and your country’s development.
Reasons to apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship:
Leadership Development – Gain advanced skills and knowledge to drive change in your home country
World-Class Education – Study at prestigious UK universities without financial barriers
Professional Network – Join a global community of Commonwealth Shared Scholarship alumni making real development impact
Comprehensive Support – Focus entirely on your studies with full financial coverage
Development Impact – Position yourself to address critical challenges facing your Commonwealth nation
Career Advancement – Return home with internationally recognized qualifications and enhanced expertise
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is designed for talented individuals who lack the financial means to study in the UK but possess the vision and commitment to transform their communities.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application for 2026/2027:
Step 1: Verify Eligibility Confirm you meet all Commonwealth Shared Scholarship eligibility criteria including citizenship, residency, academic qualifications, and financial need.
Step 2: Select Your Programme Choose a Master’s programme at a participating UK university that aligns with one of the six CSC Development themes.
Step 3: Register on CSC Central Create your account on the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship online application system at CSC Central.
Step 4: Complete Application Form Provide detailed information about your academic background, achievements, employment history, and development goals.
Step 5: Prepare Your Development Impact Statement Craft a compelling four-part statement demonstrating how the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship will enable you to contribute to your home country’s development.
Step 6: Arrange References Contact three qualified referees (including your current employer if applicable) and ensure they submit their assessments through CSC Central.
Step 7: Upload Documentation Submit all required supporting documents in the specified format through the online system.
Step 8: Submit Before Deadline Complete and submit your Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application by 16:00 GMT on Tuesday 9 December 2025.
Important: The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Commission cannot accept late applications or documents submitted outside CSC Central. Plan ahead to ensure you meet all requirements before the deadline.
Quick Reference
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Type | Fully funded (CSC and UK universities) |
| Degree Level | Full-time Master’s |
| Duration | Normally 12 months |
| Start Date | September/October 2026 |
| Application Opens | 16:30 GMT, 12 November 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 16:00 GMT, 9 December 2025 |
| Application System | CSC Central online platform |
| Minimum Academic Requirement | 2:1 honours degree or 2:2 plus postgraduate qualification |
| Primary Focus | Development impact in Commonwealth countries |
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is your gateway to transformative education and leadership development. Start preparing your application today and take the first step toward becoming a change-maker in your Commonwealth nation.
About The Author
Disclaimer
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