The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) are a fully funded Master’s degree scholarship programme offered by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) for citizens of Commonwealth countries. The scholarships support high-achieving students to pursue a two-year full-time Master’s degree at a university in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country, with a view to creating positive community and development impact.
QECS is distinct from the UK-based Commonwealth Scholarships (also funded by the UK Government) in that QECS supports study in Commonwealth countries outside the UK, typically in low- or middle-income settings.
Study takes place in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country, at participating universities in host nations such as Bangladesh, Kenya, Eswatini, Uganda, Jamaica and others on the QECS list.
Applicants must study outside their country of citizenship or permanent residence.
Specific host cities depend on the selected university and country (e.g., Dhaka, Nairobi, Mbabane, Kampala, Kingston, etc.).
QECS is fully funded and includes:
Full tuition fees paid for the duration of the award.
Living allowance/stipend to support daily expenses.
Return economy airfare to the host country.
One-off arrival allowance to assist with settling costs.
Research support grant (available on request and subject to approval).
This funding enables scholars to focus on academic achievement and community impact without financial barriers.
To be eligible for QECS:
1. Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country or hold recognised refugee status in one.
2. Undergraduate Degree: Must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least Second-Class Upper (2:1) honours (or equivalent qualification).
3. Course Requirements: Must apply to a full-time, on-campus Master’s programme at a participating host university in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country (distance, part-time, or local study is not eligible).
4. Location of Study: The chosen programme must be outside the applicant’s home country.
5. Commitment: Applicants are expected to show potential for community development impact and leadership relevant to their home country.
6. No upper age limit is specified, but all applicants must meet academic and citizenship criteria.
Note: Exact eligibility criteria may vary slightly depending on the host university and programme applicants should consult the specific course details on the QECS application portal.
For the 2026/2027 cycle, the application period opens on 24 November 2025.
QECS usually has two application cycles per year:
Cycle 1: Opens around Nov/Dec (as above).
Cycle 2: Opens around March/April (dates for 2026 cycle will be announced later).
The deadline for the first cycle of the 2026/2027 Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships is 14 January 2026 at 15:00 UTC.
QECS supports a two-year full-time Master’s degree programme at an eligible host university.
Scholars begin studies in the academic year following selection—usually mid-year or early in the next academic cycle (e.g., starting in mid/late 2026).
1. Review Participating Universities & Courses:
Visit the QECS official site and browse the list of eligible host countries and universities offering funded Master’s programmes.
2. Create a myACU Account:
Use the QECS portal to create a login.
3. Prepare Documents:
Academic transcripts, proof of citizenship/refugee status, personal statement (often including study plan and development impact), CV, references, and other required documentation.
4. Submit Application:
Complete the QECS application form via the ACU portal and submit by the deadline.
5. Apply to Host University:
Complete the university admission process separately as required by the chosen programme.
6. Selection:
Applicants are reviewed based on academic merit, development potential, personal quality of study plan, and expected community impact.
Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) QECS portal:
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