Quick facts
| Host | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), funded by the UK government |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Level | One-year taught master’s (MBAs not funded) |
| Funding | Fully funded: tuition, flights, monthly stipend |
| Deadline | 20 October 2026, 16:00 BST (CSC). Your nominating agency’s deadline may be earlier. |
| English test | Not required (no IELTS) |
| Study starts | September 2027 |
| Official page | cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/masters |
| Last checked | 9 October 2026 |
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship pays for talented people from eligible Commonwealth countries to complete a one-year master’s degree at a UK university. It is one of the few fully funded UK scholarships that does not require an IELTS or other English test.
Eligible African countries
Botswana, Eswatini, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zambia. You must be a citizen of (or have refugee status in) one of these countries and live there permanently.
What the scholarship covers
- Full tuition fees
- Return airfare between your home country and the UK
- Monthly stipend of £1,712, or £2,000 at universities in the London area
- Study travel grant
- Child allowance for widowed, divorced or single-parent scholars (£622 per month for the first child, £154 for the second and third children under 16)
Who can apply
- A first degree with at least upper second-class (2:1) honours by September 2027, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification
- Available to start in September 2027
- Unable to afford UK study without the scholarship
- Not previously studied a master’s in the UK or held a Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship
How to apply, step by step
- Find your nominator. You cannot apply directly to the CSC. Apply through your country’s national nominating agency (usually a ministry of education or scholarship board) or an approved NGO. Check its own deadline first; it is often earlier than the CSC deadline.
- Choose three UK master’s courses in order of preference, and apply to the universities. The CSC will not go ahead if you don’t secure admission.
- Prepare your documents as PDFs: passport or national ID, full transcripts, and at least two signed references.
- Complete the application on CSC Central and upload everything before 20 October 2026, 16:00 BST. Missing documents make an application ineligible, and you can’t edit it after submitting.
- Wait for nomination and selection. Nominators must put candidates forward by December 2026.
Tips to stand out
- Show development impact. The CSC funds people who will make a difference at home. Link your course to a specific problem in your country and explain what you will do after you return.
- Pick courses that fit your plan, not just famous universities. Explain why each of your three choices matches your goal.
- Brief your referees early. Give them your CV and plan so their letters support the same story.
- Submit days before the deadline. Late applications are not accepted, and portals slow down near closing time.
Important rules
Scholars must return home when the award ends and cannot switch to the UK Graduate visa. You need CSC approval before taking paid work or travelling abroad during the scholarship. Applying is free: never pay anyone who offers to “guarantee” this scholarship.
FAQ
Is South Sudan eligible? No. South Sudan is not on the eligible country list for this scholarship.
Do I need an admission letter before applying? You should apply to your universities in advance. The CSC will not proceed with your scholarship if you don’t secure admission.
Can I bring my family? The scholarship gives only limited family support (child allowance in some cases), so plan your finances carefully.
Source: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK, checked 9 October 2026. Always confirm the latest details on the official website before applying. EuroPath Jobs is an information directory and is not connected to the CSC.