Applications are open for the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027/28 to study in the United Kingdom. The scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and provides fully funded opportunities for eligible students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
The program offers funding for one-year Master’s degrees and three-year PhD study, with successful scholars expected to begin their studies in September 2027. More than 34,000 people have reportedly taken up a Commonwealth Scholarship to date.
For applicants from countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia and other eligible Commonwealth nations, this is an opportunity worth considering if you meet the academic and nomination requirements.
Commonwealth Scholarship 2027/28 – Quick Details
The source lists the same 20 October 2026 deadline for both the Commonwealth Master’s and PhD scholarships.
What Is the Commonwealth Scholarship?
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a major UK scholarship program designed for students from eligible Commonwealth countries.
The scholarship supports talented candidates who want to pursue postgraduate study in the UK. It is presented as one of the major UK scholarship opportunities alongside other well-known programs such as Chevening, Gates Cambridge and Rhodes.
For the 2027/28 academic year, eligible applicants can apply for either a Master’s or PhD opportunity, depending on the specific scholarship route and eligibility requirements.
Financial Benefits
Successful Commonwealth Scholars can receive substantial financial support throughout their studies.
💰 Full tuition fees are covered.
✈️ Return air ticket is provided.
💰 Monthly stipend is provided to help cover living expenses.
🧥 Warm clothing allowance is included.
📚 Thesis allowance is available.
✈️ Additional study travel grants may be provided.
👨👩👧 Family support: For eligible scholars who are widowed, divorced or single parents, the scholarship provides an allowance for eligible children. The source lists £622 per month for the first child and £154 per month for the second and third child under 16.
♿ Additional allowance is available for eligible scholars with disabilities.
Commonwealth Scholarship Degree Programs
The scholarship supports two main postgraduate study routes:
Master’s Scholarship
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship supports one-year taught Master’s programs in the UK.
PhD Scholarship
The Commonwealth PhD route provides funding for three years of full-time study.
Applicants should check the specific scholarship route and participating universities or courses before applying.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is intended for citizens or eligible residents of Commonwealth countries listed by the program.
The source specifically includes countries such as:
The complete eligible-country list in the source includes Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Zambia and many other Commonwealth countries.
Eligible Countries
According to the provided source, eligible countries include:
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the requirements of the Commonwealth Scholarship and their relevant nominating agency.
According to the source, applicants must:
Applicants should also review any additional requirements set by their country’s nominating agency.
Required Documents
The source states that applicants must upload supporting documents including:
Proof of Citizenship or Eligibility
Applicants need to provide proof showing that they are a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country or otherwise meet the applicable eligibility condition.
Valid Passport
A copy of a valid passport is required.
Academic Transcripts
Applicants must provide full transcripts covering all higher education qualifications, including transcripts for courses currently being studied.
If transcripts are incomplete or missing pages, the application may be considered ineligible. Certified translations are required where documents are not in English.
References
Applicants must provide references from at least two individuals.
The references should be in PDF format, signed and on institutional letterhead, or use an email that clearly identifies the sender.
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027/28
The application process involves two important stages.
Step 1: Complete the Commonwealth Online Application
Applicants must submit their application through the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission online application system.
The source states that the CSC will not accept applications or documentation submitted outside the online application system.
It is recommended to start early rather than waiting until the deadline because the online system may become busy close to the closing date.
Step 2: Apply Through a Nominating Agency
Applicants must also apply to an appropriate nominating agency.
The nominating agency evaluates applicants and forwards selected candidates to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships outside the required nomination process.
Nominating Agencies
For Master’s applicants, the source identifies two main types of nominating agencies:
For PhD applicants, the source lists:
Applicants should check their country’s specific nominating agency requirements because additional eligibility criteria may apply.
How to Choose a UK University and Course
Before submitting an application, applicants should carefully consider the university and course they want to study.
The source recommends resources including:
Researching your preferred university and course early can help you prepare a stronger and more focused application.
Commonwealth Scholarship Deadline 2027
The application deadline stated in the source is:
20 October 2026
This deadline is listed for both the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship and Commonwealth PhD Scholarship.
Because the application process involves both the CSC online system and a nominating agency, applicants should not wait until the final day to begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. The provided source describes the Commonwealth Scholarship as fully funded and lists tuition, air travel, monthly stipend and several additional allowances among its benefits.
Can Ghanaian students apply?
Yes. Ghana is included in the eligible-country list provided in the source.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes. Nigeria is also included among the eligible countries.
What degree levels are covered?
The scholarship covers Master’s and PhD study.
How long is the scholarship?
The source states that Master’s scholarships cover one-year taught Master’s programs, while PhD scholarships provide three years of full-time study.
Can I apply directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission?
No. According to the source, applicants must apply through the CSC online system and also through an appropriate nominating agency. The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships outside that process.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline stated in the source is 20 October 2026 for both the Master’s and PhD scholarships.
Final Thoughts
The Commonwealth Scholarship 2027/28 is an important opportunity for eligible students from Commonwealth countries who want to pursue postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship offers extensive financial support, including full tuition fees, return airfare, monthly living support, study travel grants and other allowances.
However, applicants should pay close attention to the nomination process. Completing the CSC online application alone is not enough; applicants must also follow the requirements of their relevant nominating agency.
If you are eligible, start preparing your transcripts, passport, references and other supporting documents well before the 20 October 2026 deadline.
Official Application Links
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship
Official Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship Application
Commonwealth PhD Scholarship
Official Commonwealth PhD Scholarship Application
National Nominating Agencies
Commonwealth National Nominating Agencies
Advice for Applicants
Commonwealth Scholarship Advice for Applicants
