Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2027/28, giving eligible students from Nigeria and other Commonwealth countries the opportunity to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and is designed for talented applicants from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who would otherwise be unable to afford postgraduate study in the UK.
The scholarship is for full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university, with studies expected to begin in September or October 2027.
What Does the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship is intended to provide financial support for eligible students studying in the UK.
Applicants should check the official scholarship terms for the complete package applicable to their award.
The programme is designed to help successful scholars gain knowledge and skills that can contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
Who Can Apply?
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is open to applicants from specific eligible Commonwealth countries.
Nigeria is one of the eligible countries.
Other eligible African countries include:
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Sierra Leone
- The Gambia
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Mauritius
- Togo
- Gabon
The complete list of eligible countries is available on the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, applicants must meet the scholarship's eligibility requirements.
Applicants must generally:
- Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to begin their studies in the UK in September/October 2027.
- Hold a first degree equivalent to at least an upper second-class (2:1) standard by September 2027, or a lower second-class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, normally a Master's degree.
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
Applicants should carefully check the complete eligibility requirements before applying because individual nominating agencies may also have additional conditions.
When Is the Deadline?
Applications for the 2027/28 Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship opened on September 8, 2026.
Application deadline:
October 20, 2026 at 16:00 BST
Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their application.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's application system, CSC Central.
One important point is that applicants cannot simply apply directly to the CSC without going through an approved nominating route.
The CSC explains that candidates are nominated through participating agencies, universities and selected organisations, and those organisations may have their own earlier deadlines and eligibility requirements.
Therefore, applicants should check both:
- The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission requirements.
- The requirements and deadline of their relevant nominating agency.
What Documents Should Applicants Prepare?
Applicants should be prepared to provide information about their:
- University qualifications
- Employment history
- Academic background
- Publications and prizes, where applicable
- Proposed course of study
- Professional experience
- Development impact and career plans
The official application guidance should be followed when completing the form.
Important Warning for Applicants
Applicants should be careful of websites or individuals claiming they can guarantee a Commonwealth Scholarship.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission recently warned applicants to use only the official CSC website and systems when applying and to be cautious about third-party websites requesting personal information or supporting documents.
Do not pay someone simply because they claim they can guarantee selection.
Can Nigerians Apply?
Yes.
Nigeria is explicitly included among the countries eligible for the 2027/28 Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship. Nigerian applicants must still meet the programme's academic, residency and other requirements and must follow the applicable nomination process.
Final Thoughts
For Nigerian and other eligible African graduates looking for postgraduate opportunities in the UK, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is an opportunity worth researching before the October 20, 2026 deadline.
Applicants should begin preparing their documents early and carefully review the official requirements before submitting an application.
Official Application Information
Applicants should use the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website and CSC Central for application information.
Important: Scholarship deadlines, eligibility rules and nomination procedures can change. Always verify the latest information on the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website before applying.
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