Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships

Study for a two-year master’s degree at an ACU member university in a low or middle-income country.

Two women wearing colourful fabric around waists stand on a dirt path

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)  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.

Applications are now closed and will reopoen in November 2023. 

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 below before starting an application.

Application guidance Application FAQs
20 university students from across the Commonwealth smile and cheer together for a group photo in a park

How to apply

  1. Review the list of countries, universities and courses to decide where you would like to study and apply to. This information will be added to this page below when applications open.
  2. Once you have decided, view the relevant university website for more information on your chosen course. 
  3. Complete and submit your QECS application form. All QECS applications must be submitted through the online application form on the ACU website to be considered. Access the form using the ‘Apply now’ buttons below.
  4. Next, you will need to submit an application for admission to your chosen university course directly to the university - in addition to completing the QECS application form on the ACU website.

For full details on the application process, eligibility and when you will hear the outcome of your application, please refer to the application guidance and application FAQs pages.

My research in cellular and molecular medicine wouldn't have been possible without the QECS. I came away with a wealth of knowledge, new collaborators and exciting new ideas.

- QECS alumnus Tolulope Saliu, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

More information

Meet the scholars