Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027–28
Students from eligible Commonwealth countries will have another opportunity to pursue postgraduate education in the United Kingdom through the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027–28.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and delivered in partnership with participating UK universities, the programme supports talented students who have the academic potential to contribute to development in their home countries but may not have the financial resources to study abroad independently.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) expects applications for the 2027–28 cycle to open in early November 2026 and close in mid-December 2026. The final application timetable and list of eligible courses are expected to be published nearer the opening date.
Scholarship Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Commonwealth Shared Scholarships |
| Academic year | 2027–28 |
| Study destination | United Kingdom |
| Degree level | Postgraduate taught master’s |
| Duration | One year |
| Expected awards | Around 180, subject to final allocation |
| Funding body | UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office |
| Application opening | Early November 2026 (expected) |
| Expected deadline | Mid-December 2026 |
| Official source | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission |
What Are Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are designed to help students from eligible Commonwealth countries access master’s education in the UK.
Unlike programmes where applicants independently select any university, Shared Scholarship candidates apply for eligible courses at participating universities. Universities first receive scholarship allocations from the CSC and then nominate candidates through the official process.
The programme focuses on education that can help address development challenges and build skills in countries that need them.
Approximately 180 new awards are expected for the 2027–28 academic year, although the final number and distribution will depend on the CSC’s allocation process.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are intended to reduce the financial barriers associated with studying in the UK.
The precise benefits and arrangements should be checked in the official scholarship guidance and the participating university’s information for the relevant academic year.
Applicants should review the funding terms carefully before accepting an offer, including any conditions relating to travel, maintenance support, tuition and other allowances.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The programme is intended for candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries who meet the academic and residency requirements.
The CSC’s published requirements indicate that candidates must generally:
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to begin their studies in the UK by the start of the 2027–28 academic year.
- Hold a first degree equivalent to at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours standard by October 2027, or a second-class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a master’s degree.
- Meet the English-language requirements of their chosen university.
- Satisfy the specific admission and scholarship requirements for their selected course.
Eligibility should be checked against the final 2027–28 guidance once the participating courses and application process are published.
How to Apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027
The application process involves both the scholarship programme and the participating university.
Step 1: Find an eligible course
The CSC expects to publish the list of approved courses and participating universities in November 2026. Applicants should select a course that aligns with their academic background and future development goals.
Step 2: Review university admission requirements
Check the selected university’s entry criteria, English-language requirements and document checklist. Some universities may have additional admission steps.
Step 3: Prepare your application documents
Applicants should begin preparing academic transcripts, degree certificates, references and other required materials in advance.
Step 4: Complete the official scholarship application
Submit the CSC application using the official process and within the announced application window. Candidates must also complete any separate university admission application required for their chosen course.
Step 5: Monitor university and CSC communications
Universities conduct recruitment and nominate candidates according to the programme’s requirements. Applicants should monitor their email and official application accounts for updates.
Important Dates for the 2027–28 Cycle
| Event | Expected date |
|---|---|
| Eligible course list published | November 2026 |
| Applications open | Early November 2026 |
| Applications close | Mid-December 2026 |
| Studies begin | September/October 2027 |
Please note: The opening and closing dates are currently expected dates, not a final confirmed application timetable. Check the CSC website for updates before making application plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Commonwealth Shared Scholarships fully funded?
The programme provides scholarship funding for eligible students. Applicants should consult the official award terms to confirm the exact benefits for their course and university.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Pakistan is a Commonwealth country, but candidates must meet the programme’s complete eligibility requirements and apply for an approved course.
Can I apply for a PhD through this programme?
No. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are intended for one-year taught master’s courses, not research degrees or PhD programmes.
When will applications open?
The CSC currently expects applications for 2027–28 to open in early November 2026.
When is the deadline?
The expected closing period is mid-December 2026. The CSC will confirm the exact date and time nearer the application opening.
Do I need to apply to a university separately?
Yes. Candidates must follow the admission process of their selected university in addition to completing the scholarship application.
Final Words
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027–28 offer eligible students a potential route to postgraduate study in the UK while supporting the development priorities of their home countries.
Applicants should begin researching universities and preparing their documents now. Once the official course list is published in November, they can move forward with a more targeted application.
Official source: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Shared Scholarships
Disclaimer: Application dates and award allocations may change. Applicants should rely on the official CSC and university websites for final requirements and deadlines.
