Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

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United Kingdom

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MSc

October 31, 2026

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The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for talented and motivated students from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries. The scholarship supports full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university and is intended for applicants who could not otherwise afford to study in the United Kingdom.

The programme is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and is designed to support sustainable development. Applicants are expected to choose a course that connects clearly to development needs in their home country and to show how their study in the UK will help them contribute after returning home.

At Darrab Education, we recommend this scholarship for strong applicants who have a clear development goal, strong academic background, and a realistic plan for impact after graduation. Applicants should always check the official CSC website and their national nominating agency before applying, because deadlines, eligible countries, and nomination rules may change.

Be a citizen of, or have refugee status from, 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 at the start of the UK academic year.
Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class, 2:1, honours standard, or hold a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree.
Be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
Submit all required documents in the correct format.
Apply for a one-year taught Master’s programme only.
The CSC does not fund MBA degrees or research Master’s programmes.
Applicants who already studied at Master’s level in the UK are not eligible for this scholarship.
Applicants must commit to returning home after the scholarship to contribute to the development of their home country.
There is no age limit for CSC applications, but applicants should check whether their employer has any age-related rules for study leave.

Proof of citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country.
Valid passport or national ID showing photo, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
Full academic transcripts for all higher education qualifications.
Current transcripts for any ongoing study.
Certified English translations if transcripts are not in English.
References from at least two individuals.
References must be signed and either on institutional letterhead or from an email clearly showing the sender’s details.
Details of three referees in the application form, including one current employer if applicable.
Development Impact statement.
Study plan.
Personal statement.
Employment history.
Up to 10 publications and prizes, if applicable.

Apply through CSC Central, the official CSC online application system.
Apply also through a nominator. The CSC does not accept direct applications for this scholarship.
The main nomination route is through national nominating agencies.
Some selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies may also nominate applicants.
Check your nominator’s rules, deadline, and additional requirements before submitting.
Prepare your answers outside the application system first, then copy them into the form.
Submit the application early because the system may be busy near the deadline.
Applications cannot usually be edited after submission.
A nomination does not guarantee final selection; the CSC makes the final scholarship decision.

Approved airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award.
Full approved tuition fees.
Monthly living allowance.
Higher monthly living allowance for scholars studying at universities in the London metropolitan area.
Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
Study travel grant for study-related travel in the UK or overseas.
Child allowance for eligible scholars who are widowed, divorced, or single parents and whose children live with them in the UK.
Additional support assessment for scholars who share that they have a disability.

When can I apply?

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are usually offered annually for study beginning in the next UK academic year. The application period and deadlines may change each year, and each nominating agency may also set its own earlier deadline. Applicants should check both the official CSC website and their national nominating agency.

Can I apply directly to the CSC?

No. Applicants must apply through CSC Central and also through an approved nominator. The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships.

Is this scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The scholarship covers approved tuition fees, approved airfare, monthly living allowance, and other possible allowances according to CSC rules.

Can international students from Arab countries apply?

Only applicants from eligible Commonwealth countries can apply. Most Arab countries are not Commonwealth countries, so many Arab applicants will not be eligible for this specific scholarship. Applicants should check the official eligible country list before applying.

Can I apply for any Master’s programme?

No. The scholarship funds one-year taught Master’s programmes only. It does not fund MBA degrees or research Master’s programmes. The course must also relate to CSC development themes and development impact.

What are the CSC development themes?

The CSC development themes include science and technology for development, strengthening health systems and capacity, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthening global peace, security and governance, strengthening resilience and response to crises, and access, inclusion and opportunity.

Do I need work experience?

Work experience is not mandatory for all Commonwealth Scholarships, but applicants must show development impact, leadership potential, and a strong connection between their course, experience, and future contribution.

Can I choose the UK university?

Applicants can list up to three preferred universities and courses in order of preference. The CSC makes the final decision and may overrule preferences based on course suitability and value for money.

Do I need IELTS?

The CSC states that it does not require candidates to take an IELTS test. However, the selected UK university may have its own English language requirements, so applicants must check the university admission rules.

Official Source

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{MSc}

{Italy}

{Fully Funded}

{Mar 15, 2023}