Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships | Official Fully Funded Scholarships 2026 — Apply Now, International & African Students. Application is open to Nigerian, African students, and international students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth nations that want to continue their graduate or master’s degree program in the United Kingdom. The scholarship is sponsored by ACU/Commonwealth to provide financial assistance to applicants who seek help to further their education at an accredited college or university. This is a competitive scholarship that is fully funded and with a limited number of award given to qualified applicants of the 2026/2027 Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships.
Scholarship Overview
- Sponsor: ACU/Commonwealth
- Host: ACU/Commonwealth
- Type: Financial aid
- Award: Fully Funded
- Value: Not given
- Level: Master’s degree
- Target: International and local students
- Location: United Kingdom
2026/2027 Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships Eligibility Criteria
The following requirements must be met by the applicants in order to be eligible for the 2026/2027 Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships:
- The scholarship application is for Nigerian students, African students, and international students from low-and middle-income students who are Commonwealth citizens all over the world.
- Applicants must have excellent academic performance and good grade, hold a bachelor’s degree of 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honors) or equivalent.
- It is essential for applicants to be a citizen or a Commonwealth country or hold a refugee status or permanent residency within a Commonwealth country.
- There is no age restriction for applicants applying for the QECS scholarship award.
- Applicants applying for the scholarship award must not apply for a study program in the country where you currently hold citizenships or residency.
- Applicants can only apply to the courses listed on the official ACU QECS portal are eligible.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Return economy flights
- Arrival allowance
- Research support grant
- Commonwealth scholar network
2026/2027 Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships Application Process
To apply for the 2026/2027 Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships, applicants must follow these steps:
- It is essential for applicants to go through the scholarship application before applying for the award.
- Applicants must review the eligible programmes list through the official ACU QECS page and download or browse the current list of participating universities and courses.
- Applicants must visit the university’s own admissions page because each participating university has its own entry requirements, supporting documents, and admission timeline.
- Candidate must create a myACU account by submitting the QECS application through the ACU’s centralized platform the official ACU site.
- Make sure you complete the online application form containing your personal details, academic history, professional experience, personal statement about your goals and why you need the scholarship.
- Applicants must upload all the required documents because an incomplete application are not reviewed.
- Ensure you submit the university admission application separately because the QECS scholarship application and the university admission application are distinct.
- Candidate must make sure you track your application and response to communications promptly through your myACU portal and email inbox.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Official undergraduate degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Two academic or professional reference letters
- Personal statement/development essay
- Updated CV or resume
- Evidence of English Language proficiency
- Proof of citizenship or Commonwealth residency
- Research proposal
- Any additional documents specified by your chosen university
Ways to strengthen your QECS application
- Make your development essay specific‚ not inspirational․
- Choose host countries carefully; some universities or countries on the approved QECS list are less competitive․
- Choose referees who are familiar with your academic or professional work․
- You must apply simultaneously to the university and scholarship․
- Research and name your host university in your statement․
- Applicants must take care to address the cross-border experience․
- Don’t wait until one week before to start writing documents․
Typical errors that Cost applicants the Scholarship
- When applicants apply to programs not on the official QECS list․
- Applicants should not submit a generic personal statement․
- Forgetting to apply to university․
- Applying to study in your home country․
- Submitting incomplete documents․
- Ignoring university-specific requirements․
Application Deadline: 3 June 2026
Visit the Official Scholarship Website
Read more on the Oxford-John Oldacre Graduate Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerian or African students apply?
Yes the scholarship application is open to Nigerian or African students including international students who are come a Commonwealth nation.
Is QECS available for undergraduate or PhD students?
No, the scholarship application QECS is for master’s degree students only.
Is there an IELTS or language test requirements?
Each individual host university have their own requirements but some of the eligible listed university waive English language test for applicants who teaching or certificated obtained was in English.
Does QECS pay a salary or just cover study costs?
Yes, there is a monthly stipend allowance for the duration of the scholarship not a salary.
Can I choose any university in the Commonwealth?
No, only eligible listed university as the official QECS hosts for the current scholarship application.
What is the difference between Cycle 1 and Cycle 2?
Cycle 1 if for January and February intake while Cycle 2 is for September and October intake.
Is there any application fee?
There is no application fee for the QECS scholarship.
What happens after graduation – do i have a return home?
Yes, applicants are required to return to their home country after the completion of the scholarship award to contribute their skills locally.