Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) 2026/2027
Organization: Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Degree level: Masters
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: January 14, 2026
Eligible countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Cameroon, Canada, Cyprus, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe (Citizens of any Commonwealth country can apply, but must study in a different country)
Fields of study: Various (Depends on participating host universities, typically includes Health, Engineering, Agriculture, Social Sciences, Humanities)
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer a unique opportunity to study a two-year Master's degree in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country. Aimed at students who are committed to creating change in their communities, the scholarships provide a life-changing opportunity to experience a new country and culture, broaden horizons, and build a global network that will last a lifetime.
Benefits
Full tuition fees.
Living allowance (stipend) for the duration of the award.
Return economy flights to the host country.
One-off arrival allowance.
Research Support Grant (on request only; subject to approval).
Eligibility
Must be a citizen (or hold refugee status) of a Commonwealth country.
Must hold a Bachelor's degree of at least 2:1 standard (or equivalent).
Must apply to study at a university in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country that is not your own country of citizenship.
Must meet the specific entry requirements of the chosen university and course.
There is no upper age limit.
Requirements
Submit an online QECS application via the ACU portal.
Submit a separate application for admission to the chosen university (if required by the host institution).
Provide a statement explaining how the study plan will contribute to development in the home country/region.
Provide two references (academic/professional).
Provide academic transcripts.
Required Documents
Bachelor's Degree Certificate
Academic Transcripts
Two References (Letters or contact details depending on cycle)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Scan of Passport/National ID
Admissions Letter (sometimes required at application stage, or later)
Programs of Study
Varies by cycle and host university (e.g., MPH Public Health, MSc Climate Change, MA Cultural Studies, MSc Civil Engineering)
Application Process
Review the list of eligible countries and universities for the current cycle on the ACU website.
Click the 'Apply now' button for your chosen university/course to enter the QECS application portal (myACU).
Create an account and complete the scholarship application, including statements on 'Plan of Study', 'Development Impact', and 'Creating Networks'.
Submit a separate application for admission directly to the host university for the chosen course.
Upload all required documents and submit before the deadline.
How to Apply
Go to the official ACU QECS page and identify a host university/course in a country other than your own. Apply for the scholarship via the 'Apply Now' button which leads to the myACU portal. Simultaneously, submit a separate admission application directly to that university's website.
Selection Process
Eligibility check.
Assessment of academic merit and quality of the study plan.
Evaluation of the potential impact of the work on the development of the home country (Development Impact statement).
Review of the applicant's ability to build networks and leadership potential.