Full scholarship to study master's in the UK opens for Bangladeshi students on Tuesday

Bangladeshi students are getting the opportunity to study for a master's degree in the United Kingdom completely free of cost. Applications for the UK government-funded 'Commonwealth Shared Scholarship' open on Tuesday (November 10). Along with study costs, the scholarship will also cover airfare and a monthly living allowance.

Applications for the 2027–28 academic year will continue until December 8. The UK's Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) has shared this information on its website.

Selected students will get the opportunity to do a one-year master's at a participating university in the United Kingdom. Classes will begin in September or October 2027.

Under this scholarship, students will receive full tuition fees, approved return airfare from Bangladesh to the United Kingdom, and monthly living expenses.

Under the current rates, students will receive an allowance of 1,712 pounds per month. For those studying at a university in London, the allowance will be 2,000 pounds. However, the allowance amount may change for the 2027–28 academic year.

In addition, conditional support will be available for the cost of warm clothing, research work, study-related travel, and the tuberculosis test required for a visa.

Applications are open to Bangladeshi citizens. However, applicants must meet several conditions.

Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree equivalent to the UK's upper second class (2:1). Those likely to complete their degree by September 2027 can also apply.

Those with comparatively lower undergraduate results may be considered eligible if they hold a relevant postgraduate degree. In addition, applicants must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country and be unable to afford the cost of studying in the UK without a scholarship. There are also specific restrictions regarding prior study or work experience in high-income countries.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission has not made IELTS mandatory for the scholarship application. However, the concerned university may ask for IELTS or other proof of English proficiency for admission.

Interested candidates must apply through the CSC's online application system, 'CSC Central'. Separately, they must also apply for admission to an approved master's course at the designated university.

At the time of application, a passport or national identity card, full transcripts of educational qualifications, and signed recommendation letters from at least two people must be submitted. Information about three referees must also be provided.

In addition, applicants must write a detailed plan on how the education and skills gained in the UK will be used for the development of Bangladesh.

The CSC has said that around 180 scholarships are planned for the 2027–28 academic year. However, this is the likely number for the whole programme, not only for Bangladeshis.

Scholarship recipients must commit to returning to their home country after completing their studies. The application deadline is 8 December 2026, Tuesday, 10pm Bangladesh time. There is no fee to apply.