Fully Funded master’s study across the Commonwealth, plus student visa support and a monthly living stipend. That is what the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships deliver for the 2026/2027 academic year.
If you are a citizen of a Commonwealth country and want to study abroad without tuition fees, this is your route. You will study in a different Commonwealth nation, with travel covered and support on arrival. It is a powerful launchpad for your career and your global network.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
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The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS), managed by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), fund talented graduates to complete a full-time Master’s degree in another Commonwealth country. You gain world-class education, build cross-border connections, and return home with skills your community needs.
It is fully funded for the 2026/2027 cycle: tuition fully covered, a monthly stipend for living costs, return airfares, and an arrival allowance. Many hosts also provide research and fieldwork support. There is no application fee to apply for QECS, and there is no upper age limit.
What the Scholarship Covers
Funding is designed to remove financial barriers so you can focus on your degree. Coverage may vary slightly by host country and university, but typically includes the items below.
Benefit
What’s Included
Notes for 2026/2027
Tuition Fees
Full tuition for an approved Master’s program
Paid directly to the host university
Monthly Stipend
Living allowance for accommodation, food, and local costs
Rate set by the host country and institution
Return Airfare
Economy flights to and from the host country
Typically one return journey for the award period
Arrival Allowance
One-off settling-in grant on arrival
Amount varies by host
Research Support
Contribution toward research or fieldwork costs
Where applicable to your course requirements
Visa Support
Official documentation for student visa processing
Visa fees are subject to host rules; check your host’s guidance
Health Cover
Access to student health insurance where required by law
QECS is open to citizens or refugees of Commonwealth countries. You will study in a participating host university located in a different Commonwealth country from your citizenship or long-term residence. The list of host countries and courses changes each cycle.
Hosts are drawn from across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Study in high-income countries like the UK is not included. For the latest participating hosts and eligible courses for 2026/2027, review the official ACU page.
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Citizenship: You must be a citizen or refugee with status in a Commonwealth country.
Education: A bachelor’s degree that meets the entry standard for a Master’s program in your chosen host university.
Field of Study: Choose from the approved courses listed by each participating host for 2026/2027.
Study Location: You must study outside your home country. Applications to study in your country of citizenship are not permitted.
English/Lang. Proficiency: Meet the language requirements set by your selected host university. IELTS may be required depending on the course and institution.
Availability: Be ready to commence studies for the 2026/2027 academic year.
References: Provide academic or professional referee reports as requested in the QECS application.
ID and Documents: Valid passport, degree certificate, transcripts, and other supporting documents.
Age Limit: There is no upper age limit.
Level: Awards are for Master’s only, not for undergraduate or PhD.
How to Apply
Check participating hosts: Review the current list of eligible universities and programs for the 2026/2027 cycle on the ACU website. See hosts and courses
Match your course: Pick a Master’s program that aligns with your background and meets all entry and language requirements.
Create your ACU account: Open the QECS application via the ACU portal. There is no application fee.
Prepare documents: Degree certificate, official transcripts, scan of passport, CV, personal statements, and two references ready to upload or submit as directed.
Complete the QECS form: Fill in personal details, education history, motivation, impact statements, and your preferred host and course.
Submit before the deadline: Upload all files and submit your application for the 2026/2027 window.
Wait for shortlisting: If shortlisted, you may be asked for further information or to attend an interview.
University admission: Follow the instructions from ACU and the host institution to secure your formal admission. Some hosts require a separate university application.
Visa and travel: Use the award letter and host documentation to apply for the student visa. Book flights as directed by the scholarship administrators.
2026/2027 cycle: Application windows and cut-off dates vary by host. Visit the official website for the latest deadline and to confirm which universities are open this cycle.
A: It depends on the host university and course. Many institutions accept IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent proof of proficiency. Some may waive tests if your prior degree was taught in English. Always check the specific course page.
Q: Can I bring my family or dependants?
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A: Dependant rules are set by the host country’s student visa policy. The scholarship does not routinely fund dependants’ costs. If dependants are allowed by the visa, you must budget separately unless your host confirms additional support.
Q: Is there an age limit for QECS?
A: No. There is no upper age limit. Admissions are based on eligibility, academic merit, and the strength of your application.
Q: Do I need an offer from the university before I apply?
A: Not always. QECS and host requirements vary. Some hosts allow you to apply for QECS first, then secure admission after selection. Others may request evidence you meet course entry standards. Follow the instructions on the ACU portal for your chosen host.
Q: Does the scholarship cover visa fees and health insurance?
A: QECS provides the documentation you need for the visa. Visa fees and health insurance arrangements depend on host-country rules. Some hosts include mandatory student insurance; always review the host’s funding notes.
Q: Is this open to applicants from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean?
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A: Yes, if you are a citizen or refugee with status in a Commonwealth country. You must study in a different Commonwealth nation from your own. Non-Commonwealth citizens are not eligible.
Ready to step up? Apply for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026/2027 through the ACU portal. Review the open hosts, pick your course, and submit a strong application before the window closes. Start here: ACU QECS official page.
