"Nigerian graduates can apply for the fully funded Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships for 2027/2028 study in the UK. Learn about eligibility, funding, documents, nominating agencies and the October 20, 2026 CSC deadline."
Overview
Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships and Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for the 2027/2028 academic year.
The scholarships are offered through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) and support postgraduate study in the United Kingdom for eligible candidates from Commonwealth countries.
Applications close on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. BST. For applicants in Nigeria, this is also 4:00 p.m. Nigerian time. Study is expected to begin in September/October 2027.
Nigerians Are Eligible
Nigeria is included on the CSC’s official list of eligible countries for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships and Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for 2027/2028. Eligible Nigerian applicants can apply under the relevant programme if they meet the other requirements.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship supports full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university. It is intended for candidates from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who may not otherwise be able to afford study in the UK.
The award is available for one-year taught Master’s programmes. The CSC states that MBA programmes are not funded under this award.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship supports full-time doctoral study in the UK for eligible candidates. It is intended to support research that can contribute to the development needs of Commonwealth countries.
The programme is normally tenable for 36 months of full-time study. The CSC does not support four-year PhD programmes under this scheme. Nigeria is included among the countries eligible for the 2027/2028 PhD scholarship.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The CSC covers several approved study and living costs. Rates and conditions may change.
For the Master’s Scholarship, the CSC lists:
- Approved airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award
- Full approved tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance of £1,712, or £2,000 for scholars studying at universities in the London metropolitan area, based on current rates
- Study travel grant for study-related travel
- Additional family allowance in specific circumstances
For the
PhD Scholarship, support also includes:
- Approved airfare
- Full approved tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Study travel grant
- Approved support for overseas fieldwork where applicable
- A paid mid-term return airfare to the scholar’s home country, subject to CSC conditions
- Certain family allowances where eligibility conditions are met
Who Can Apply for the Master’s Scholarship?
According to the CSC, applicants must generally:
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Be available to begin study in the UK by the start of the September 2027 academic year
- By September 2027, hold a first degree of at least Upper Second-Class (2:1) honours standard, or a Lower Second-Class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship
- Provide all required supporting documents in the specified format
The CSC states that there is
no age limit for applications. Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree should check the rules carefully because a second Master’s degree is not normally funded and would require justification.
Who Can Apply for the PhD Scholarship?
Applicants must generally:
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Be available to begin study in the UK by September 2027
- By September 2027, hold a first degree of at least Upper Second-Class (2:1) standard, or a Lower Second-Class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree
- Not already be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, before September/October 2026
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship
- Submit all required documentation
Applicants must also prepare a suitable research proposal and obtain a supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor.
How to Apply
Applications for both scholarships are submitted through the CSC’s official online application system, CSC Central.
For Master’s applicants
1. Create an application through CSC Central.
2. Select the relevant scholarship programme.
3. Prepare and upload the required supporting documents.
4. Apply through a participating nominating agency or eligible NGO/charitable body.
5. Follow the nominator’s own eligibility rules and deadline.
The CSC does not accept applications or documents submitted outside its official application system.
For PhD applicants
1. Complete the CSC application through CSC Central.
2. Apply through an eligible nominating agency.
3. Research suitable UK universities and supervisors.
4. Apply to the relevant university where required.
5. Obtain the required supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor.
6. Upload all required documents before the CSC deadline.
Nominating agencies can set earlier deadlines, so applicants should not assume that October 20 is the deadline for every part of the process.
Documents Applicants Should Prepare
Depending on the scholarship, required materials may include:
- Valid passport or national identity document showing citizenship
- Full academic transcripts
- References
- Supporting statements where required
- Study plan
- Research proposal for PhD applicants
- Personal statement
- Development Impact statement
- Employment and professional information where applicable
Missing required documentation can make an application ineligible.
Development Themes
The Commonwealth Scholarship programmes are offered around six CSC development themes:
1. Science and technology for development
2. Improving population health, health systems and capacity
3. Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
4. Strengthening peace, security and governance
5. Strengthening resilience and response to crises
6. Access, inclusion and opportunity
Applicants should connect their proposed study or research to the relevant development area required by the scholarship.
Important Deadline
| Item | Date |
|---|---|
| Scholarship year | 2027/2028 |
| Expected study start | September/October 2027 |
| CSC application deadline | October 20, 2026 |
| Closing time | 4:00 p.m. BST |
| Nigerian equivalent | 4:00 p.m. WAT |
Your nominating agency may have an earlier deadline. Do not wait until October 20 before checking its requirements.
Beware of Fake Commonwealth Scholarship Websites
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission has warned applicants to use only its official website and application systems. Applicants should be cautious of third-party websites requesting personal information or supporting documents.
The Commission also states that it does not charge applicants to submit scholarship applications through its online application system. Avoid paying agents or submitting sensitive documents through unofficial scholarship websites.
Official Application Links
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-phd-scholarships-for-least-developed-countries-and-vulnerable-states/
- CSC Application Portal: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/apply/
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nigeria eligible for the Commonwealth Scholarship?
Yes. Nigeria is listed among the eligible countries for the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships.
What is the application deadline?
The CSC deadline is 4:00 p.m. BST on October 20, 2026.
Can I apply for a Master’s degree?
Yes. Eligible Nigerian candidates can apply for a qualifying full-time taught Master’s programme.
Can I apply for a PhD?
Yes. Nigeria is also listed as eligible for the 2027/2028 Commonwealth PhD Scholarship, subject to the programme’s requirements.
Does the scholarship cover tuition?
Yes. The CSC states that approved tuition fees are covered.
Does it cover living expenses?
Yes. The scholarship includes a monthly living allowance at the CSC’s stated rate.
Do I need IELTS to apply?
The CSC states that it does not require candidates to take IELTS for its scholarship application. However, individual UK universities may have their own English-language requirements.
Is the scholarship for undergraduate students?
No. These awards are for postgraduate study.
Important Note for Nigerian Applicants
Submitting the CSC form alone does not automatically complete the process. For both awards, candidates also need to go through the relevant nominating agency, which may have its own eligibility requirements and deadline.
Applicants should read the official CSC guidance carefully and begin preparing academic documents, references, study plans and research materials early.
CampusAI Advice
This scholarship is aimed at postgraduate applicants, not UTME candidates seeking undergraduate admission. Graduates considering a UK Master’s or PhD should determine which programme matches their academic level, then check the official eligibility requirements and nominating route.
Most importantly, use the official CSC website and CSC Central when submitting an application.
Editor’s Note
Scholarship requirements, nominating-agency deadlines and funding conditions can change. Applicants should confirm the latest information directly through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s official website before submitting an application or providing personal documents.
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