The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 in UK (Fully Funded) is one of the most prestigious opportunities for international students seeking to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom. As part of the UK government’s commitment to global development and international collaboration, this scholarship programme supports talented students who cannot afford to study in the UK without financial assistance. It is jointly funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and selected UK universities, making it a fully funded opportunity that covers all academic and living expenses.
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed explanation of everything you need to know, including scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, approved courses, supporting documents, and the complete application process.
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Summary of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026
- Fully funded one-year master’s degree programme in the UK
- Funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and participating UK universities
- Available to eligible applicants from Commonwealth countries
- Covers tuition, living stipend, travel costs, and additional allowances
- Applications are submitted directly through the CSC online system
- The academic session begins in September 2026
- Application deadline: 12 December 2025
About the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 in the UK
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026/27 is designed for international students from developing or lower-income Commonwealth nations who show strong academic potential but lack the financial resources to study abroad. The programme supports one-year master’s degree study at participating UK universities, allowing scholars to gain advanced knowledge and skills needed for national development.
The CSC partners with selected UK universities to fund the full cost of the scholarship. Applicants must apply for a course and a university listed under the approved programmes for the 2026 academic cycle. Since the scholarship is highly competitive, candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership attributes, and a strong commitment to returning home to contribute to development.
Key Details of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026
Study Destination: United Kingdom
Host Institutions: Approved UK universities
Degree Level: Master’s Degree (One-year programme)
Programme Duration: 12 months
Academic Intake: September 2026
Application Deadline: 12 December 2025
Students are encouraged to apply well in advance, as applications must be submitted through both the CSC online platform and the participating universities where required.
Approved Courses and Participating Universities
The CSC publishes an updated list of approved courses and universities each year. These programmes align with the Commonwealth’s development priorities, including:
- Science and technology
- Public policy and governance
- Public health
- Innovation and sustainable development
- Environmental studies
- Social sciences
- Education and development studies
Before applying, candidates must review:
- The full list of approved master’s programmes
- The approved participating UK universities for the 2026 scholarship cycle
Applicants are permitted to apply only to eligible academic programmes offered at participating institutions.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 Benefits
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 in UK (Fully Funded) offers an extensive financial package that covers all essential costs associated with studying and living in the UK. The scholarship provides:
1. Full Tuition Coverage
All academic fees for the master’s degree programme are covered by the CSC and the host university.
2. Monthly Living Stipend
Scholars receive a monthly allowance sufficient to cover accommodation, food, local transportation, and other essential living costs.
3. Warm Clothing Allowance
An additional stipend is provided to help scholars purchase appropriate clothing for the UK climate, especially during the winter months.
4. Study-Related Travel Support
The scholarship includes funds for travel within the UK that may be required for programme-related academic activities.
5. Child Allowance
Candidates with eligible dependent children may receive financial support, subject to CSC policies.
6. Round-Trip Travel
The scholarship covers the cost of a return economy-class airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK and back at the end of the award.
These benefits ensure that recipients can focus entirely on their academic programme without financial burden.
Required Supporting Documents
All documents must be submitted online through the CSC application system. Applicants are required to provide:
1. Proof of Citizenship or Refugee Status
A document confirming that the applicant is a citizen of, or has official refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country.
2. Valid Identification
A valid passport or national identity card showing the applicant’s photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
3. Academic Transcripts
Full transcripts of all higher education qualifications. These documents must clearly show the courses studied, grades obtained, and degree classification.
Early preparation of these documents is strongly advised to avoid delays during submission.
Eligible Countries for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026
Only applicants from the following eligible Commonwealth countries can apply:
Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia.
Applicants must be permanent residents of these eligible countries at the time of application.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To be considered for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Citizenship Requirement
Applicants must be citizens of, or hold refugee status in, one of the eligible Commonwealth countries listed above.
2. Residency Requirement
Candidates must be permanently resident in the eligible country.
3. Academic Qualification
By September 2026, applicants must hold:
- A minimum of an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate honours degree
or - A lower second-class (2:2) degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification such as a master’s degree.
4. Study Availability
Applicants must be available to begin academic studies in the UK in September 2026.
5. Previous Study Requirement
Candidates must not have studied or worked in any high-income country for more than one academic year.
6. Financial Need
Applicants must demonstrate that they are unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
These criteria ensure the scholarship reaches students who not only have strong academic potential but also genuinely require financial support.
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)
The application process is conducted entirely online. Follow the steps below:
1: Apply through the CSC Online Application System
All applications must be submitted exclusively through the CSC’s official online portal. The CSC does not accept physical or alternative submissions.
2: Select an Approved Course
Applicants must choose a master’s programme listed under the approved fields of study for the 2026 academic cycle.
3: Apply to a Participating UK University
In many cases, the applicant must also submit a separate application directly to the UK university offering the chosen programme. Requirements vary, so candidates must check specific university instructions.
4: Upload All Supporting Documents
Ensure that all identification documents, transcripts, and required forms are submitted before the deadline.
5: Submit Before the Deadline
The final deadline for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 is 12 December 2025. Late submissions are not reviewed.
A link to the official application portal is provided on the CSC’s website.
Conclusion
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026 in UK (Fully Funded) presents an exceptional opportunity for students from eligible Commonwealth nations to pursue advanced studies at world-class UK institutions. With comprehensive funding, global exposure, and rigorous academic training, this scholarship supports emerging leaders who aim to contribute to development in their home countries.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare their academic documents in advance, review the list of approved programs, and submit their online application well before the deadline.
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