Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/2028 – Fully Funded Master's Scholarships in the United Kingdom

The approved course list is essential because it identifies the actual programmes eligible for funding. Applicants should check the updated list on the official CSC website when it becomes available.

The programme covers courses connected to a wide range of development-related disciplines. These may include:

• Agriculture and food security.
• Environmental management and climate change.
• Public health and health systems.
• Science, technology and innovation.
• Education and educational development.
• Economics and sustainable development.
• Governance, public policy and international relations.
• Social development and inclusion.
• Entrepreneurship and economic growth.
• Disaster management and resilience.

The precise courses available will depend on the official 2027/2028 approved course list.

Scholarship Benefits and Financial Support

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are jointly financed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the participating UK universities.

The award is designed to remove major financial barriers associated with studying in the United Kingdom.

The published scholarship benefits include:

1. Full Tuition Fee Coverage

The scholarship covers approved tuition fees through an agreement between the CSC and the participating university.

Successful scholars are not expected to pay their own contribution towards the covered tuition fees.

2. Monthly Living Allowance

Scholars receive a monthly stipend to help cover accommodation, food, transportation and other living expenses.

The published monthly rates are:

• £1,712 per month for scholars studying outside the London metropolitan area.
• £2,000 per month for scholars studying at universities in the London metropolitan area.

These are the published current rates and may be revised for the 2027/2028 academic year.

At these rates, the monthly allowance represents approximately £20,544 per year outside London and £24,000 per year in London.

The allowance is paid by the participating university throughout the approved scholarship period.

3. Return Airfare

The scholarship provides approved economy-class airfare from the scholar's home country to the United Kingdom and a return journey at the end of the award.

Travel arrangements are subject to the CSC's travel policy. The scholarship does not cover airfare for dependants.

4. Warm Clothing Allowance

A warm clothing allowance is available to help scholars prepare for the colder UK climate.

This is particularly useful for scholars travelling from tropical countries who may need additional clothing for the autumn and winter seasons.

5. Study Travel Grant

A study travel grant may be provided to support approved academic travel within the UK or overseas where it is relevant to the course.

6. Thesis Grant

A thesis grant may be available towards the cost of preparing a dissertation or thesis, where applicable.

7. Additional Support for Eligible Scholars with Children

Additional child allowances are available under the programme's conditions for scholars who are widowed, divorced or single parents with eligible children.

Applicants who may qualify should consult the official scholarship conditions for the applicable amounts and requirements.

8. Disability Support

Additional support may be available for eligible scholars with disabilities. Applicants can disclose their support requirements for assessment under the Commission's disability support arrangements.

The scholarship normally lasts for 12 months and is not renewable or extendable.

Eligibility Requirements

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are open to citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries.

Nigeria is included among the eligible countries for the 2027/2028 programme. Other eligible countries include Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and several other Commonwealth countries.

To be considered, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

Nationality and Residence

• Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be available to begin the approved Master's programme in the UK in September or October 2027.

Academic Qualifications

By the start of the 2027/2028 academic year, applicants must:

• Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class honours (2:1) standard; or
• Hold a lower second-class degree (2:2) together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master's degree.

Relevant work experience cannot replace the minimum academic qualification.

Financial Circumstances

Applicants must demonstrate that they would not be able to afford to study in the United Kingdom without the scholarship.

Universities may have procedures for assessing applicants' financial circumstances.

Previous Study or Employment in High-Income Countries

Applicants must not have studied or worked for one academic year or more in a high-income country, as defined by the CSC eligibility rules.

Distance learning completed through a university in a high-income country while the applicant remained in their home country is permitted, but applicants should disclose the arrangement as required.

Return to Home Country

Scholars are required to return to their home country after completing the scholarship, within the period specified by the award conditions.

The programme is intended to build skills and expertise that can contribute to development in scholars' home countries.

There is no general age limit stated for the programme.

