Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer a transformative opportunity for Commonwealth citizens to pursue fully-funded Master’s degrees. These scholarships facilitate study in diverse Commonwealth countries, enabling scholars to access expertise at leading universities and contribute to solving global challenges.

Overview of the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships are designed to empower talented individuals who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities. Aimed at students who are committed to creating change in their communities, the scholarships are a life-changing opportunity to experience a new country and culture, to broaden horizons, and to build a global network that will last a lifetime. As an active part of the Commonwealth network, scholars will help shape its future. Through cultural exchange and academic collaboration, Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholars help bring about positive change and find solutions to the shared challenges we face - both in their home countries and those that host them.

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits

The scholarship is fully funded and covers full tuition fees, living expenses (monthly stipend), accommodation, return economy airfare, arrival allowance, and research support grant (on request only; subject to approval).

Host Countries and Institutions

12 fully funded Master’s scholarships are available, hosted by member institutions in nine countries across the Commonwealth including: Bangladesh, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Pakistan, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the West Indies (Barbados, Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago). Look through the list of countries and universities hosting scholarships in this cycle.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship, applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field. They should also demonstrate a strong commitment to creating positive change in their communities. Applicants must apply for a QECS award in a country other than their home country/country of citizenship. The QECS awards are only hosted by low and middle income countries.

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Application Steps

Review Host Countries and Universities: Look through the list of countries and universities hosting scholarships in this cycle.
Submit University Application: Submit an application to your chosen university for admission to your chosen course.
Complete and Submit QECS Application: Complete and submit a QECS application for your chosen university/course by clicking the ‘Apply now’ button. Once you’ve clicked apply, you’ll be directed to a log in page.

Required Documents for Application

The following documents are needed in order to successfully submit an application. To begin your online application, you’ll need a scanned copy of your passport, your academic transcript, your existing university degree certificate, two references and, if you have one, your admission letter.

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)

Commonwealth Scholarships are managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK. As part of the UK’s ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth, each year, around 700 students are given the chance to undertake postgraduate degrees with UK universities.

Eligibility for Commonwealth Scholarships

To apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country. You will still be eligible if you are a refugee or a British-protected person. You need to have an undergraduate honours degree of at least upper second class (2:1). If you wish to study a PhD, you will need an appropriate master’s degree too. Finally, you must be unable to afford to study in the UK without a scholarship. The eligibility criteria for each type of scholarship and fellowship vary.

CSC Development Themes

All Commonwealth Scholarships are offered under six CSC development themes.

Science and technology for development
Strengthening health systems and capacity
Promoting global prosperity
Strengthening global peace, security and governance
Strengthening resilience and response to crises
Access, inclusion and opportunity

There is no restriction on what you can study, but the CSC gives priority to applicants whose studies are most relevant to their development criteria.

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Financial Support Available

Most scholarships are fully funded, which means that as well as covering your tuition fees, you will also receive your airfare to and from the UK and a living allowance to support you while you are here.

Application Process for Commonwealth Scholarships

Depending on which scholarship you are applying for, you may need to apply through a National Nominating Agency, a university, or a Non-Governmental Organisation. To find out how to apply for each of the scholarships, please visit the CSC apply page.

Key Requirements and Expectations

Applicants must be citizens of Commonwealth countries and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential. The scholarship is for master's degree programs in various disciplines at participating universities. Specific academic requirements depend on the chosen program and university. Prepare required documents and submit your application online before the deadline. Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage.

Impact and Alumni Network

Through cultural exchange and academic collaboration, Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholars help bring about positive change and find solutions to the shared challenges we face - both in their home countries and those that host them.

Upon finishing their scholarship or fellowship, recipients join a thriving global community. Through the alumni network, Commonwealth Alumni can build contacts with a diverse range of scholars and alumni in their home country and across the Commonwealth through a range of activities. Commonwealth alumni include Prime Ministers and cabinet ministers, Nobel Prize winners, academics, diplomats, writers, and leaders in major NGOs and businesses.

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Application Deadlines and Opportunities

Applications are open for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2025/2026. Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships. Each year there are two opportunities to apply for QECS - cycle 1 opens in November/December and cycle 2 opens in March/April.

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