Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/28 opens for Pakistani students on 10 November 2026. The scholarship funds a one-year taught master’s degree at a UK university. Applications close at 16:00 GMT on 8 December 2026.
This guide explains who can apply, what you need to prepare and how to submit your application. All facts on this page were verified on the official CSC website at cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk on 2 November 2026.
GoPunjab is an independent information website. We are not the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. For all official rules, eligible universities and updates, go to cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk.
Key dates
| Applications open | Tuesday 10 November 2026 |
| Applications close | 16:00 GMT, Tuesday 8 December 2026 |
| Course starts | September or October 2027 |
What the scholarship covers
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are funded jointly by the UK government and participating UK universities. The scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Return economy airfare from Pakistan to the UK
- Monthly living allowance during your studies
- Arrival and departure allowances
- Other approved costs
The scholarship is for a one-year taught master’s degree. It does not cover two-year or research-based programs.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, you must meet all of the following:
Citizenship and residency
- Be a citizen of Pakistan, or have been granted refugee status by Pakistan
- Be permanently resident in Pakistan
Academic requirement
- By September 2027, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class honours (2:1)
- OR hold a lower second-class degree (2:2) plus a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a master’s degree
High-income country rule
- Not have studied or worked for one academic year or more in a high-income country at the time you apply
- High-income country status is defined by the World Bank country classification list
- Short visits, holidays and tourist travel do not count
Financial need
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship
Age
There is no minimum or maximum age requirement for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships.
How to apply
You must complete two separate applications. Both are required before the 8 December 2026 deadline.
Step 1: Apply through CSC Central
Go to portal.csccentralonline.org.uk/application. Create an account with your email address, complete the application form and submit before 16:00 GMT on 8 December 2026.
Step 2: Apply to a participating UK university
Contact the international admissions office of at least one participating UK university and apply for admission to an eligible course. Each university sets its own admission requirements and internal deadline.
The list of participating universities and eligible courses for 2027/28 is published on the CSC website. Check cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk from 10 November 2026 for the current list. Do not use a 2026 list as the participating institutions and courses change each cycle.
What to prepare
Start gathering these documents before 10 November 2026 so you are ready when the application opens.
Identity and residence
- Passport or national identity card, valid with enough time remaining beyond your proposed UK stay
Academic documents
- Official academic transcripts for your undergraduate degree and any postgraduate degrees, attested where required
- Degree certificates, attested copies. Include a provisional certificate if your final degree is still pending.
References
You will need referees with institutional email addresses. Contact them early. Two or three academic or professional references are typically required for the CSC Central application.
Personal statement
A statement explaining your academic goals, why you need the scholarship to study in the UK and what you will do with your qualifications after you return.
CV
A summary of your academic qualifications and professional or research experience in reverse chronological order.
English language test
Each participating UK university sets its own English language requirement. IELTS Academic is the most commonly accepted test. Check the requirements for each university you apply to before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What if my degree is from a Pakistani university?
The academic requirement is based on the class of your degree (2:1 or 2:2 plus postgrad), not the ranking of your institution. A degree from an HEC-recognized Pakistani university is acceptable.
What counts as studying or working in a high-income country?
One academic year or more of study, or one year or more of employment, in a high-income country makes you ineligible. Short visits, language courses of a few weeks and holidays do not count. Check the CSC website for the exact definition used.
Do I need a confirmed university offer before applying?
You do not need a confirmed offer from a UK university to submit your CSC Central application, but you must also apply directly to a participating university. Starting both applications before the December 8 deadline is strongly recommended.
Is there an application fee?
No. There is no fee to apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships through CSC Central or through participating UK universities.
Official resources
- Apply: portal.csccentralonline.org.uk/application
- Official CSC page: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
GoPunjab is an independent information website. We are not the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Always check the official CSC website for the most up-to-date rules, eligible universities and application requirements before you apply.