The Six Development Themes

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are not simply awards for obtaining a foreign qualification. The selected courses must demonstrate how the knowledge and skills acquired can contribute to development.

Applications should therefore be connected to one or more of the Commission's six development themes.

1. Science and Technology for Development

This theme supports the development and application of scientific and technological knowledge to address problems in eligible countries.

Relevant areas may include agricultural technology, engineering, digital innovation, renewable energy, scientific research and technology transfer.

For example, a Nigerian applicant could explain how advanced agricultural research or digital technologies could improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses or support agricultural value chains.

2. Improving Population Health, Health Systems and Capacity

This theme focuses on improving healthcare delivery, public health outcomes and the capacity of health institutions.

Relevant areas include public health, epidemiology, health policy, health systems management, disease prevention and healthcare infrastructure.

Applicants should demonstrate how the proposed course could help address specific healthcare challenges in their home country.

3. Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship

This theme encourages the development of innovative ideas, businesses, products and services that contribute to economic growth.

Relevant areas include entrepreneurship, business development, innovation management, enterprise development and economic transformation.

Applicants could explain how the skills gained would help create businesses, improve productivity, support small enterprises or generate employment.

4. Strengthening Peace, Security and Governance

This theme supports stronger institutions, transparent governance, conflict prevention and improved security.

Relevant fields may include public administration, governance, international relations, security studies, law and public policy.

Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed studies could contribute to better institutions, accountability, peaceful communities or effective public administration.

5. Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises

This theme focuses on building the capacity of countries and communities to respond to emergencies and long-term challenges.

Relevant areas include climate change, disaster risk management, environmental protection, food security, public health emergencies and economic resilience.

For example, an applicant could explain how training in climate adaptation or disaster management would help communities prepare for floods, droughts or other environmental threats.

6. Access, Inclusion and Opportunity

This theme promotes equal access to education, employment, social participation and decision-making.

Relevant fields include education, gender studies, disability studies, social policy, community development and inclusive economic development.

Applicants should explain how their proposed studies could help reduce inequalities and expand opportunities for underserved communities.

Application Documents and Information to Prepare

Applicants should begin preparing their academic and supporting documents before the application window opens.

The documents and information commonly required for scholarship and university admission applications include:

• Valid international passport or other acceptable identification.
• Bachelor's degree certificate.
• Academic transcripts showing courses and grades.
• Master's degree certificate and transcripts, where applicable.
• Updated academic or professional CV.
• Details of academic and professional employment history.
• Information about publications, awards and relevant achievements.
• Academic and professional referee details.
• Supporting references in the format specified by the application system.
• Personal statement and development impact responses.
• Additional documents required by the selected university.

Applicants with a lower second-class degree should also prepare evidence of their relevant postgraduate qualification.

The university may request additional documents, such as English-language test results, depending on its admission requirements.

Do not assume that submitting a scholarship application automatically secures admission to the university.

How to Apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

There are two important parts of the application process: applying for the scholarship through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and applying for admission to the selected Master's course through the university.

Step 1: Check the Approved Course List

Visit the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website when the 2027/2028 course list is published.

Identify the universities and Master's programmes approved for the scholarship.

Do not rely on an old course list because approved programmes can change from one academic year to another.

Step 2: Choose a Suitable Master's Programme

Select a course that matches your academic background, professional experience and long-term career objectives.

More importantly, identify how the course relates to one of the six CSC development themes.

For example, a graduate with an agricultural background could consider approved programmes relating to agricultural development, food security, sustainable agriculture or environmental management.

Step 3: Apply for University Admission

Submit an application for admission to your chosen Master's programme through the university's own admissions portal.

Check the university's admission requirements and deadlines carefully. Some university scholarship or course deadlines may be earlier than the CSC scholarship deadline.

Step 4: Apply Through CSC Central

When the application window opens on 10 November 2026, access the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's online application system, CSC Central.

Complete the scholarship application and provide the requested academic, personal and supporting information.

