Quick answer: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for the 2027/28 academic year are open for eligible candidates from low and middle income Commonwealth countries who want to undertake full-time taught Master’s study in the UK. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) deadline is Tuesday 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST, but applicants must also follow the process and potentially earlier deadline of an approved nominating body.
If you are comparing major funded UK opportunities, also see the Course Centrals Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students hub and our Chevening Scholarship guide. You can track other opportunities in the Course Centrals Scholarship Calendar.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2027/28 at a glance
| Study level | Full-time taught Master’s |
| Study destination | United Kingdom |
| Applications opened | 8 September 2026 |
| CSC closing date | 20 October 2026, 16:00 BST |
| Study begins | September/October 2027 |
| Funding body | UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office through the CSC |
| Application route | CSC system plus an eligible nominating body |
Who is the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship for?
The CSC describes the scholarship as supporting talented and motivated candidates from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. The award is development-focused and is offered under six CSC development themes.
Eligibility is country-specific. Applicants should use the official CSC page to confirm that their citizenship and residency situation is eligible before investing time in an application.
The application route is important
This is not a simple direct-to-CSC application. The CSC states that participating nominators put forward candidates for consideration and that the Commission does not accept direct applications for these scholarships.
That means you should identify your nominating agency early. A nominator may use its own application process, eligibility rules and closing date. The official CSC deadline of 20 October 2026 should therefore not be assumed to be your only deadline.
What does the scholarship cover?
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is designed as a major funded study award. The exact current package and conditions should always be checked on the official CSC terms for your application cycle. Funding typically includes approved tuition, travel and a living allowance, subject to the CSC’s published rules.
Because scholarship funding can change between cycles, Course Centrals recommends using the official CSC page as the final authority for stipend rates, family allowances and reimbursable costs.
Six CSC development themes
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
- Strengthening global peace, security and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
Your study choice and development-impact case should connect coherently rather than treating the theme as a box-ticking exercise.
How to apply
- Confirm country eligibility. Check the current CSC eligible-country information.
- Find your nominating body. Read its separate rules and deadline.
- Choose an appropriate UK Master’s course. Make sure it supports the development case you plan to make.
- Prepare the CSC application carefully. Focus on academic fit, development impact and what you plan to do after the degree.
- Complete every required application route. Do not assume submitting only one portal is enough.
- Submit before the relevant deadline. Nominator deadlines may precede the CSC deadline.
Commonwealth vs Chevening
| Question | Commonwealth Master’s | Chevening |
|---|---|---|
| Main emphasis | Development impact and eligible Commonwealth countries | Leadership potential and eligible Chevening countries/territories |
| Study | Eligible full-time taught Master’s in the UK | Eligible one-year UK Master’s courses |
| Application structure | CSC plus nominating route | Chevening application process |
Neither scholarship is automatically “better.” Your eligibility, academic plan, country route and career goals determine which is a stronger fit. Read our Chevening eligibility and application guide before deciding whether to apply to one or both.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2027/28 deadline?
The CSC closing date is 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST. Your nominating body may have an earlier deadline.
Can I apply directly to the CSC?
No. The CSC says it does not accept direct applications for this scholarship. Applicants must use an eligible nominating route as well as the CSC application system.
When does study begin?
The 2027/28 scholarships are for UK study beginning in September or October 2027.
Is the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship fully funded?
It is a major funded scholarship covering core study and living costs under CSC rules. Always verify the current award components and rates on the official CSC page for your cycle.
Official source
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships