Eligibility
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development. They are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
The award is offered to scholars pursuing study in one of six development themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Improving population health, health systems and capacity
- Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
- Strengthening peace, security and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
Only candidates from the following eligible countries can apply for Commonwealth Masters Scholarships:
All eligible countries
- Bangladesh
- Belize
- Botswana
- Dominica
- Eswatini
- Fiji
- Gabon
- The Gambia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guyana
- India
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Montserrat
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Papua New Guinea
- Rwanda
- Saint Helena
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
- Samoa
- Sierra Leone
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Zambia
Please visit the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission website for more information on:
- Eligible nations
- Rate of maintenance grant
- Additional provisions of the scholarship
- Deadlines
- Selection criteria.
How to apply
You must apply well in advance through the Commonwealth Scholarship Agency in your home country, using the CSC’s online application system – CSC Central.
The call for applications will open on 8 September 2026.
As well as applying to the CSC, you must also apply to a nominator, which may have their own eligibility criteria and closing dates.
Deadline: 20 October 2026, 4pm BST
Disclaimer
Our scholarships directory provides information about scholarships available at the University of Leeds. This directory is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer of a scholarship.
Information about scholarships, including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and availability, may change from time to time. You should always refer to the full terms and conditions of any scholarship before applying.
Scholarship offers are made through a separate process. In the event that a scholarship offer is made in error, the University reserves the right to review and, where appropriate, withdraw or amend that offer prior to the student's acceptance. Once an offer has been accepted, the University will act in accordance with the applicable scholarship terms and conditions.