Applications are now open for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026, a fully funded opportunity for students from Commonwealth countries to study a two-year master’s degree in another low or middle-income Commonwealth nation. This scholarship is ideal for students who want to gain international education while creating positive change in their communities.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, monthly living expenses, return airfare, arrival allowance, and research support funding (if approved). Students can apply for selected master’s programs in fields such as engineering, agriculture, climate change, computer science, physics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
The application deadline for this cycle is 3 June 2026 at 15:00 UTC. Only citizens or refugees from Commonwealth countries are eligible to apply. There is no application fee for the scholarship application.
Key Details:
- Scholarship Name: Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) 2026
- Degree Level: Master’s Degree
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Program Duration: 2 Years
- Host Countries: Low and middle-income Commonwealth countries
- Available Countries in This Cycle: Papua New Guinea, South Africa
- Application Opens: 9 April 2026
- Application Deadline: 3 June 2026
- Eligible Applicants: Citizens or refugees from Commonwealth countries
- Application Fee: No application fee
- Host Institutions: Selected ACU member universities
What This Scholarship Offers:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the entire master’s degree
- Monthly living allowance to cover daily expenses
- Return economy flight tickets to the host country
- One-time arrival allowance to help with relocation expenses
- Research support grant (available upon request and approval)
- Access to global networking opportunities across Commonwealth countries
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country
OR
- Must hold refugee status in a Commonwealth country
Applicants must also:
- Meet the academic requirements of their chosen university
- Apply for an eligible master’s program only
- Submit original application materials
- Provide required supporting documents
- Submit two references
For South African universities:
- International applicants may need a SAQA qualification evaluation
- Applicants should carefully review university admission requirements before applying
Programs Available:
- Climate Change and Renewable Energy Access
- Applied Physics
- Agriculture
- Mechanical Engineering
- Communication Engineering
- Machine Learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science
- Computing
- Informatics
Participating Universities:
1. Papua New Guinea
Available programs include:
- Master of Science in Climate Change and Renewable Energy Access
- Master of Science in Applied Physics
- Master of Science in Agriculture
- Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Engineering in Communication Engineering
2. Stellenbosch University
Available program:
- Master of Science in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
3. Tshwane University of Technology
Available program:
- Master of Computing in Computer Science
Required Application Documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Personal statements
- Two recommendation letters
- Employment record (if required)
- Passport or identification documents
- University application details
Personal Statement Requirements:
Applicants must complete three written statements:
1. Plan of Study
Explain:
- Why you selected the course
- Why you selected the university
- How the course supports your career goals
- Why you are a suitable candidate
Word limit: 200 to 400 words
2. Development Impact Statement
Explain:
- A challenge in your country
- How your studies can help solve it
- Skills you want to gain
- How you will help your community after graduation
Word limit: 300 to 500 words
3. Creating Networks Statement
Explain:
- Your professional networks
- Your achievements through those networks
- How you plan to build global connections
Word limit: 200 to 400 words
How to Apply:
- Check the list of eligible universities and courses
- Review admission requirements for your selected university
- Visit the official university website for course details
- Create a MyACU account
- Complete the QECS scholarship application form
- Apply separately for admission to your chosen university
- Upload all required documents
- Submit your application before the deadline
Important: Applicants applying to Tshwane University of Technology must include their university application ID in the QECS form.
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