Commonwealth Scholarship 2027/2028 for Nigerians

The Commonwealth Scholarship 2027/2028 gives eligible students from Nigeria a route to postgraduate study in the UK. This guide covers the key rules, documents, dates, funding, and steps you need to know.

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) manages the award. Nigeria is on the list of eligible countries. The 2027/28 application window opens on 8 September 2026. It closes at 16:00 BST on 20 October 2026. Study starts in September or October 2027. citeturn0search0

If you are also considering another UK award, read our Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 guide. It covers a different route, so the rules and application process are not the same.

Commonwealth Scholarship Overview

• Country: United Kingdom
• Level: Full-time taught Master’s study
• Funder: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
• Manager: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
• Eligible country: Nigeria
• Study starts: September or October 2027
• Application system: CSC Central, plus the required nomination route

Eligibility for Nigerians

The main rules apply to citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries. You must also live in an eligible country. In addition, you must be ready to start your UK course in September 2027. citeturn0search0

Academic requirement

You will normally need a first degree at upper-second-class level (2:1) or better. A lower-second-class degree may also work if you have a relevant postgraduate qualification. Always check the current call. A nominating body may add its own rules. citeturn0search1turn0search8

Financial need

This award is for talented students who cannot afford UK study without support. Your proposed course should also have a clear link to sustainable development and the CSC development themes. citeturn0search0

Documents You Should Prepare

The exact list can vary. Your nominator may ask for extra documents. For that reason, use the current call as your final checklist. It is wise to prepare these items early:

• Degree certificates and academic transcripts
• Details of work or professional experience, where required
• Details of your chosen UK Master’s course
• References requested by the application system
• Evidence that supports your development plan
• Extra documents requested by the Nigerian nominating body

Commonwealth Scholarship 2027/2028 Deadline

The CSC has published the main dates for the 2027/28 Master’s award. Applications open on 8 September 2026. The CSC deadline is 16:00 BST on 20 October 2026. The course starts in September or October 2027. citeturn0search0

However, Nigerian applicants should watch for an earlier date too. A nominating body can set its own deadline. It can also add extra rules. You must meet both the nominator’s deadline and the CSC deadline. citeturn0search8

What Does the Award Cover?

The award helps students who cannot fund UK postgraduate study on their own. It supports full-time taught Master’s study. The exact payment and allowance terms should be checked in the current award conditions because details can vary by programme and year. citeturn0search0

How to Apply

1. Read the current Master’s scholarship guidance on the CSC website.
2. Check that you meet the rules for Nigerian applicants.
3. Find the correct nominating body for your route.
4. Check UK Master’s courses that match your goals.
5. Prepare your transcripts, references, and other documents.
6. Apply through CSC Central before 16:00 BST on 20 October 2026.
7. Complete any extra steps required by your nominating body before its deadline.
8. Check your email often for updates from the CSC.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using information from an old scholarship cycle.
• Missing an earlier nominator deadline.
• Confusing the Master’s award with another Commonwealth programme.
• Giving too little detail about your development goals.
• Thinking a nomination guarantees the final award.
• Paying an agent who promises to secure a place for you.

Official Application Information

Use the official CSC website and its application system. The CSC warns applicants to use its official channels when applying for Commonwealth Scholarships. citeturn0search10

View the official Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship information and application guidance

Official Commonwealth Scholarship Information