APPLY NOW! Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2025
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)Â offer a unique opportunity to study a two-year Master’s degree in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country.
Aimed at students who are committed to creating change in their communities, the scholarships are a life-changing opportunity to experience a new country and culture, to broaden horizons, and to build a global network that will last a lifetime.
Through cultural exchange and academic collaboration, Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholars help bring about positive change and find solutions to the shared challenges we face – both in their home countries and those that host them. As an active part of the Commonwealth network, scholars will help shape its future.
Each year there are two opportunities to apply for QECS – cycle 1 opens in November/December and cycle 2 opens in March/April. You only need to submit one application, but you are welcome to apply more than once if there is another country you are interested in studying in.
What does the scholarship cover?
- Fully-funded tuition fees
- Living allowance (stipend) for duration of award
- Return economy flights to host country
- One-off arrival allowance
- Research Support Grant (on request only; subject to approval)
We strongly advise all applicants to read the the application guidance and FAQs pages before starting an application.
The application form consists of the following sections:
- Eligibility
- Personal Details
- Academic & Employment Record
- Course at host university details
- Statements
- Upload supporting documents (including references)
The statement section is formed of three main statements which applicants need to provide. Guidance for what is required for each statement is shown below as well as on the application form itself.
Plagiarism is not allowed. Applications shown to be plagiarised will not be considered.
Statement 1:   Plan of study
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships provide unique opportunities to study abroad for a Master’s in leading universities in low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
Guidance: your statement should answer the following questions:
- Why have you chosen to study this course? What specific features of the course do you find interesting?
- Why do you want to study at this university and in this country?
- What have you done to research your chosen university?
- How is this course relevant to your future career plans?
- Explain how your previous studies and experiences make you a suitable candidate for this course.
(200-400 words)
Statement 2:   Development impact and post study outreach
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships are for students committed to creating change in their communities. Scholars will be supported to develop their knowledge and skills, and learn how to apply them in their career so they can contribute towards solutions to global challenges and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Guidance: your statement should answer the following questions:
- Describe briefly one challenge or problem in your country that you would like to address.
- How will your proposed study help you to contribute a solution to this challenge?
- What skills do you expect to gain from this scholarship?
- How will you apply/share the knowledge and skills gained on award with your local community and/or the wider Commonwealth when you return home?
(300-500 words)
Which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals does the subject you are studying most align to? (you can select a maximum of 3).
How will your proposed study contribute to the Sustainable Development Goal(s) you have selected above?
(50-150 words)
Statement 3: Creating networks
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships provide an opportunity to embrace new cultures, learn different perspectives and enhance collaboration at home and throughout the Commonwealth.
Guidance your statement should answer the following questions:
- Explain how you have developed professional networks. These can be through academic studies, hobbies, work experience, volunteering, or involvement in social, cultural, or Commonwealth organisations.
- How have you used the networks and connections that you have developed to achieve something? What did you achieve?
- How might you develop these connections further during your international study experience?
(200-400 words)
Application Deadline: Jan 14, 2025
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
