Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship 2027 | Application Process

Q: Can I apply while I’m in the final year of my bachelor’s degree?

No. You must have already graduated at the time of application, and you may be asked to provide your final transcript and degree certificate.

Q: Do I also need to apply to the university separately, or is the QECS application enough?

You must apply separately for admission to the host university (in addition to the QECS application). Admission is handled by the university.

Q: Can I submit more than one QECS application to the same host university?

No. You can only submit one application per host university. If you submit multiple applications to the same host, usually only the first submitted is considered.

Q: Can I edit my QECS application after submitting it (or upload missing documents later)?

No. Once the application is submitted, you cannot make amendments or upload additional documents. You should review everything carefully before final submission.

Q: Which language should my documents be in?

Your application must be completed in English, and supporting documents (transcripts, certificates, references) should also be in English. If your documents are issued in another language, provide official translations where required.

February 27, 2026February 16, 2026 by Muhammad Faizan

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students who wish to study in Commonwealth countries. This fully funded scholarship is available for master’s programmes at the top universities worldwide. The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship 2027 covers full tuition fees, a living allowance, return tickets, an arrival allowance, and a research grant. In this article, we provide a complete guide to the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship, including scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, application deadlines, and a detailed step-by-step application process.

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship is aimed at students who are committed to creating change in their communities; the scholarships are a life-changing opportunity to experience a new country and culture, to broaden horizons, and to build a global network that will last a lifetime.

There is no application fee charged by the QECS. Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholars help bring about positive change and find solutions. A wide range of academic fields is available. The scholarship will be awarded in low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The citizens of Commonwealth countries are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

The current hosts of the QECS awards are only those listed on the website. If a country/university is not on the website, it means that they are not a host for the current cycle of awards. In some cases, this may be due to the timing of the application cycle; for example, some institutions have an academic year starting in January/February; therefore, they would be included in the second cycle of awards. Please keep an eye on the website for more details on those institutions/countries that will be included in the second application cycle.

Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship Highlights

Degree Programme	Master’s
Scholarship Provider	Commonwealth
Study Destinations	Antigua & Barbuda, Bangladesh, Barbados, Eswatini, Jamaica, Kenya, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda
Fields of Study	Click here to find all the available degree programmes
Programme Duration	2 years
Funding	Fully Funded

Host Universities for Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship

The University of the West Indies – Five Islands campus
BRAC University
The University of the West Indies – Cave Hill campus
University of Eswatini
The University of the West Indies – Mona campus
The Technical University of Kenya
University of Mauritius
University of Kelaniya
The University of the West Indies – St Augustine campus
Makerere University

Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship Benefits

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship provides the recipient with the following benefits:

The full tuition fee waiver will be provided.
A scholar will be receiving living expenses.
Return tickets will be provided.
An arrival allowance will also be provided.
A research grant will be provided.

Eligibility Requirements for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship

The following are the minimum eligibility requirements for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship:

English is the required language. Check the intended university requirements.
Citizens of a Commonwealth country are eligible to apply.
A candidate must have a bachelor’s degree.
There is no upper age limit.
A candidate must be aware that he or she is going to study in a lower- or middle-income country.

Click here for country-specific eligibility criteria.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship 2027

The following simple and easy application process will help you to apply for this scholarship:

Step 1: An applicant can only apply to the university that is mentioned in the list on the official website.

Step 2: No host university will be entertaining the participant in the UK, Canada, or Australia.

Step 3: There are two cycles for applying each year; a candidate needs to look into the country/university, which would determine in which cycle they should apply.

Step 4: An applicant can apply to more than one university or country.

Step 5: After the acknowledgement of the above information, a candidate can apply via the official website along with the required documents and correct information.

Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship 2027 is January 14, 2026.

For further information regarding the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship and the application process, please visit the official website:

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a QECS in my own country (country of citizenship)?

No. QECS is an international scholarship, so you must apply to study in a country other than your country of citizenship.

Can I apply while I’m in the final year of my bachelor’s degree?

No. You must have already graduated at the time of application, and you may be asked to provide your final transcript and degree certificate.

Is there a minimum academic requirement (like a 2:1) for QECS?

Yes. The official guidance states you must have achieved at least a 2:1 (or equivalent) at undergraduate level to be eligible.

Do I need an admission offer from the host university before submitting the QECS application?

No. You do not need a university offer at the time you submit your QECS application. However, you are encouraged to apply for your chosen course before or at the same time as the QECS application (depending on the host university’s admissions cycle).

Do I also need to apply to the university separately, or is the QECS application enough?

You must apply separately for admission to the host university (in addition to the QECS application). Admission is handled by the university.

If the university charges an application fee, will QECS pay it?

No. If your chosen university charges an application fee, it is your responsibility to pay it to secure your admission offer.

Can I submit more than one QECS application to the same host university?

No. You can only submit one application per host university. If you submit multiple applications to the same host, usually only the first submitted is considered.

Can I edit my QECS application after submitting it (or upload missing documents later)?

No. Once the application is submitted, you cannot make amendments or upload additional documents. You should review everything carefully before final submission.

Which language should my documents be in?

Your application must be completed in English, and supporting documents (transcripts, certificates, references) should also be in English. If your documents are issued in another language, provide official translations where required.

What if I cannot get an academic reference?

At least one academic reference is recommended, but if you cannot obtain one, you may use two professional references instead, as long as they address the points requested in the application.

Can I apply if I don’t have a valid passport right now?

Yes. You can usually apply using a national ID (or an expired passport if that is what you have). If selected, you must ensure your passport is valid for the full period of your stay in the host country.

When are QECS results announced?

The outcome timing depends on the cycle: Cycle 1 (courses starting July–October) typically hears back in July of the award year, while Cycle 2 (courses starting January–February) typically hears back in October before the award starts.

Will I get feedback if my QECS application is unsuccessful?

No. Individual feedback is generally not provided. Selection is competitive and evaluated against criteria such as academic history/references, plan of study, development impact, and networking.

Is accommodation arranged by QECS?

No. Accommodation is not pre-arranged as part of the award. Your living allowance is intended to cover accommodation and other living costs. Some host universities may assist with guidance, but you should confirm directly with the university.

Can I bring my spouse or dependants with me on QECS?

It is strongly discouraged. QECS living allowances are calculated for the scholar only. If you bring dependants, you are responsible for all additional welfare, visa, and financial arrangements.

Do I book my own flight and get reimbursed?

No. Flights are booked through QECS (via nominated travel agencies) and are not reimbursed if you book independently. Flights are typically booked only after you confirm you have received your visa.

Will QECS arrange my visa for the host country?

No. Visa processing support should be requested from your host university. QECS cannot manage all country-specific immigration processes.

Can I accept another scholarship or extra funding alongside QECS?

Sometimes, yes, but you generally must seek approval before accepting additional funding during your award period.

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