By Uche Amunike
Nigerians interested in pursuing postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom can now apply for the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, which offers fully funded opportunities to study for a Master’s degree at participating UK universities.
The UK in Nigeria announced the opening of applications in a social media post on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, encouraging qualified candidates to take advantage of the opportunity before the December 8, 2026 deadline.
Below, is a step by step guide to the eligibility requirements, benefits, application process and deadline.
The scholarship is open to citizens of 43 eligible Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, for approved full-time Master’s programmes commencing in September or October 2027.
According to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, the programme is designed to support academically talented individuals who cannot afford postgraduate education in the UK but have the potential to contribute to development in their home countries.
What the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Covers
Successful applicants will receive financial support covering approved university tuition fees, return international airfare and a monthly living allowance of £1,712.
However, scholars studying at universities within the London metropolitan area will receive a higher monthly allowance of £2,000.
Additional financial assistance may also be available for approved study-related travel and thesis preparation expenses, where applicable.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must be citizens of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country and be permanently resident there.
Candidates must also satisfy the following conditions:
- Hold a first degree with at least an Upper Second-Class (2:1) classification or a Lower Second-Class (2:2) degree alongside a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree, by September 2027.
- Be available to commence studies in the UK in September or October 2027.
- Not have studied or worked for one academic year or more in a high-income country.
- Demonstrate that they cannot afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
- Meet the admission and other requirements of their chosen university.
How Nigerians Can Apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
Interested candidates are required to follow these steps:
1. Select an approved course: Visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s website at https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/
2. Apply for university admission: Candidates must separately apply for admission to their preferred university and satisfy its entry requirements. Scholarship applications do not automatically guarantee admission.
3. Register on the application portal: Visit https://portal.
4. Complete the application form: Provide accurate personal, academic and employment details, alongside information about the proposed course, career plans and how the qualification will contribute to development in Nigeria.
5. Upload supporting documents: Applicants must provide a valid passport or national identity card showing their photograph, date of birth and citizenship, complete academic transcripts and references from at least two individuals.
References must be signed and uploaded in PDF format on institutional letterhead or submitted as emails displaying the senders’ details.
6. Submit the application: Carefully review all information and uploaded documents before submitting through CSC Central.
The commission advises applicants to prepare their responses beforehand and save their progress regularly. It also warns that refreshing the browser may erase unsaved information and submitted applications cannot be edited.
Application Deadline and Selection Process
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application closes at 4 pm GMT on Tuesday, December 8, 2026. Applications submitted outside the official online portal will not be accepted.
Candidates can apply for multiple courses and universities but can accept only one scholarship.
Participating universities will assess applications and nominate preferred candidates to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in March 2027 for final consideration.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute difficulties caused by heavy traffic on the application portal.
Application Portal: https://portal.
Further Information: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/
