The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships program, offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK, is designed to enable talented individuals from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue full-time taught Master’s study in the UK. The program aims to equip these individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable development, particularly those who would otherwise be unable to afford study in the UK. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these scholarships align with the UK’s international development objectives and demonstrate its commitment to the Commonwealth.
Here is a detailed guide to the application process, highlighting key steps, requirements, and the crucial role of nominating agencies:
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship Application Process
1. Application Opening:
Applications for the 2026/27 academic year are set to open on September 2nd. These scholarships are specifically for study in the UK commencing in September/October 2026.
2. Online Application System:
◦ All applications to the CSC must be submitted through their online application system, CSC Central.
◦ The CSC explicitly states that it is “unable to accept any applications or documentation not submitted via CSC Central”.
◦ It is recommended to prepare answers outside of the system and then input them once finalized. A template application form and guidance document are available to assist applicants.
3. Authentication and Access:
◦ The system utilizes a two-factor authentication (2FA) system, requiring access to a smartphone or a second email account for both registration and each subsequent login.
◦ Applicants will receive an Application Reference Number email containing crucial login details (reference and a 22-character passcode), which they must keep safe.
4. Saving and Submission:
◦ Applicants should regularly use the save function to prevent data loss.
◦ Refreshing your browser window will cause you to exit the form and lose any unsaved data.
◦ Applications cannot be edited after submission. Due to anticipated high system traffic closer to the deadline, candidates are advised to complete and submit their applications as early as possible.
◦ To save a copy of the application, candidates can either print the summary page upon submission or access it again via the ‘view a submitted application’ section.
◦ Users should use the system’s back buttons instead of the browser’s.
5. The Role of Nominating Agencies
Applying for a Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is a two-step process requiring applications to both the CSC and a nominating agency. The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships.
1. Types of Nominators: There are two primary types of nominators for the Master’s Scholarship programme:
◦ National nominating agencies – this is the main route for applications.
◦ Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies.
2. Nominator-Specific Guidelines:
◦ Each nominator has its own selection process and may establish additional eligibility criteria and set its own closing dates for applications.
◦ Applicants must consult their chosen nominator for specific advice, rules for applying, and their unique eligibility criteria.
3. Nomination to CSC: Nominators will submit their selected candidates to the CSC by December 2025. It is important to note that a nomination from an agency is no guarantee of selection for the scholarship.
Example: Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan and Deadline
For candidates applying through the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, which serves as a national nominating agency for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, the deadline for submitting applications via their scholarship portal is October 14, 2025, at 4:00 PM (Pakistan Standard Time). This exemplifies how national nominating agencies set specific, earlier application timelines that applicants must adhere to, in addition to the CSC’s overall requirements.
Note: If you are applying from Pakistan through HEC, you need to pass HAT with minimum of 60 score out of 100. HAT scores are only valid for 2 years.
6. Supporting Documentation Requirements
To be eligible, applications must include specific supporting documentation, all of which must be uploaded to the online application system by the deadline:
• Proof of Citizenship/Refugee Status: A copy of a valid passport (or national ID card) showing a photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
• Academic Transcripts: Full transcripts detailing all higher education qualifications, including up-to-date transcripts for any courses currently being studied. These must be accompanied by certified translations if not in English. Applications with missing or incomplete transcripts will be deemed ineligible.
• References: At least two references from individuals qualified to comment on the applicant’s suitability. These must be in PDF format, signed, and either on institutional letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details. One referee should be a current employer if applicable. Referees should provide comprehensive comments on various aspects, including how long they have known the applicant, suitability for the scholarship, need for the subject in the UK, capability, capacity for original thought, motivation, strengths, weaknesses, and potential development impact in their home country.
The CSC will not accept supporting documentation submitted outside the online application system or after the deadline.
7. Applicant Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Citizenship/Residency: Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person. Applicants must also be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
Eligible Countries
Only candidates from the eligible countries listed can apply for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships. The list includes: Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, 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, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia.
Applications from Small Island Developing States may be considered under a current Time Limited Programme.
• Availability: Be available to start academic studies in the UK by the beginning of the UK academic year in September 2026.
• Academic Qualification: By September 2026, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree combined with a relevant postgraduate qualification (typically a Master’s degree).
◦ Note: Disabled applicants who do not meet the 2:1 undergraduate degree requirement but can demonstrate potential for international development may be considered for a contextualized nomination through the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum nominator.
• Financial Need: Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
• Documentation: Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.
• Prior UK Study: Applicants who have already studied at Master’s level in the UK are not eligible. The CSC normally prefers applicants who have completed their undergraduate degrees and would not typically fund a second Master’s degree, unless strong justification is provided.
• Post-Scholarship Commitment: All Commonwealth Scholars commit to returning to their home country immediately after the scholarship concludes to contribute to their country’s development. Switching to a graduate or other visa to remain in the UK is not permitted.
