The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) 2026 are a prestigious, fully funded postgraduate scholarship programme designed for talented individuals from Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue a Master’s degree abroad. The scholarship is administered by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and supports study in selected low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, excluding an applicant’s home country.
The aim of the QECS programme is not only academic excellence but also the development of future leaders who are committed to creating positive change in their communities. Scholars are selected based on merit, leadership potential and a clear vision of how their studies will contribute to sustainable development within the Commonwealth.
This guide explains everything prospective applicants need to know about the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026, including eligibility requirements, confirmed host universities, scholarship coverage, application steps and practical, non-generic tips to improve your chances.
Overview of the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships enable students from across the Commonwealth to study a two-year Master’s degree in a different Commonwealth country. The programme promotes international collaboration, cultural exchange and knowledge sharing between nations facing similar development challenges.
Unlike some scholarships that focus on study in high-income countries, QECS places strong emphasis on strengthening academic institutions and professional capacity within developing Commonwealth nations. Scholars are expected to return home or contribute meaningfully to development efforts after completing their studies.
Scholarship Summary
Scholarship Name: Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Academic Year: 2026 intake
Programme Level: Master’s degree
Duration: Two years
Administering Body: Association of Commonwealth Universities
Eligible Applicants: Citizens or recognised refugees of Commonwealth countries
Study Location: Low or middle-income Commonwealth country, not the applicant’s home country
Funding Type: Fully funded
- Deadline: January 14, 2026
Eligibility Criteria for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship
To be considered for the QECS 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Commonwealth Citizenship or Refugee Status
Applicants must be citizens of a Commonwealth country or hold officially recognised refugee status in a Commonwealth nation. Proof of status is required during the application process.
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must hold a completed undergraduate degree by the time the Master’s programme begins. A minimum of Second Class Upper Division (2:1) or equivalent is typically required, although individual universities may apply additional academic standards.
Study Outside Home Country
Candidates must apply to study in a Commonwealth country that is different from their country of citizenship or permanent residence. Applications to universities within an applicant’s home country are not eligible.
Admission Requirements of Host University
Applicants must meet all academic and language requirements set by the host university and the specific Master’s programme. These may include subject prerequisites, English language proficiency or professional experience.
Age Requirement
There is no upper age limit for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship, making it accessible to both early-career and mid-career applicants.
Host Universities
Each QECS application cycle features a defined list of participating universities and eligible programmes. For the 2026 cycle, the scholarship is expected to cover Master’s programmes at selected institutions across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. Below are universities that have consistently featured as QECS host institutions in recent cycles and are expected to participate in 2026, subject to final confirmation by ACU.
Caribbean Region
The University of the West Indies (UWI)
Campuses participating under QECS typically include:
Mona Campus, Jamaica
Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
St Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
Five Islands Campus, Antigua and Barbuda
UWI offers eligible Master’s programmes in public health, education, development studies, social sciences, environmental management, business administration and related disciplines.
Africa
Makerere University, Uganda
One of Africa’s leading universities, Makerere offers postgraduate programmes in public health, development studies, agriculture, education, science and social sciences.
University of Eswatini, Eswatini
This public university offers Master’s degrees in education, humanities, business, agriculture and sciences aligned with national and regional development priorities.
Technical University of Kenya, Kenya
The institution focuses on applied sciences, engineering, technology, business and technical education programmes suitable for development-oriented careers.
State University of Zanzibar, Tanzania
The university offers relevant Master’s programmes in social sciences, education, environmental studies and development-focused disciplines.
South and Southeast Asia
BRAC University, Bangladesh
Known for its development-driven approach, BRAC University offers postgraduate programmes in public health, development studies, education leadership and social sciences.
University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
One of the oldest universities in the region, offering Master’s programmes in sciences, social sciences, economics, development and public policy.
COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan
Offers eligible postgraduate programmes in engineering, computing, management sciences, environmental science and technology-driven disciplines.
Public Universities in Malaysia
Selected Malaysian public universities participate in QECS with Master’s programmes in science, agriculture, engineering, environmental studies, business and technology.
It is important to note that only specific courses within these universities are eligible under the scholarship. Applicants must confirm that their chosen programme is listed for QECS funding in the 2026 cycle.
Scholarship Coverage
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship is fully funded and typically includes the following benefits:
Tuition Fees
Full coverage of approved tuition fees for the entire duration of the Master’s programme.
Living Allowance
A monthly stipend to cover basic living expenses such as accommodation, food and local transportation.
Travel Costs
Return economy airfare from the scholar’s home country to the host country at the start and end of the programme.
Arrival Allowance
A one-time settlement allowance to help with initial expenses upon arrival in the host country.
Research Support
In some cases, additional financial support may be available for research-related activities, subject to approval.
The exact value of allowances may vary by host country and institution.
How to Apply for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship
The application process involves two parallel applications, one for the scholarship and one for university admission.
Step 1: Identify Eligible Universities and Courses
Applicants should first review the list of participating universities and eligible Master’s programmes for the 2026 cycle.
Step 2: Check Admission Requirements
Confirm that you meet the academic and language requirements for your chosen programme at the host university.
Step 3: Create an ACU Application Account
Applicants must create an account on the ACU scholarship application portal to access the QECS application form.
Step 4: Submit the QECS Application
Complete the online scholarship application, including personal details, academic history, personal statement and references. Required documents such as transcripts and certificates must be uploaded.
Step 5: Apply Separately to the Host University
Applicants must also submit a separate admission application directly to the host university. Receiving an offer of admission is usually a condition for final scholarship confirmation.
Step 6: Observe Application Deadlines
All applications must be submitted before the stated deadline in January 2026. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Pro Tips for a Strong QECS Application
Focus on Impact, Not Just Grades
QECS places strong emphasis on how applicants plan to use their education for societal benefit. Clearly explain the problems you want to address and how your studies will help you do so.
Choose Courses with Clear Development Value
Programmes linked to public health, education, sustainability, technology, governance and economic development tend to align well with the scholarship’s objectives.
Write a Purpose-Driven Personal Statement
Avoid generic statements. Be specific about your goals, your community, and the change you want to contribute after graduation.
Treat Admission and Scholarship as Equal Priorities
A strong university application improves your scholarship chances. Pay close attention to both processes.
Prepare References Early
Choose referees who know your academic ability and leadership potential well and give them enough time to provide thoughtful recommendations.
Demonstrate Adaptability
Highlight experiences that show you can thrive in new environments, collaborate across cultures and handle challenges constructively.
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 offer a rare opportunity for talented individuals from Commonwealth countries to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree while gaining international exposure and building long-term professional networks. With comprehensive financial coverage and access to reputable universities across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, the scholarship is ideal for candidates committed to academic excellence and meaningful development impact.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a clear vision for how your studies can contribute to positive change, this scholarship is well worth pursuing.
Interested applicants should check the official Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship website for confirmed host universities, eligible programmes and application details for the 2026 cycle.
