Commonwealth Master's Scholarship 2027/2028: Fully Funded UK Scholarship

Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028, offering eligible students from Ghana and other Commonwealth countries the opportunity to pursue a fully funded taught master’s degree at a university in the United Kingdom.

The scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). It is designed for talented candidates from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.

For the 2027/2028 academic year, applications opened on 8 September 2026 and will close at 16:00 BST on 20 October 2026. Successful scholars are expected to begin their studies in September or October 2027.

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Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship supports candidates who want to undertake full-time taught master’s study at an approved UK university.

The programme focuses on developing knowledge and skills that can contribute to sustainable development in scholars' home countries.

The scholarship is available across six Commonwealth Scholarship Commission 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

The CSC says the programme is intended to support talented individuals with the potential to contribute to development when they return home.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 Summary

The information above is based on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's current 2027/2028 scholarship information.

What Does the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship Cover?

The Commonwealth Master's Scholarship provides financial support for eligible scholars during their UK studies.

Tuition Fees

The scholarship covers approved tuition fees through an agreement between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the participating UK university. Scholars are not liable to pay the approved tuition fees covered by the award.

Return Airfare

Scholars receive approved airfare from their home country to the UK and return airfare at the end of the scholarship. The CSC does not cover airfare for dependants.

Monthly Living Allowance

The scholarship includes a monthly living allowance.

The current published rate is:

• £1,712 per month for scholars studying outside the London metropolitan area
• £2,000 per month for scholars studying at universities in the London metropolitan area

The CSC notes that these rates are quoted at current levels and may be subject to change.

Study Travel Grant

Scholars can receive a study travel grant to contribute towards approved study-related travel within the UK or overseas.

Additional Support

The CSC may provide additional financial support in specific circumstances, including support for eligible scholars with disabilities.

Eligible scholars who are widowed, divorced or single parents may also receive child allowances if their children live with them in the UK, subject to the scholarship's conditions.

Who Is Eligible for the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship?

Applicants must meet the CSC's eligibility requirements.

To be considered, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be available to begin their academic studies in the UK in September 2027.
• By September 2027, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a master's degree.
• Be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
• Provide all required supporting documentation in the required format. 

The CSC also states that there is no age limit for applications.

Can Ghanaians Apply?

Yes.

Ghana is listed among the countries eligible for the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship 2027/2028. Other eligible African countries include Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo, The Gambia and several others.

Ghanaian applicants should, however, check the requirements of the relevant nominating agency because nomination routes can have additional requirements or earlier deadlines.

The CSC's list of national nominating agencies identifies Ghana's Scholarships Secretariat as the national nominating agency.

How to Apply for the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship

The Commonwealth Master's Scholarship does not accept direct applications to the CSC without a nominating organisation.

There are two main types of nominator:

1. National nominating agencies
2. Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies

Participating nominators select and nominate candidates to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Individual nominators may have their own eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before beginning the application, make sure you satisfy the CSC's eligibility requirements.

Pay particular attention to:

• Your nationality
• Residence
• Academic qualifications
• Financial circumstances
• Intended study programme
• Required documentation

Step 2: Identify Your Nominating Agency

Applicants must apply through an approved nominating organisation.

For Ghana, the CSC lists the Scholarships Secretariat as the national nominating agency.

However, applicants should check the nominator's own instructions because nominators may establish additional requirements and their own internal deadlines.

Step 3: Apply Through CSC Central

Applicants must complete the Commonwealth Scholarship application through the CSC's online application system, CSC Central.

For the 2027/2028 cycle, applications opened on 8 September 2026.

The CSC deadline is:

20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST.

Applicants are encouraged to submit early because the system may become busy close to the deadline.

Step 4: Apply for University Admission

Applicants should also apply for admission to their preferred UK universities.

The scholarship application and university admission process are separate.

The CSC recommends that candidates take the necessary steps to apply to their preferred universities before the scholarship application is submitted because many UK master's programmes have their own admission deadlines.

Step 5: Submit Supporting Documents

Applicants must provide supporting documentation with their scholarship application.

The CSC requires:

• Proof of citizenship or refugee status
• Full higher-education transcripts
• At least two references
• Other information required by the application

References must be submitted in the required format and uploaded to the CSC application system by the deadline.

What Documents Do Applicants Need?

Applicants should prepare their documents early.

The CSC states that applicants must upload:

Proof of Citizenship

A copy of a valid passport or national identity card showing information such as photograph, date of birth and country of citizenship can be used as evidence of citizenship.

Academic Transcripts

Applicants must provide full transcripts detailing their higher-education qualifications.

Where documents are not in English, certified translations are required.

References

Applicants must provide references from at least two individuals.

The references should be submitted in PDF format and signed, either on institutional letterhead or through an email that clearly identifies the referee.

What Will Applicants Need to Write About?

The Commonwealth Master's Scholarship application requires applicants to provide information about their academic background, professional experience and development plans.

Applicants are asked to provide details including:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications
• Publications and prizes
• Employment history
• Relevant professional experience
• Three referees
• Development impact
• Career plans
• Study plans
• Personal background
• Voluntary activities
• Leadership experience

The development-impact section is particularly important because applicants are asked to explain how their proposed studies relate to development challenges and how they intend to apply their knowledge after returning home.

Development Impact Statement

Applicants must explain how their proposed scholarship connects with development issues at global, national and local levels.

