Overview The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Programme is one of three Master’s-level awards offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC). As part of the UK Government’s commitment to international development, these scholarships operate within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). The programme demonstrates the UK’s long-standing dedication to strengthening relationships across the Commonwealth through educational partnerships. The CSC aims to identify outstanding individuals from a wide range of backgrounds who show high academic potential and the capacity to become future leaders in their home countries. By supporting these individuals to study in the UK, the programme fosters sustainable development, strengthens institutional capacity, and enhances international cooperation. Purpose of the Scholarship The primary purpose of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Programme is to support the development needs of Commonwealth countries. The scheme enables academically talented professionals and scholars—who would not otherwise have the financial means—to undertake full-time Master’s study in the UK. Graduates of the programme are expected to contribute to development processes in fields such as governance, public health, environmental sustainability, education, economic management, and social development. Intended Beneficiaries The programme is designed for high-quality postgraduate students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and middle-income nations, including those experiencing conflict or fragility. Eligible candidates must not have studied for a full year or more in a high-income country and must demonstrate financial inability to fund their studies independently. Applicants must show strong leadership potential and a clear commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries upon completion of their studies. Award Duration Scholarships are normally offered for 12 months, supporting full-time Master’s programmes beginning in September or October of the relevant academic year. Call for Applications: 2026/27 Academic Year Applications for the 2026/27 Commonwealth Shared Scholarships will open on Wednesday, 12 November 2025 at 16:30 GMT. These awards support full-time Master’s study beginning in September/October 2026. The application deadline is Tuesday, 9 December 2025 at 16:00 GMT.No late applications or additional documentation submitted after the deadline will be accepted. All applications must be submitted through CSC Central, the CSC’s online application system. The CSC cannot accept applications or supporting documents via email or any other platform. How to Apply Candidates must complete two separate processes: Application to an Approved Master’s CourseApplicants must apply for admission to an approved Master’s programme at a participating UK university.Lists of eligible courses and universities are available on the CSC website. Application for the Scholarship via CSC CentralScholarship applications must be completed online. Candidates can apply to multiple universities and multiple eligible courses but may accept only one Commonwealth Shared Scholarship offer. Applications will be reviewed by participating universities, which will then nominate candidates to the CSC in March 2026. Final decisions will be made by the CSC. Using CSC Central CSC Central uses a new application system for this round. Candidates experiencing difficulties should contact info@cscuk.org.uk. Key instructions: Submit early to avoid system congestion near the deadline. Use the save function regularly to prevent loss of data. Avoid refreshing the browser, as unsaved data will be lost. Applications cannot be edited after submission. Navigation should be done using system buttons rather than browser back buttons. Each login requires passing two-factor authentication (2FA), using either a smartphone or a secondary email. Applicants will need their reference number and passcode from the registration confirmation email. Candidates may print or download the summary page after submission or access their submitted application through the system. Candidate Eligibility To qualify for a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, applicants must: Be a citizen of, or hold refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country. Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country. Be available to begin study in the UK by September 2026. Hold a first degree equivalent to at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours. Applicants with a lower second-class degree must also hold a relevant postgraduate qualification. Not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country. Demonstrate financial need. Provide all required documentation in the correct format. There is no age limit. The CSC promotes equal opportunity and encourages applications from candidates with disabilities, who may be eligible for additional support. Distance learning from a high-income country is permitted; applicants must clarify this on the application form. Eligible Countries Only applicants from eligible Commonwealth countries may apply. These include:Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia. Financial Assistance Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are jointly funded by participating UK universities and the CSC. Awards provide: Approved return airfare from the scholar’s home country Full tuition fees Monthly stipend of £1,452, or £1,781 for scholars in London Warm clothing allowance, where applicable Thesis grant, if required Study travel grant for academic travel Contribution for mandatory tuberculosis (TB) testing Child allowance for eligible single parents Additional support for scholars with disabilities following needs assessment Family allowances provide partial support only; scholars must cover additional family-related expenses independently. Supporting Documentation All applicants must upload the following: Valid passport or national ID showing citizenship Full academic transcripts for all higher education studies Two signed references in PDF format on institutional letterhead Applications missing required documentation will be deemed ineligible. Key Takeaways The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are a prestigious opportunity for talented postgraduate students from eligible Commonwealth countries to study in the UK, fully funded and supported. They provide not only advanced education but also the tools and networks necessary to effect meaningful change in participants’ home countries, fostering a new generation of leaders committed to sustainable development. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the scholarship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications 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.