Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship (QECS) in UK, 2026 | Fully Funded

Are you an ambitious student from a Commonwealth country dreaming of international academic study without the heavy financial burden? The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship (QECS) could be one of the most transformative opportunities available in 2026. This scholarship offers a fully funded two-year Master’s degree at universities in low or middle-income Commonwealth countries, fully supported through the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about QECS 2026: what it covers, who it’s for, how to apply, key deadlines, selection criteria, and how to strengthen your application.

What Is the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship (QECS)?

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship is a flagship global scholarship designed to support students from Commonwealth countries to undertake a two-year Master’s degree at ACU member universities located in low or middle-income Commonwealth nations. It is intended not only to help students further their academic careers but also to prepare them to return home with the skills and networks to make positive change within their communities and beyond.

QECS reflects the core values of the Commonwealth — international cooperation, cultural exchange, development impact, and shared learning. As a QECS Scholar, you become part of a global network of emerging leaders working toward solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What the QECS 2026 Covers

QECS is widely regarded as a fully funded scholarship. The support it offers is comprehensive, addressing both academic and personal needs so scholars can focus fully on their studies and community goals:

  • Tuition Fees: The programme covers 100% of your tuition fees for the full duration of your Master’s degree at the host institution.
  • Living Allowance (Stipend): Each scholar receives a monthly living allowance (stipend) to help cover day-to-day expenses such as accommodation, food, and local travel while studying abroad.
  • Return Economy Airfare: QECS pays for return economy flights from your home country to the host institution and back at the end of your study period, reducing travel-related financial barriers.
  • One-Off Arrival Allowance: A one-off arrival allowance is provided to support you with initial relocation costs — such as setting up your accommodation and settling into your host country.
  • Research Support Grant: If your programme involves research, you may also be eligible for a Research Support Grant — a supplementary fund that assists with project costs, fieldwork travel, or academic materials (subject to approval).

Who Is Eligible for QECS?

Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility conditions:

  • Commonwealth Citizenship: You must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country. Being a permanent resident or living abroad does not replace citizenship eligibility.
  • Master’s Degree Level: QECS supports only Master’s level study — specifically full-time in-person Master’s programmes offered by host universities.
  • Minimum Academic Requirement: To be eligible for a QECS, applicants must have obtained at least a 2:1 honours degree (or its equivalent) from a recognized institution.
  • Host Country Must Be Different: You must study in a different Commonwealth country than your country of citizenship. This means you cannot apply for a scholarship to study in your home Commonwealth country.
  • Language and Study Requirements: Your chosen course must be conducted full-time and in person, and you cannot apply for remote, part-time, or distance learning options.

Where Can You Study Under QECS?

QECS placements are offered at universities in low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. These institutions host specific Master’s programmes that are eligible for QECS funding. The list of host institutions and courses updates each application cycle, for the first cycle in 2026 universities in countries include:

  • Antigua & Barbuda (The University of the West Indies)
  • Bangladesh (BRAC University)
  • Barbados (The University of the West Indies)
  • Eswatini (University of Eswatini)
  • Jamaica (The University of the West Indies – Mona campus)
  • Kenya (Technical University of Kenya)
  • Mauritius (University of Mauritius)
  • Sri Lanka (University of Kelaniya)
  • Trinidad & Tobago (The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus)
  • Uganda (Makerere University)

How to Apply for QECS 2026

The application process has two main components: applying to the QECS programme itself and applying separately to the host university for admission.

1. Explore Eligible Programmes and Host Countries

Visit the ACU QECS official page to review participating universities and the specific Master’s programmes available under the 2026 cycle. Only courses listed for this cycle are eligible for funding.

2. Create a myACU Account

Log into or create your myACU account. This portal will be used to submit your QECS application.

3. Complete the QECS Online Form

Submit your QECS application for your chosen university and programme. The online form includes:

  • Personal and academic details
  • Chosen course and host university
  • Supporting statements (study plan, development impact plan, networking plan — see guidance below)
  • References (usually two academic or professional referees)

4. Submit Supporting Documents

Commonly required documents include:

  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • Proof of Commonwealth citizenship
  • Personal statement(s)
  • Letters of reference
  • CV or résumé
  • Any additional host university requirements

5. Apply to the Host University

Separately submit your application for admission to your selected Master’s programme at the host institution. Admission criteria and processes vary by university.

2026 QECS Application Timeline

QECS typically operates on a two-cycle application system:

Cycle 1

  • Applications open: 24 November 2025
  • Applications close: 14 January 2026 at 15:00 UTC

Cycle 2

  • Usually reopens in March–April 2026 (specific cycle dates vary and are published prior to opening).

You may submit an application in either cycle — you do not need to apply multiple times in the same cycle, but you can apply again in a later cycle if you want to select a different host country or course.

Guidance on QECS Application Statements

Part of the QECS application requires three written statements (typically around 200–500 words each) that help selectors understand your motivations, future plans, and potential impact. These include:

Statement 1: Plan of Study

Answer questions such as:

  • Why have you chosen this course?
  • What features of the programme excite you?
  • Why this university and host country?
  • How does this course connect with your career goals?

Statement 2: Development Impact and Outreach

QECS seeks scholars committed to creating positive community change. This statement should address:

  • A challenge in your home country you want to address
  • How your proposed study helps solve that problem
  • What skills you expect to gain
  • How you will use and share your learnings once back home

You’ll also relate your plans to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Statement 3: Creating Networks

Here you outline:

  • How you have developed professional or academic networks
  • Examples of how you used those networks productively
  • How you intend to expand them during and after your studies

Craft these statements sincerely and tailored to each question to give selectors clear insight into your motivation and future impact.

What Selection Committees Look For

QECS is competitive, and selectors evaluate applications holistically. Strong candidates often demonstrate:

  • Academic Merit: A strong undergraduate degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) and evidence of academic capability.
  • Clarity of Vision: Clear plans for how the Master’s degree fits career goals and intended impact.
  • Development Impact: A grounded understanding of how your proposed course and skills will help address challenges in your home community or the wider Commonwealth.
  • Network Potential: Demonstrated past engagement with networks and future plans for building connections across borders.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

  • Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to refine your statements, gather supporting documents, and prepare references.
  • Tailor Every Section: Avoid generic answers — align your motivation and impact statements with the specific course and host country’s context.
  • Choose References Wisely: Select referees who know you well academically or professionally and can speak to your potential impact.
  • Understand Context: Research your host country and university thoroughly — selectors look for evidence you’ve thought carefully about this choice.
  • Link to SDGs: Demonstrate how your plans connect to broader development goals for additional strength.

Conclusion

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship (QECS) 2026 is a career-shaping, culturally enriching, globally connected opportunity. For students from Commonwealth countries committed to academic excellence and community impact, QECS can open doors to international education, lifelong networks, and deeper capacities to contribute to development goals at home and abroad.

With fully funded tuition, living support, travel coverage, and a possible research grant, QECS stands out as one of the most attractive fully funded scholarships available in 2026. However, competition is strong, so preparation, clarity of vision, and strong supporting documents are key to success.

Related Scholarship Opportunities