Commonwealth Scholarship 2027/28 in the UK: Eligibility, Benefits, Nominating Body and How to Apply

Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). They pay for a master’s or PhD at a UK university for talented people from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who could not afford to study in the UK without help. Applications for 2027/28 opened on 8 September 2026 and close on 20 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time.

This guide explains what the scholarship covers, who can apply, the nominating body system, the documents, how applications are assessed and how to apply step by step. It was last checked against the CSC website on 4 October 2026.

Commonwealth Scholarship 2027/28 at a glance

What is the Commonwealth Scholarship?

The scholarship supports people who will use a UK degree to contribute to development in their home country. It is aimed at applicants with strong academic records who do not have the money to study in the UK themselves. Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana are among the Commonwealth countries whose citizens commonly apply, and the CSC website lists every eligible country.

What does the Commonwealth Scholarship cover?

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission pays a monthly living allowance. Its current published rate is 1,712 pounds a month, or 2,000 pounds a month for scholars at universities in the London area. The scholarship also pays your tuition fees and return airfare, and gives a warm clothing allowance. PhD scholars can receive a thesis grant and support for fieldwork. Rates are reviewed, so check the Commission’s website for the figure that applies to your year.

Who can apply?

• You are a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country and live there permanently.
• You hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) first degree, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant master’s.
• You can start your studies in the UK in September or October 2027.
• You cannot afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.

The nominating body: the step many applicants miss

You cannot apply to the CSC alone. You must also apply through a nominating body, which is usually the national nominating agency in your country. The nominating body shortlists candidates and forwards them to the CSC. It often sets its own deadline, and that deadline can be earlier than 20 October. Find your nominating body on the CSC website first, and follow its instructions as well as the CSC’s.

Documents you need

• The online application on CSC Central
• Your nominating body’s own application form
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• References, uploaded before the deadline
• A research proposal, for PhD applicants

References must be in the system by the deadline. Ask your referees early and check that they have submitted.

How applications are assessed

The CSC publishes three selection criteria:

1. Academic merit of the candidate.
2. Quality of the plan of study, or of the research proposal for PhD applicants.
3. Potential impact of the work on the development of your home country.

The third criterion is where many strong students lose marks. Describe a real problem in your country and explain exactly how your studies will help you work on it.

Commonwealth Scholarship 2027/28 timeline

How to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship, step by step

1. Check that your country is eligible and that you meet the degree requirement.
2. Find your nominating body and note its deadline and form.
3. Choose your course and universities in the UK.
4. Write your plan of study and development impact statements. These carry two of the three criteria.
5. Ask your referees to upload their references before the deadline.
6. Apply to your nominating body.
7. Complete the application on CSC Central before 20 October 2026, 16:00 UK time.

Tips to strengthen your application

• Be specific about development impact: the problem, the people affected and what you will do after you return.
• Explain why this course at this university is the right preparation.
• Show academic merit with your grades, class rank, prizes and any publications.
• Keep your statements clear and factual. Avoid general claims.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying only on CSC Central and not to the nominating body.
• Assuming the nominating body has the same deadline as the CSC.
• Describing only how the degree will help your own career.
• References that are not uploaded in time.

How to write the development impact statement

This statement decides many applications, because potential impact is one of the three selection criteria. Write it in four parts:

1. The problem: describe one specific development problem in your country, with a fact or figure if you have one.
2. Your connection to it: what you have already done in work, research or volunteering.
3. What the degree adds: the knowledge or skills you need and how this course provides them.
4. What you will do after you return: the role you will take, the people or organisations you will work with and the result you expect in the first few years.

Avoid broad claims such as contributing to national development. Reviewers look for a realistic plan from someone who understands the problem.

How to write the plan of study

The plan of study is assessed separately. Explain what you will study, why at the universities you chose and how the course builds on your earlier degree. PhD applicants submit a research proposal with a clear question, method and timeline, and should name a possible supervisor. Our research proposal template and statement of purpose guide show how to structure each.

How to choose your referees

References must be uploaded before the deadline, and an application without them is not complete. Choose referees who know your academic work or your professional work well. Ask them at least three weeks ahead, send them your CV and statements, and check a few days before the deadline that the references have arrived. See our guide on getting strong recommendation letters.

A preparation plan

1. Eight weeks before the deadline: confirm your country’s eligibility, find your nominating body and note its deadline.
2. Six weeks before: choose your course and universities, and ask your referees.
3. Four weeks before: draft your plan of study and development impact statement.
4. Two weeks before: apply to your nominating body and start the form on CSC Central.
5. One week before: check that references are uploaded, revise your statements and submit.

After you are selected

Nominating bodies send their shortlisted candidates to the Commission, which makes the final selection and tells candidates the result. If you are selected, you confirm your place at a UK university and the Commission arranges your tuition payment and airfare. You then apply for a UK student visa. Scholars are expected to return home after their studies to put what they learned to use.

If your application is not successful

Many scholars are selected on a second attempt. Ask yourself which of the three criteria was weakest, strengthen that part and apply again next year. A year of relevant work or a clearer development plan often makes the difference.

Frequently asked questions

Is IELTS required for the Commonwealth Scholarship?

The CSC application does not centre on an English test, but your UK university sets its own English requirement for admission. Check the requirement for your course.

Can I apply without a nominating body?

No. For these awards you must apply through a nominating body as well as on CSC Central.

What grade do I need?

At least an upper second-class (2:1) first degree, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant master’s.

When are results announced?

Results are expected by July 2027.

What is the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

It is a separate master’s scheme run with UK universities. See our Commonwealth Shared Scholarships page.

Where to apply

Apply through the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website. See our Commonwealth Scholarships page for benefits and eligibility in one place, and use our statement of purpose guide and recommendation letter guide.