The Commonwealth Scholarships 2027–2028 have opened opportunities for Pakistani students seeking to pursue Master’s and PhD studies in the United Kingdom with financial support. The programme is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).
The scholarships are available to students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including Pakistan. The awards provide support for major study expenses, including approved tuition fees, travel costs and living expenses. PhD scholars may receive a monthly stipend of £2,000, along with other allowances according to the scholarship conditions.
Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year will open on September 8, 2026, and close on October 20, 2026, at 16:00 BST. Applicants are advised to prepare their documents and submit their applications before the deadline.
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is available for students applying for full-time taught Master’s programmes in the UK. Selected scholars can receive approved tuition fee coverage, return airfare and a monthly living allowance. A study travel grant is also available. Eligible widowed, divorced or single-parent candidates may receive additional family allowances under the relevant conditions.
The scholarship does not support MBA programmes or research-based Master’s degrees. Applicants should therefore check their chosen course carefully before submitting an application.
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship is designed for candidates pursuing doctoral research with a focus on development impact. It covers approved tuition fees, return airfare, living expenses and study travel support. PhD scholars may also receive support for approved overseas fieldwork and a mid-term visit to their home country, subject to the scholarship terms.
Applicants must be citizens of an eligible Commonwealth country and demonstrate strong academic performance. They must also explain how their proposed studies or research could contribute to development in their home country.
PhD applicants must hold a first degree equivalent to at least an upper second-class honours degree. Candidates with a lower second-class degree may also qualify if they have a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree.
Applicants may be required to provide academic transcripts, degree certificates, a study plan or research proposal, recommendation letters, a personal statement and other supporting documents.
English language requirements may also apply. The listed minimum scores include IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 92, PTE Academic 62, Cambridge C1 Advanced 176, Cambridge C2 Proficiency 176 and Duolingo English Test 115.
Applicants cannot apply directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Applications must be submitted through the CSC online application system and applicants must receive a nomination from an approved nominating agency.
The scholarships provide Pakistani students with an opportunity to pursue postgraduate education in the UK while receiving financial support for eligible study-related expenses. Interested students should review the official requirements and prepare their applications well before the October 20 deadline.
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