The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are now open for the 2025/2026 academic session, offering talented individuals from low and middle-income countries (including Nigeria) the opportunity to pursue full-time Master’s degree programs in the United Kingdom—fully funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
This is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships globally, focused on individuals committed to development.
Scholarship Overview
-
Host Country: United Kingdom
-
Funding Body: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
-
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
-
Degree Level: Master’s (1 year)
-
Eligible Countries: Nigeria and other Commonwealth nations
-
Application Deadline: Exact date to be confirmed
Scholarship Coverage
-
Full tuition fees
-
Monthly living allowance (typically £1,347 per month)
-
Travel expenses to and from the UK
-
Warm clothing allowance (where applicable)
-
Thesis grant and study-related travel grants
-
Visa fee reimbursement
-
Access to professional development and networking
Eligibility Criteria
-
Must be a citizen of Nigeria or another eligible Commonwealth country
-
Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) or a strong second class lower (2:2) with relevant experience
-
Not currently living or studying in a high-income country
-
Must not have previously studied for a Master’s degree in the UK on a Commonwealth Scholarship
-
Must be available to start studies in the UK by September 2025
Priority Study Themes
The scholarship supports courses aligned with the following six development themes:
-
Science and technology for development
-
Strengthening health systems and capacity
-
Promoting global prosperity
-
Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
-
Strengthening resilience and response to crises
-
Access, inclusion, and opportunity
Required Documents
-
Proof of citizenship and academic qualifications
-
Personal statement and development impact statement
-
Two references (submitted directly by the referees)
-
Admission to an eligible UK university/course (conditional offers are accepted)
-
Passport bio-data page
How to Apply
-
Apply online through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s portal:
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/apply/ -
Simultaneously apply for admission to a UK university offering eligible Master’s programs:
https://www.ucas.com/postgraduate -
Upload all required documents and submit your application before the deadline in October 2025
Tip: Your personal statement should clearly describe how your proposed studies will benefit your home country. Tie your academic background, work experience, and future plans to the development themes of the scholarship.