Tag Archives: Commonwealth Scholarship

QUEEN ELIZABETH COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIPS 2027-28 – CYCLE 1

Application Period: 18 November 2026 to 13 January 2027

LOCATION: United Kingdom

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer a unique opportunity to study a two-year master’s degree in a low- or middle-income Commonwealth country.

Aimed at students who are committed to creating change in their communities, the scholarships are a life-changing opportunity to experience a new country and culture, to broaden horizons, and to build a global network that will last a lifetime.

ELIGIBILITY:

Through cultural exchange and academic collaboration, Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholars help bring about positive change and find solutions to the shared challenges we face—both in their home countries and those that host them. As an active part of the Commonwealth network, scholars will help shape its future.

Each year there are two opportunities to apply for QECS—cycle 1 opens in November/December, and cycle 2 opens in March/April. You only need to submit one application, but you are welcome to apply more than once if there is another country you are interested in studying in.

Look through the list of countries and universities hosting scholarships in this cycle. Please note that only the courses listed are eligible for scholarship funding.

You must have attained a minimum of 2:1 or equivalent at the undergraduate level.

Visit the relevant university website for more information on your chosen course using the links included below.

Complete and submit a QECS application for your chosen university/course by clicking the ‘Apply now’ button. Once you’ve clicked apply, you’ll be directed to a login page. If you don’t already have a myACU account, please create a new account to get started.

Submit an application to your chosen university for admission to your chosen course.

Applicants are strongly advised to read the application guidance and FAQs pages before starting an application.

BENEFIT:

Fully funded tuition fees

Living allowance (stipend) for duration of award

Return economy flights to host country

One-off arrival allowance

Research Support Grant (on request only; subject to approval)

APPLY

IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON COMMONWEALTH PHD SCHOLARSHIPS

Application Deadline: 16:00 hours BST (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

LOCATION: England

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) is an international scholarship programme, and in the United Kingdom (UK) is responsible for awarding academically bright citizens of developing Commonwealth countries with funding to undertake postgraduate study at UK universities. The CSC wishes to promote equal opportunity, gender equity, and cultural exchange.

ELIGIBILITY:

To be considered for Imperial Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, you must:

Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by 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 by the start of the UK academic year in September 2027

By September 2027, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).

Not be registered for a PhD or an MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university or in their home country before September/October 2027

Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship

For information on the Imperial Commonwealth Scholarships programme, please refer to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.

How to Apply

You should apply directly through the Commonwealth website

As well as applying to the CSC using the application system (CSC Central), applications must apply to a nominator. Nominators may set their own closing dates for applications. Please check the Commonwealth website for further details on how to apply.

Applicants are also advised to apply for their programme of choice at Imperial College, as soon as applications open, through the standard application process.

Applications must be submitted by 16:00 hours BST (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

BENEFIT:

The scholarship covers

Approved airfare from the Scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award

Approved tuition fees

A stipend (living allowance)

Study travel grants towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.

Provision towards the cost of fieldwork undertaken overseas (the cost of one economy class return airfare to the fieldwork location), where approved.

Paid a mid-term visit (airfare) to the Scholar’s home country, unless they have claimed or intend to claim spouse and/or child allowances during their scholarship or have received a return airfare to their home country for fieldwork.

Family allowances—please see the Financial assistance section for further details.

APPLY