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Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Bursary Type

Full Bursary

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are for candidates from eligible lower and upper middle-income Commonwealth countries, to undertake full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university.

What's covered

🎓Tuition📚Books🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance🚌Transport⭐Full Cost

Open now
Apply on Official Website

Eligibility at a Glance

Fields of Study

Study Level

Master's

Available In

All Provinces (Nationwide)

Quick Facts

Workback requiredNo
Financial need requiredYes
NSFAS compatibleNo
Disability friendlyNo
SA citizenship requiredYes

About This Bursary

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are prestigious awards for high-achieving candidates from eligible lower and upper middle-income Commonwealth countries. These scholarships facilitate full-time taught Master’s degree programmes at universities across the United Kingdom, focusing on subjects crucial for global development. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the programme aims to develop future leaders and innovators who can address societal and economic challenges in their home nations.


Recipients benefit from a comprehensive financial package that typically includes tuition fees, a living allowance, economy airfare, and other study-related costs. This robust support system ensures scholars can fully immerse themselves in their academic pursuits without financial burden. Although there is no mandatory work-back clause, scholars are expected to return to their respective countries post-graduation. Here, they are encouraged to leverage their acquired expertise and networks to contribute significantly to national development and progress.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Candidates must be citizens of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible lower and upper middle-income Commonwealth country.
  • Must be ordinarily resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
  • Must hold an undergraduate degree with a minimum upper second class (2:1) honours or equivalent, or a relevant postgraduate qualification.
  • Must be undertaking a full-time taught Master's degree at a UK university.
  • Must meet the academic entry requirements of the chosen UK university.

How to Apply

  1. 1Review the eligibility criteria and scholarship details on the official CSCUK website.
  2. 2Apply for an eligible Master’s course at a participating UK university.
  3. 3Submit a separate application for the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship through the CSC's online application system.
  4. 4Ensure all required documentation, including academic transcripts and references, is provided.
  5. 5Await selection decisions, which are made in conjunction with participating universities.

Ready to Apply?

Applications are currently open. Visit the official website for the latest requirements and deadlines.

Apply on UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Website

All bursary applications are free. Never pay to apply.