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The Association of Commonwealth Universities | ACU
Apply to host QECS awards

Join a prestigious network of universities across the Commonwealth by hosting Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholars.

Applications open: 30 July 2026 

Applications close: 10 September 2026 3PM UTC

Applications to become a Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) Host Institution are now open.

Host the next generation of Commonwealth leaders, support high-achieving postgraduate students, and showcase your institution's commitment to international collaboration, capacity strengthening, and sustainable development.  Through academic mobility, cultural exchange, and the development of cross-border networks, the QECS programme seeks to strengthen collaboration between Commonwealth nations. 

For more information about the QECS, please visit the QECS homepage where you can find details of the scholarship scheme, eligibility requirements, and application process. You can also read our scholar and alumni case studies to learn more about the impact of QECS across the Commonwealth. 

Eligibility

Host eligibility

Your institution must be: 

  • Offer full-time, in-person master’s programmes that are a maximum of 2 years in length. 

  • Please note that full time is defined as taking place during the working week during working hours. Courses that take place only in the evenings or at weekends will not be considered. 

*Low or middle income (LMIC) countries are identified according to the DAC list of ODA eligible countries, available here. 

Course Eligibility

Applying institutions can indicate up to 3 suitable master’s courses for QECS applicants to choose from.  

If your institution is selected as a QECS host institution, you will typically be allocated one scholarship place per academic year. 

All courses included must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

  • Taught in English. 

  • Maximum of two years in length (from beginning of programme to completion) 

  • Full-time (take place during the working week during working hours. Courses that take place only in the evenings or at weekends will not be considered.)  

  • Delivered in-person. 

  • Have at least one alumni cohort. 

Please note: 

  • We are unable to provide extensions for scholars that are unable to complete within the two years allocated.  

  • If it is demonstrated that students cannot consistently complete their studies within a two-year time frame, this will impact your application. 

How to apply 

Please note, only one application can be submitted per institution. Please coordinate internally with the individual who will be leading on the coordination of the scholarship at the university and liaising with the QECS team at the ACU. 

To apply, submit an application through the online application form here. 

  • If you already have a MyACU account, you can access the grant application form through this platform.  

  • If you do not already have a MyACU account, please ensure that you first register for an account here and then follow the instructions in the registration email to log in to the system before accessing the application form. 

Applying institutions must complete all sections of the form and upload the requested documents where available; please note there will be no extensions to the deadline, and any missing information will result in the application being marked as ineligible. 

Apply here
Application guidance
Application guidance for QECS hosts