Applications for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year are now open. The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship programme support Master’s study in the United Kingdom beginning in September/October 2026.
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship programme is one of three Master’s programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
The CSC seeks individuals with the drive to create positive change. Scholarships are available for any approved Master's programme offered by a participating UK university.
For more information on Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: CSC Scholarship Page
Degree level
Master's
Application Deadline
09 December 2025 at 16:00 GMT
Who can apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of, or hold refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country;
- Be permanently residing in an eligible Commonwealth country;
- Be available to begin studies in the UK in September 2026;
- Not have studied in a high-income country for a year or more;
- Be unable to afford study in the UK without this scholarship;
- Demonstrate potential to contribute to the development of their home country through the knowledge and leadership skills gained.
Note: Please note that all candidates are recruited in line with the CSC's anti-fraud policy and procedure which can be viewed here.
Field of Study
Applicants must select an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university.
Financial assistance
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship covers:
- Return airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK (CSC-funded);
- Approved tuition fees (covered in full by agreement between the CSC and the university);
- Monthly stipend:
- £1,452 outside London
- £1,781 within the London metropolitan area
- Warm clothing allowance (where applicable);
- Thesis grant for thesis/dissertation preparation;
- Study travel grant within the UK or overseas;
- Contribution toward mandatory TB test costs (where required for visa applications);
- Child allowance for eligible single, widowed, or divorced parents:
- £622 per month for the first child,
- £154 per month for the second and third child under 16 living with the scholar in the UK.
Additional support for scholars with disabilities will be assessed individually.
Note: Family allowances are contributions only. Scholars bringing dependants must budget for additional expenses.
Application process
Applications must be submitted through the CSC’s online application system.
Applicants may apply for multiple courses or universities but may accept only one Commonwealth Shared Scholarship offer.
Candidates must apply separately for admission to their chosen university course. Admission requirements and timelines differ by university—applicants must verify requirements directly with the institution.
Before applying, candidates are encouraged to review:
- The template application form,
- The technical guidance.
Required Documents
Applicants must upload:
- Proof of citizenship or refugee status
- Valid passport or national ID showing photo, date of birth, and nationality.
- Full academic transcripts
- For all higher education qualifications, including current enrolments.
- Certified translations required if not in English.
- Missing or incomplete transcripts will render an application ineligible.
- Two references
- Signed, in PDF format, and on institutional letterhead or emailed with visible sender details.
- References must be uploaded directly to CSC Central.
Contact
For all nomination or programme inquiries, applicants must contact the respective UK university.
For technical issues with the CSC application platform, email:
Documents and links
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Page
Commonwealth Scholarships selection criteria
Shared Scholarships eligibility checklist
Handbook for Commonwealth Scholars
Note
Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
