Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Offered by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK · For Master's, PhD applicants.

Updated 10 November 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Provider: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK
Degree levels: Master's, PhD
Funding: Tuition, return airfare, monthly stipend, thesis grant, warm clothing allowance and (if eligible) family allowances.
Deadline: 2027–28 round: deadline 20 Oct 2026 (both the CSC EAS and the HEC portal) — closed. Next round expected Sep–Oct 2027.
Expected opening: Expected Sep 2027
Duration: Master's 1 year; PhD up to 3.5 years.
Professor contact: Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

Official website Application page

About the Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships

For citizens of low and middle income Commonwealth countries, including Pakistan. You apply through your country's nominating agency (HEC in Pakistan) and the commission's own system; PhD applicants name a UK supervisor.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Pakistani/AJ&K nationals and permanent residents (no dual nationality). Nominated through HEC.

Academic requirements

Master's: first or upper-second class Bachelor's (16 years). PhD: relevant Master's. Taught Master's only (no MBA or research Master's).

Language requirements

Meet the UK university's English requirement.

What the scholarship covers

Tuition, return airfare, monthly stipend, thesis grant, warm clothing allowance and (if eligible) family allowances.

Tuition: Full tuition.
Stipend and benefits: Monthly stipend around £1,400–£1,800 (higher in London); reported up to about £2,000/month in London.
Duration: Master's 1 year; PhD up to 3.5 years.

Deadline and opening date

2027–28 round: deadline 20 Oct 2026 (both the CSC EAS and the HEC portal) — closed. Next round expected Sep–Oct 2027.

Expected opening: Expected Sep 2027.

Required documents

CSC Electronic Application System (EAS) form
HEC online application
Degree certificates and transcripts
Development impact statement
Two references
Research proposal (PhD)
Passport/CNIC

How to apply

Apply on both the CSC EAS and HEC portals by the deadline; HEC shortlists and nominates; CSC makes the final selection.

Find a professor for the Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships

A professor's acceptance can decide this application. ScholarReach finds professors in the United Kingdom whose research matches yours, writes a personal email to each one, and tracks every reply.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships?

Pakistani/AJ&K nationals and permanent residents (no dual nationality). Nominated through HEC. Master's: first or upper-second class Bachelor's (16 years). PhD: relevant Master's. Taught Master's only (no MBA or research Master's).

What does the Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships cover?

Tuition, return airfare, monthly stipend, thesis grant, warm clothing allowance and (if eligible) family allowances. Monthly stipend around £1,400–£1,800 (higher in London); reported up to about £2,000/month in London.

What is the Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships deadline?

2027–28 round: deadline 20 Oct 2026 (both the CSC EAS and the HEC portal) — closed. Next round expected Sep–Oct 2027. Expected opening: Expected Sep 2027.

Is IELTS required for the Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships?

Meet the UK university's English requirement.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships?

Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

How do I apply for the Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships?