Guide · India · UK scholarships

Commonwealth and UK scholarships for Indian students (2027/28)

Updated 22 October 2026 · For applicants from India · Always confirm details in the official call

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

India is on the eligible country list for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, funded by the UK FCDO for one-year taught master’s study (MBAs are not funded). The official page lists:

• Covered: approved tuition fees in full, approved return airfare, a study travel grant and a stipend of £1,712 per month (£2,000 in the London area), at current rates.
• Eligibility: citizen and permanent resident of an eligible country, at least a 2:1 first degree (or a 2:2 plus a relevant postgraduate qualification) by September 2027, and unable to afford UK study without the scholarship. There is no age limit, and the CSC does not require IELTS.
• Route: you apply through CSC Central and to a nominator (the national nominating agency is the main route); the CSC does not accept direct applications.
• Return commitment: scholars commit to returning home; switching to a graduate visa is not permitted.

2027/28 status: applications closed at 16:00 BST on 20 October 2026. Nominators send nominations by December 2026, and outcomes are expected by July 2027.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships: India not eligible

The 2027/28 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are for least developed countries and vulnerable states, and India is not on that list. For PhDs, see fully funded PhD abroad for Indian students.

Chevening

Chevening funds one-year UK master’s degrees. Per the official eligibility page, you need at least two years’ work experience (2,800 hours) after your undergraduate degree, must apply to three eligible UK courses with an unconditional offer from at least one by the stated deadline, and must return home for at least two years afterwards. Chevening India shows 2027–2028 applications as closed. See our Chevening guide.

If you missed the 2027/28 rounds

• Apply to Erasmus Mundus programmes, many of which close between October and January.
• Look at funded UK and European PhD projects: funded PhDs in the UK and Europe.
• Prepare now for the next CSC and Chevening rounds.

FAQ

Are Indian students eligible for Commonwealth Scholarships?

Yes for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (India is on the 2027/28 list). No for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, which cover least developed countries and vulnerable states.

How much is the Commonwealth Master’s stipend?

£1,712 per month, or £2,000 per month in the London metropolitan area, at current rates, plus full approved tuition fees and airfare.

Do I need IELTS for a Commonwealth Scholarship?

The CSC says it does not require applicants to take IELTS, but your university may have its own English requirement.

Sources

• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
• Chevening — Eligibility criteria
• Chevening — Chevening in India