Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2027 in the UK: Master's opportunity with tuition, airfare and monthly stipend

Applications have been invited for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2027, offering a one-year master's degree in the United Kingdom. The scholarship for the 2027-28 academic year is open to students from least-developed and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries.

The opportunity to earn a master's degree at various UK universities is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Its aim is to give talented students access to higher education so that they can use the knowledge and skills they gain to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.

Selected students will receive full tuition fees, return airfare and a monthly stipend for living expenses. The monthly stipend is 1,712 pounds for general students. Students studying at universities in the London metropolitan area will receive 2,000 pounds.

A thesis grant, study-related travel costs and an allowance for excess baggage will also be provided. There is also a special allowance for the children of widowed, divorced or unmarried single-parent students.

The scholarship offers study in a range of subjects including arts, social sciences, natural sciences, medical science, engineering and education.

The six priority areas for the scholarship are global peace, security and governance; science and technology for development; global prosperity; strengthening health systems; building resilience to crises; and ensuring equal opportunity and inclusion for all.

Applicants must be citizens and permanent residents of an eligible Commonwealth country. People recognised as refugees in a relevant country, or British Protected Persons, may also apply. Applicants must be ready to begin study in the UK in September 2027.

Applicants must hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) bachelor's degree. Those with a lower second-class (2:2) result need a relevant master's degree. Holders of a four-year bachelor's degree, or a two-year bachelor's plus a two-year master's, may also apply.

Applicants must not have studied or worked for one academic year or more in a high-income country. They must also be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.

Students from a total of 44 countries are eligible, including Bangladesh, Belize, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.

Applications must be made online. Applicants must open an account on the designated website, complete the application form and submit the required documents. Selection will consider academic merit, the quality of the proposed study plan and the potential to contribute to the development of the home country.