Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28: Fully Funded Master’s Study in the UK

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships support full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university. The programme is offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK and is aimed at candidates from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the United Kingdom.

For the 2027/28 cycle, this is a major opportunity for students who are ready for postgraduate study in Europe and want a fully funded route to a UK Master’s degree. Applications are handled through both the CSC system and an approved nominator, so applicants need to manage more than one set of instructions carefully.

You can read the official scholarship page here: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.

What the scholarship pays for

This is described as a fully funded scholarship for full-time taught Master’s study in the UK. According to the scholarship information provided, the award can include:

  • Approved airfare for travel connected with the scholarship.
  • Approved tuition fees for the eligible Master’s programme.
  • Living stipend to help cover day-to-day costs while studying.
  • Applicable allowances, depending on the award rules and circumstances.

Because the scholarship is designed for students who could not otherwise afford UK study, applicants should be prepared to show that this funding is essential to their ability to take up a Master’s place.

Who can apply

The scholarship is open to candidates from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries. Applicants must be seeking a full-time taught Master’s degree at a UK university.

The programme is not intended for every international applicant. It specifically targets candidates who meet the CSC eligibility rules, come through an approved nominating route, and need support to study in the UK. Applicants should also check the requirements of their nominator, because nominators may apply their own selection criteria and deadlines.

How to apply

Applicants must apply through CSC Central and through an approved nominator. The CSC does not use a simple direct-only application route for this scholarship, so it is important to complete both parts correctly.

  1. Read the official CSC scholarship page. Start with the official page to understand the current 2027/28 rules, eligible routes, and required process.
  2. Identify the correct approved nominator. Applicants must apply through an approved nominator, such as the relevant nominating route listed by the CSC.
  3. Check the nominator’s own deadline and criteria. The nominator may have an earlier deadline than the CSC closing date and may request extra documents or information.
  4. Prepare your CSC Central application. Complete the online application through CSC Central, following the CSC instructions closely.
  5. Submit to the nominator as required. Make sure the nominator receives everything it asks for, in the format and timeline it sets.
  6. Review before final submission. Confirm that your information is consistent across the CSC application and the nominator’s process.

Key dates

  • Today’s date: 2026-10-04.
  • Application cycle: 2027/28 academic year.
  • CSC application deadline: 2026-10-20.
  • Time noted in official guidance: 16:00 BST on Tuesday 20 October.
  • Nominator deadlines: These may be earlier, so applicants should check immediately.

As of today, the CSC deadline is close. Applicants should not wait until the final days, especially because the nominator step may take additional time.

Practical tips for applicants

  • Work backwards from the earliest deadline. Do not plan only around 20 October 2026. If your approved nominator has an earlier cut-off, that date becomes your real deadline.
  • Match your plans to the scholarship purpose. Since this scholarship is for full-time taught Master’s study in the UK and for candidates who could not otherwise afford it, make your application clearly reflect that fit.
  • Keep the CSC and nominator requirements separate. Create a checklist for CSC Central and another checklist for the nominator so that you do not miss a document, question, or submission step.

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships can provide substantial support for eligible Master’s students, including tuition, approved airfare, a living stipend, and applicable allowances. Before applying, readers should confirm every detail, deadline, eligibility rule, and application instruction on the official scholarship website.