• Age Limit: There is no age limit for CSC applications.
8. Completing the Application Form
The application form requires comprehensive details, including:
• Academic and Professional Background: Listing all undergraduate and postgraduate university qualifications, up to 10 publications and prizes, and details of employment history, explaining its relevance to the proposed UK programme.
• Referee Details: Names and positions of three referees, with at least two references included in the application.
• Development Impact Statement: A four-part statement explaining:
1. How the proposed scholarship relates to development issues at global, national, and local levels, and to the chosen CSC development theme.
2. How the new skills gained will be applied after the scholarship.
3. Expected changes in development, including outcomes, timeframe, and beneficiaries.
4. How the impact of their work will be measured and evidenced.
• Career Plans: Confirmation of award objectives, how they will be met, and detailed career plans for both the five years following the scholarship and long-term.
• Study Plan: A detailed plan of study.
• Personal Statement: A summary of how the applicant’s personal background has motivated them to make an impact in their home country, highlighting significant contributions or overcoming barriers.
• Voluntary Activities and Leadership: Summarize engagement in voluntary activities and opportunities to demonstrate leadership.
9. Selection Process and Criteria
Applications are assessed based on three core selection criteria:
• Candidate Merit: This includes academic experience.
• Quality of Proposed Study Plan: The strength and relevance of the proposed study.
• Potential Impact: The anticipated impact of the candidate’s work on the development of their home country.
Applicants are strongly advised to align their answers in the application form with these specific criteria.
10. University and Course Selection
• Scholarships are tenable at any approved UK university or higher education institution with which the CSC has a part-funding agreement. A full list is available on the CSC website.
• The CSC exclusively funds one-year taught Master’s programmes and does not fund MBA degrees. Applicants must clearly specify the qualification they are applying for.
• Applicants are advised to list three preferred universities and courses in order of preference, providing clear reasons for their choices.
• The CSC will make the final decision on the institution of study and reserves the right to overrule applicant preferences, considering the course’s suitability and value for money. The CSC will generally not change the university or course of a provisionally selected candidate after selection, unless truly exceptional and unforeseen information becomes available.
• Crucially, applicants must take the necessary steps to apply for admission to their preferred UK universities independently and in advance of their scholarship application. Many courses have strict admission deadlines. If an applicant is selected for a scholarship but has not secured university admission, the scholarship may not proceed.
11. Financial Assistance
Each scholarship package provides comprehensive financial support:
• Airfare: Approved airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award.
• Tuition Fees: Full tuition fees are covered through an agreement between the CSC and the UK university, meaning scholars are not liable for any part of the fee.
• Stipend: A living allowance of £1,452 per month, or £1,781 per month for those attending universities within the London metropolitan area (rates are current and subject to change).
• Allowances: Where applicable, a warm clothing allowance and a study travel grant for study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
• Child Allowance: For scholars who are widowed, divorced, or single parents with children under 16 living with them in the UK, a child allowance of £622 per month for the first child and £154 per month for the second and third child.
◦ Note: The CSC’s family allowances are intended as a contribution only; scholars are expected to supplement these allowances to fully support family members accompanying them to the UK.
• Disability Support: Scholars who disclose a disability will receive a full assessment of their needs and eligibility for additional financial support from the CSC.
12. General Conditions
• Scholarships cover fees, approved fares, and personal maintenance. Other awards covering the same costs cannot be held concurrently.
• The CSC conducts due diligence checks using applicants’ personal information and requires full cooperation. Failure to consent to personal data use for this purpose will prevent the application from proceeding.
• The CSC does not require candidates to take an IELTS (English language) test.
• A scholarship offer may be withdrawn if a provisionally selected candidate does not respond to email communication within a specified timeframe.
• Successful applicants are first provisionally selected, then receive a Notification of Award (formal offer) once university admission terms are agreed, and finally a Confirmation of Award once all conditions (including submitting a Health and Disability Form) are met.
• Scholars are required to sign an undertaking to return to their home country immediately after the award.
• Scholars must reside in the UK during the award period and obtain CSC approval for any overseas travel or paid employment.
• The CSC may consider extensions for scholars transitioning from Master’s to PhD study under strict conditions, but it cannot support scholars remaining in or returning to the UK for work or postdoctoral study after their award.
• Certain individuals are ineligible, including employees or relatives of the UK Government, staff of the Association of Commonwealth Universities or British Council, or Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioners (with a three-year eligibility window after cessation of employment for former staff).
• Applicants convicted of bribery will face a ban from reapplying for up to five years.
• Scholars are expected to adhere to the CSC’s Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy. Awards may be terminated for unsatisfactory conduct, progress, attendance, or university suspension.
• Applicants should review the CSC Safeguarding Policy, as the CSC is committed to safeguarding and requires all parties to act consistently with its requirements.
For more detailed information, applicants are encouraged to consult the current Handbook for Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows, although conditions outlined there are subject to change.