Queen Elizabeth Scholarship – Apply Now! (Fully Funded) Commonwealth Scholarships
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship offers fully-funded Master’s study to citizens of low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The scholarship covers all tuition fees, living expenses, flights, and other costs for a two-year Master’s program at a university in another Commonwealth country.
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship Candidates are selected based on academic merit, references, personal statement, and interview performance. There are two cycles per year with deadlines in late December and April.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Citizens of low/middle-income Commonwealth countries, upper second class undergrad degree, no prior study in high-income country |
| Scholarship Amount | Full funding for 2 years Master’s study including airfare, tuition, living stipend, allowances, thesis grant |
| Application Process | Online form, transcripts, references, statement, interview |
| Number of Awards | Up to 35 annually |
| Coverage | Airfare, tuition, stipend, various allowances |
| Duration | 2 years full-time Master’s study |
| Selection Criteria | Academics, statement, references, interview |
| Deadlines | Cycle 1: Nov/Dec, Cycle 2: Mar/Apr |
The number of scholarships awarded varies, but approximately 30 are awarded in two annual cycle. Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria in terms of nationality, qualifications, and prior experience in high-income countries. The QECS aims to develop future leaders across the Commonwealth.
Queen Elizabeth Scholarship – Commonwealth
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer fully-funded Master’s scholarships to citizens of Commonwealth countries to study at universities in other low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
The scholarships aim to strengthen capacity across the Commonwealth in areas of sustainable development and global trade.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the QECS, applicants must:
- Be citizens or permanent residents of a low- or middle-income Commonwealth country
- Not hold citizenship or permanent residency of the country where they intend to study
- Have completed an undergraduate degree with at least upper second class honors
- Be available to start academic studies in the UK in the academic year following the application deadline
- Not have studied or worked for one academic year or more in a high-income Commonwealth country
- Must not have already undertaken a Master’s degree or PhD, or an equivalent tertiary level qualification
Scholarship Amount
The QECS provides full funding for two years of Master’s study, including:
- Approved airfares
- Tuition and examination fees
- Stipend for living expenses
- Arrival allowance
- Thesis grant
- Study travel grant
- Excess baggage allowance
Application Process
Applications for the QECS are made through the ACU’s online portal. Applicants must submit:
- Completed online application form
- Copy of passport
- Certified copies of university transcripts
- Two references
- Personal statement describing their ambitions, interests, and suitability for the scholarship
Applications are judged on academic merit, personal statement, and references. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed.
Number of Scholarships
Up to 35 scholarships are awarded annually. There are more scholarships available for priority regions including sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean.
Scholarship Coverage
The QECS provides full funding covering:
- Airfares: Return airfare to and from the study country
- Tuition fees: Paid directly to the university
- Stipend: Covers living expenses, paid monthly
- Arrival allowance: For initial expenses after arrival
- Thesis grant: For thesis printing and binding
- Study travel grant: For study-related travel within the host country
- Excess baggage: Additional baggage allowance for study materials
Scholarship Duration
The QECS funds two years of full-time Master’s study. Scholars must maintain high academic performance to continue receiving funding.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed on:
- Academic excellence: A strong undergraduate record is required
- Personal statement: Demonstrating motivation and leadership potential
- References: Supporting the applicant’s credentials and abilities
- Interview performance: For shortlisted candidates
Preference is given to candidates who show strong leadership qualities.
Scholarship Deadline
There are two annual application cycles:
- Cycle 1: Opens in November/December for programs starting the following September
- Cycle 2: Opens in March/April for programs starting in January
Check the ACU website for exact deadlines each year. Submit your application well in advance of the deadline.