Step 5: Explain Your Development Impact

This is an important part of the application.

Explain the development problem you intend to address, why the selected course is relevant and how you plan to apply the knowledge gained after returning home.

Your response should be specific rather than simply stating that you want to contribute to national development.

Step 6: Submit Supporting Documents

Upload all required supporting documents in the requested formats.

Review the application carefully before submitting it. Incomplete documentation can affect whether an application is considered.

Step 7: University Selection and CSC Approval

Participating universities conduct their own recruitment and selection processes.

They identify suitable candidates and nominate them to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

The CSC then checks the nominated candidates against the programme's eligibility requirements before confirming awards.

Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.

How Applicants Are Assessed

The scholarship is competitive. Applicants should not assume that meeting the minimum academic requirements automatically makes them successful.

The selection process considers the applicant's academic ability and suitability for the programme, alongside the potential contribution of the proposed studies to development in the home country.

Universities also assess applicants according to their own admission requirements and recruitment procedures.

A strong application should establish a clear connection between:

1. The applicant's previous academic or professional background.
2. The selected Master's programme.
3. A specific development challenge in the applicant's home country.
4. The practical skills and knowledge the applicant expects to acquire.
5. How those skills will be applied after returning home.

Application Advice for Nigerian Applicants

One mistake applicants make when applying for international scholarships is focusing almost entirely on the prestige of the university and the fact that the scholarship is fully funded.

For the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, the development relevance of the selected course is particularly important.

Before choosing a programme, identify a real challenge in Nigeria that the course could help you address.

For example, an applicant choosing a Master's programme in food security should be able to explain how the training could contribute to reducing food shortages, improving agricultural value chains, strengthening food distribution or reducing post-harvest losses.

A public health applicant could discuss challenges such as inadequate healthcare access, disease surveillance, maternal health or health system capacity.

Avoid broad statements such as "I want to help Nigeria develop." Explain the specific problem, the people or institutions affected and the practical contribution you intend to make.

Your academic background should also support your proposed course. If you are changing disciplines, explain the connection between your previous qualifications, professional experience and the new area of study.

Pay particular attention to the university application. A scholarship application and a university admission application are separate processes. You may meet the CSC eligibility requirements but still fail to secure admission to your selected course.

Also, do not wait until December to begin preparing. The university may have an earlier deadline for scholarship consideration.

Finally, applicants should be realistic about the return-home requirement. This award is designed to build capacity in eligible Commonwealth countries, and scholars are expected to return home after completing their studies.

Important Dates

• Application opening: 10 November 2026.
• Application closing: 8 December 2026 at 16:00 GMT.
• Expected start of studies: September/October 2027.
• Normal scholarship duration: 12 months.

The 2027/2028 approved course list should be checked on the official CSC website before applicants submit their applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Nigerians apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?

Yes. Nigeria is among the eligible Commonwealth countries for the 2027/2028 programme. Nigerian applicants must still satisfy the academic, residence, financial and other eligibility requirements.

Does the scholarship cover all tuition fees?

Yes. Approved tuition fees are covered through the funding agreement between the CSC and the participating university.

Can I apply with a Second Class Lower degree?

Yes, provided you also hold a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master's degree, and satisfy the other requirements.

Can I apply for a PhD using this scholarship?

No. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are specifically for approved taught Master's programmes.

Can I apply to more than one university?

Yes. Applicants can apply for more than one approved course and university, but they can accept only one Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.

How long does the scholarship last?

The scholarship normally lasts for 12 months and cannot be extended or renewed.

Will the scholarship pay for my family to travel with me?

The approved airfare benefit is for the scholar. Airfare for dependants is not covered. Additional child allowances may be available for eligible widowed, divorced or single-parent scholars under the programme's conditions.

Can I remain in the UK after completing the scholarship?

Scholars are required to return to their home country under the award conditions. Commonwealth Shared Scholars are not eligible for the UK Graduate visa through this award.