Commonwealth Scholarship 2027-28

Commonwealth Scholarship 2027-28 for Pakistani students: apply by 20 October 2026

The Commonwealth Scholarship is a UK government scholarship for a one-year master’s or a PhD at a UK university. It pays full tuition, return flights and a monthly stipend. In Pakistan, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) nominates candidates to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK. Applications for 2027-28 close on 20 October 2026, and you need a HAT score of at least 60.

What the Commonwealth scholarship covers

The CSC pays the main costs of studying in the UK. Amounts below are the CSC’s current rates.

• Full tuition fees, paid directly to the UK university
• Return economy airfare between Pakistan and the UK
• Monthly stipend of £1,712, or £2,000 at universities in the London area
• Study travel grant for travel within the UK or abroad related to your studies
• Child allowance for widowed, divorced or single-parent scholars (master’s); family allowances for PhD scholars
• PhD only: fieldwork airfare where approved, and a paid mid-term visit home

The scholarship does not need IELTS for the CSC application, but your UK university may ask for an English test for admission.

Commonwealth scholarship eligibility for Pakistani students

You must meet both HEC’s rules and the CSC’s rules.

If your final result is awaited, you can apply, but you must submit your final degree and transcript before the course starts in August or September 2027.

Required documents

• CNIC and passport copy
• Transcripts and degrees for all higher education
• HAT result card (score 60 or more)
• At least two references, on letterhead or from a work email
• PhD: supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor
• Statements written for the CSC form: development impact, study plan and personal statement

How to apply for the Commonwealth scholarship from Pakistan

1. Read the 2027-28 call on the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship page and check your degree and HAT score.
2. Choose three UK universities and courses (PhD: three supervisors) in order of preference.
3. Submit the HEC online application by 20 October 2026.
4. Submit the CSC application on the CSC’s online system by 16:00 UK time (8:00 pm PKT) on 20 October 2026. Write your statements offline first; you cannot edit after submitting.
5. HEC shortlists and nominates candidates to the CSC by December 2026. The CSC decides by about July 2027.

Selection

The CSC scores candidates on academic merit, the quality of the study or research plan, and the likely impact of the study on Pakistan’s development.

Tips and common mistakes

• Do not wait for 20 October. Both portals get slow on the last day, and late applications are not accepted.
• Check your HAT date and type. A HAT for local university admission or one taken before 25 October 2024 will not count.
• Link your plan to Pakistan. The development impact statement carries real weight.
• Use the same courses on both forms. Differences between the HEC and CSC applications cause problems at nomination.

Scam warning: HEC and the CSC never charge a fee to apply. Ignore agents who promise a Commonwealth nomination for money. Check suspicious messages with our Scam check.

Frequently asked questions