Commonwealth Scholarship Eligibility 2027
Before investing hours in an application, confirm you actually qualify. Use the interactive checker below or explore each criterion in detail.
Quick Eligibility Checker
Answer all 5 questions to check if you qualify.
Are you a citizen of a developing Commonwealth country?
Citizens of UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Cyprus, Malta, and Brunei are not eligible.
Do you hold at least a Bachelor's degree (2:1 / upper second class equivalent)?
Would you be unable to afford UK study without this scholarship?
Have you NOT previously held a Commonwealth Scholarship?
Can you start study in the UK by September 2027 (expected start; to be confirmed)?
You likely qualify!
You meet all five core criteria. Start your application or read on for detailed requirements by award type.
You may not be eligible
You did not meet all criteria. Check the alternatives page for other scholarships that may fit.
1. Country Eligibility
Only citizens of developing Commonwealth countries can apply. Citizens of the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Cyprus, Malta, and Brunei are excluded.
Sub-Saharan Africa — Largest applicant pool
Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Cameroon, The Gambia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and others.
South Asia — India & Bangladesh among highest applicants
Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
Caribbean
Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Guyana, Barbados, The Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Pacific & Others
Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru. Also: Malaysia (some programmes).
Tip: The exact list can change. Always verify on the CSC website for your specific award type.
2. Academic Requirements
Requirements vary by award type. Select one below to see the details.
Master's Scholarships
Minimum Degree
Bachelor's degree
Grade Required
Upper second class (2:1) or equivalent
Work Experience
Helpful but not required
PhD Scholarships
Minimum Degree
Master's degree
Grade Required
2:1 or above at both Bachelor's and Master's
Work Experience
Research experience valued
Split-site PhD
Minimum Degree
Currently enrolled in PhD at home university
Grade Required
Strong academic record
Work Experience
Active research required
Distance Learning
Minimum Degree
Bachelor's degree
Grade Required
As specified by host university
Work Experience
Less rigid requirements
Shared Scholarships
Minimum Degree
Bachelor's degree
Grade Required
Upper second class (2:1) or equivalent
Work Experience
Development potential emphasized
Professional Fellowships
Minimum Degree
Bachelor's + professional experience
Grade Required
Emphasis on professional achievements
Work Experience
5+ years required
What is "2:1 equivalent"? Roughly a GPA of 3.3/4.0, or 60-69% in many Commonwealth grading systems. A "first division" or "distinction" usually qualifies.
3. Other Key Criteria
Expand each section to learn about the remaining eligibility criteria.
The CSC explicitly states that scholarships are for individuals who could not otherwise afford UK study (GBP 25,000-40,000/year). Your application form asks about your financial situation.
Being from a low-income country is itself a factor. Be straightforward about why the scholarship is essential for you.
Master's: Not required but valued. Relevant work or volunteer experience strengthens your development impact narrative.
PhD: Research experience important. Publications, conference presentations, or research assistant roles help.
Professional Fellowships: 5+ years in your field required. Must demonstrate mid-career stage.
No strict age limit. The CSC does not impose a hard cutoff.
Residency: You must be permanently residing in an eligible Commonwealth country. Those already in the UK generally cannot apply.
Return commitment: You are expected to return home after studies to apply what you have learned.
Previous holders: If you previously held a Commonwealth Scholarship, you are generally not eligible to apply again.
The CSC itself does not set a specific IELTS or TOEFL score. However, most UK universities require IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or equivalent.
If English is the medium of instruction in your country, some universities may waive this requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, no. UK citizenship disqualifies you even if you also hold citizenship of an eligible country. Check directly with the CSC for edge cases.
In most cases, no. Scholarships are for applicants based in their home country. Exception: Split-site PhD applicants visiting the UK briefly.
Yes. Consider Chevening (160+ countries), DAAD (Germany), or Gates Cambridge. See our Alternatives guide.
For Master's, no — the CSC arranges placement if selected. For PhD, having a potential supervisor or provisional acceptance strengthens your application.
Generally, apply for only one award type per cycle. Multiple applications may be seen as lack of focus. Choose the best fit for your career stage.
Ready to Apply?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, explore the award types to find the best match for your goals.