Commonwealth Scholarships – UK (Masters & PhD for Developing Commonwealth Countries)

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, offers fully funded Master’s and PhD study at UK universities for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries — including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and many other African nations.

What it covers: Full tuition fees, a living allowance (stipend) for the duration of the course, return airfare to the UK, a thesis grant for research-based programmes, and an arrival allowance.

Eligibility: Citizens of eligible Commonwealth developing countries who hold (or expect to hold) a first-class or strong second-class honours degree, and who cannot afford to study in the UK without financial support. Master’s applicants generally need to show how their study will contribute to development back home; PhD applicants need a relevant Master’s degree and a strong research proposal.

When to apply: The Commonwealth Scholarships application round usually opens around September/October each year for study commencing the following autumn. Because nominations often go through a national nominating agency (in Uganda this is typically coordinated via the Ministry of Education and Sports or partner universities), applicants should start the process early. Always verify exact 2026/2027 opening and closing dates on the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.

How to apply: Visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSCUK) website for the current list of open programmes, eligibility criteria by country, and application portals.