They must also explain:

• How they will apply their new skills after the scholarship
• What development outcomes they expect to achieve
• The timeframe for implementation
• Who will benefit
• How the impact could be measured

Applicants should therefore research the development challenges relevant to their field and country before completing this section.

What Master's Programmes Are Eligible?

The Commonwealth Master's Scholarship funds one-year taught master's programmes at approved UK universities and does not fund MBA programmes.

Applicants should carefully research available master's programmes and identify courses that align with their academic background, professional experience and development goals.

The CSC recommends listing three universities and courses in order of preference.

Applicants should also apply for university admission separately.

Can You Apply for a Second Master's Degree?

The CSC states that it has a preference for applicants who have already completed their undergraduate degrees and would not normally fund a second master's degree.

Applicants seeking a second master's degree must provide justification for why the additional study is necessary.

Applicants who have already studied at master's level at a UK institution, or who have previously received a Commonwealth Scholarship at master's level, are not eligible.

Is There an Age Limit?

No.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission states that there is no age limit for CSC applications.

However, applicants should check whether their employer has any separate policies concerning study leave.

Do Applicants Need IELTS?

The CSC states that it does not require candidates to take an IELTS test as part of the scholarship application.

However, individual UK universities may have their own English-language requirements, so applicants should check the requirements of their chosen programmes.

Commonwealth Master's Scholarship 2027/2028 Timeline

The CSC notes that individual nominators may set their own earlier deadlines, so applicants should check with their nominating organisation rather than relying only on the CSC deadline.

Important: Nomination Does Not Guarantee Selection

Being nominated does not automatically mean that an applicant will receive the scholarship.

The CSC states that participating nominators put forward an agreed number of candidates for consideration, and candidates are selected from the pool of nominations.

Applicants should therefore treat the nomination and CSC application as competitive stages of the process.

Does the Scholarship Have an Application Fee?

No.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission states that it does not charge candidates to apply through its online scholarship application system.

Applicants should be cautious about individuals or organisations requesting money in exchange for guaranteed selection.

Do Commonwealth Scholars Have to Return Home?

Yes.

The CSC states that Commonwealth Scholars commit to returning to their home country after completing their scholarship to contribute to its development.

The scholarship conditions also state that scholars must sign an undertaking to return home before the expiration of their student visa.

How Ghanaian Applicants Can Prepare

Ghanaian applicants interested in the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Master's Scholarship should begin preparing immediately.

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

Check that you meet the academic, nationality, residence and financial requirements.

2. Contact the Nominating Agency

Find out the specific requirements and internal deadline of the Ghanaian nominating agency.

The CSC lists Ghana's Scholarships Secretariat as a national nominating agency.

3. Research Your Master's Course

Identify appropriate one-year taught master's programmes at eligible UK universities.

4. Prepare Your Documents

Gather your passport or national ID, academic transcripts, references and other required documents.

5. Develop Your Study Plan

Clearly understand what you want to study and why the programme is relevant to your professional and development goals.

6. Prepare Your Development Impact Statement

Think about what you intend to do after returning home and how your new knowledge could contribute to development.

7. Apply Early

Do not wait until the final day.

The CSC specifically advises applicants to submit their applications early because the online system can become busy close to the deadline.

Commonwealth Master's Scholarship 2027/2028: Quick Summary

Information is based on the current Commonwealth Scholarship Commission guidance for the 2027/2028 cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship fully funded?

The scholarship covers approved tuition fees, return airfare and a monthly living allowance, as well as a study travel grant and certain additional support under specified conditions.

Can Ghanaians apply for the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship?

Yes. Ghana is one of the Commonwealth countries listed as eligible for the 2027/2028 Master's Scholarship.

When is the application deadline?

The CSC deadline is 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST. Individual nominating organisations may have earlier deadlines.

What degree does the scholarship fund?

It funds one-year taught master's programmes at approved UK universities. MBA programmes are not funded under this scholarship.

Do I need a 2:1 degree?

Normally, applicants must hold at least an upper-second-class (2:1) first degree by September 2027. Applicants with a lower-second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification may also be considered.

Is there an age limit?

No. The CSC states that there is no age limit for applications.

Do I need IELTS?

The CSC itself does not require IELTS, but your chosen university may have its own English-language requirements.

Can I apply directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission?

No. Candidates must apply through an approved nominating agency or participating organisation as well as completing the CSC application.

Does nomination guarantee a scholarship?

No. Nomination places the candidate in the pool considered by the CSC, but it does not guarantee selection.

When will successful applicants begin their studies?

The 2027/2028 Commonwealth Master's Scholarships are intended for studies beginning in September or October 2027.

Final Thoughts

The Commonwealth Master's Scholarship 2027/2028 is now open to eligible applicants from Ghana and other participating Commonwealth countries.

The programme provides financial support for one-year taught master's study in the UK and is specifically designed for candidates who can demonstrate academic potential, development impact and the ability to apply their knowledge after returning home.

Applicants should begin by checking their eligibility, identifying an appropriate UK master's programme and contacting their relevant nominating organisation.

The most important date for the current cycle is 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST, although national and organisational nominators may establish earlier deadlines.

Official Scholarship Information

Commonwealth Master's Scholarships – Official CSC Page

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission – National Nominating Agencies