The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) provide an exceptional opportunity for students to pursue a two-year master’s degree at an ACU member university in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country. The scholarships are designed to nurture future leaders who are committed to driving positive change in their communities and beyond. Applications for this cycle open on 9 April 2026 and close on 3 June 2026 at 15:00 UTC. Purpose and Impact QECS is aimed at students who aspire to make a tangible difference in their communities. Beyond academic achievement, scholars gain: Exposure to a new country and culture Opportunities to broaden perspectives and global understanding Access to a diverse network of international peers and professionals Skills and experiences to address shared global challenges Through cultural exchange and academic collaboration, QECS scholars actively contribute to shaping the future of the Commonwealth. They become agents of change, leveraging their learning to implement solutions in both their home countries and host nations. Application Cycles There are two annual opportunities to apply for QECS: Cycle 1: November–December Cycle 2: March–April Applicants need only submit one application per cycle but may reapply in future cycles if they are interested in studying in another country. Scholarship Benefits QECS offers fully-funded scholarships covering essential expenses for the duration of the master’s program: Tuition fees for the selected course Living allowance (stipend) Return economy flights to the host country One-off arrival allowance Research Support Grant (available on request, subject to approval) Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the application guidance and FAQs before starting the application process. How to Apply The application process involves several steps: Review eligible countries and universities for the current cycle. Only listed courses are eligible. Check academic requirements: Applicants must have obtained a 2:1 or equivalent qualification. Research course details on the relevant university website. Submit a QECS application for the selected university/course. Applicants will need a myACU account to apply. Apply directly to the chosen university for admission to the course. Participating Countries and Universities Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea University of Technology South Africa Applicants must complete the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation process for overseas qualifications. South African four-year bachelor’s degrees may differ from those awarded elsewhere, potentially affecting postgraduate eligibility. Universities and Courses: Stellenbosch University Course: Master of Science in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Requirements: Honours degree in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Mathematical Statistics Four-year bachelor’s degree in Engineering NQF Level 8 qualification considered equivalent in a closely related field Demonstrated proficiency in Python or equivalent programming language Comfort with numerical linear algebra, vector calculus, probability theory, and statistics Selection committee approval may give preference to applicants with higher academic performance and relevant background Tshwane University of Technology Course information and entry requirements vary by program. Applicants should consult the university website before applying. Alumni Experiences QECS has supported scholars in achieving outstanding academic and professional milestones. For instance, Tolulope Saliu, a QECS alumnus from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, remarked: “My research in cellular and molecular medicine wouldn’t have been possible without the QECS. I came away with a wealth of knowledge, new collaborators, and exciting new ideas.” Additional Information The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships are made possible through the generous support of The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) endowment fund. Applicants are encouraged to explore the fund and learn more about its initiatives. Key Resources Application guidance – Detailed instructions for applying FAQs – Answers to common queries University course information – Visit the relevant university website for program specifics Apply here – Begin your application for QECS Conclusion The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships offer a life-changing experience for students eager to combine academic excellence with community impact. By participating in QECS, scholars not only gain advanced education but also join a vibrant global network committed to fostering solutions for a shared future. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this scholarship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.