The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship (QECS) 2026 is starting soon. This is one of the most prestigious fully funded opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries who dream of completing a two-year master’s degree abroad.
If you want a scholarship that not only pays for your entire study journey, but also gives you the opportunity to live, study and grow in another part of the world, QECS is designed for you.
For 2026 admissions, applications will open on November 24, 2025 and close on January 14, 2026 at 15:00 UTC. This guide provides everything you need to know, from benefits, eligibility, host countries, required qualifications, to how to prepare a successful application.
What is the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship?
QECS supports talented students who strive to bring meaningful change to their communities. This scholarship allows recipients to pursue a master’s degree in a low- or middle-income country in the Commonwealth, fostering cultural exchange, global collaboration and long-term professional networks.
Instead of studying in your home country, placement in another Commonwealth country offers a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons, experience new cultures and gain international academic exposure.
Why QECS stands out
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Fully funded, including everything
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Experience global culture in a new Commonwealth country
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Networking opportunities with scholars from around the world
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Life-changing exposure to new education systems, industries, and perspectives
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We provide repeated application opportunities to applicants through two application cycles each year.
2026 application schedule
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Application start date: November 24, 2025
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Application deadline: January 14, 2026, 15:00 UTC
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to give:
Just submit one Applies per cycle.
However, if you wish to select a different country, you can apply again in the next cycle.
What’s in QECS 2026 (fully funded)
This scholarship will be removed. every Breaks down financial barriers and provides:
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Full tuition support
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Monthly living expenses (salary)
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Return economy airfare to the host country.
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One-time arrival allowance
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Research Support Grants (available upon request)
These benefits allow scholars to study and live comfortably and focus fully on their academic and community development goals.
Who can apply?
To qualify for QECS 2026, applicants must:
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You must be a citizen or refugee of a Commonwealth country.
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Apply to study in a Commonwealth country other than your home country
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At least 2:1 Bachelor’s degree.
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Meet the specific course and university requirements listed for each host country.
How to apply for QECS 2026
Please follow these steps to successfully submit your application:
1. Review host country options
Each cycle lists a variety of universities and eligible master’s programs in several Commonwealth countries. Only programs listed for that cycle are eligible.
2. Check course requirements
Every university has different academic and admission criteria. Please visit the university website for detailed prerequisites.
3. Submit QECS application
Click the “Apply Now” button on the QECS website.
You will be taken to the myACU portal. If you don’t have an account yet, create one.
4. Separate application to university
Additionally, to gain admission to a specific master’s program, you must apply directly to the university of your choice.
QECS 2026 Host Countries and Program (More Details)
Below is a detailed breakdown of each participating country, university, and course requirements.
1. Antigua and Barbuda
University: University of the West Indies – Five Islands Campus
Required Qualifications: Minimum 2:1 Bachelor’s Degree
Programs offered
Admission Requirements:
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GPA 2.5+ Bachelor’s Degree
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Must pass Macroeconomics and Financial Management.
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Strong quantitative background
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Mature applicants with 10+ years of financial experience may be considered.
2. Bangladesh
University: BRAC University
Required Qualifications: Minimum 2:1 Bachelor’s Degree
Programs offered
Summary of Admission Requirements:
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Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.5
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Specific subject requirements depending on the program
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English and math skills
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Some programs require practical experience.
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A-level and O-level GPA requirements apply.
3. Barbados
University: University of the West Indies – Cave Hill Campus
Required Qualifications: Minimum 2:1 Bachelor’s Degree
Programs offered
Admission Requirements:
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Bachelor’s degree in health, biology, or business science
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Laptop required + excellent computing skills
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Letter of intent, CV, letters of recommendation, transcripts
4. Eswatini
University: University of Eswatini
Required Qualifications: Minimum 2:1 Bachelor’s Degree
Programs offered
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MSc Agricultural Extension
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MSc Conservation Ecology
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MSc Agricultural and Applied Economics
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MSc Environmental Resource Management
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Masters in Mathematics
Each program requires a relevant bachelor’s degree in agriculture, biology, chemistry, environmental science, geography, economics, or mathematics.
5. Jamaica
University: University of the West Indies – Mona Campus
Required Qualifications: Minimum 2:1 Bachelor’s Degree
Programs offered
Admission Requirements:
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Approved graduate or research-based degree
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Taught a master’s course with a research component (at least 25%).
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B+ equivalent performance
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Other equivalent qualifications may also be considered.
6. Kenya
University: Kenya University of Technology
Required Qualifications: Minimum 2:1 Bachelor’s Degree
Programs offered
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MTECH Mechanical Engineering Technology
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MSc Computational Chemistry
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MSc Physics
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MSc Medical Physics
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MTech Design and Interactive Media
Program requirements vary for engineering, physics, chemistry, design, and computer-related degrees.
7. Mauritius
University: University of Mauritius
Required Qualifications: Minimum 2:1 Bachelor’s Degree
Programs offered
The requirements are as follows:
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Bachelor’s degree with GPA 2.5+
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Strong background in a medical or health-related field
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Some programs require public health experience.
8. Sri Lanka
University: University of Kelaniya
Required Qualifications: Minimum 2:1 Bachelor’s Degree
Programs offered
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Master of Business Administration
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Master of Business Administration (Marketing)
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MSc Biochemistry and Biotechnology
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Master of Medical Statistics
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Master of Business Administration
Requirements vary across business, biology, statistics and professional qualifications.
9. Trinidad & Tobago
University: University of the West Indies – St. Augustine Campus
Required Qualifications: Minimum 2:1 Bachelor’s Degree
Programs offered
The requirements are as follows:
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Lower level 2nd degree in CS, IT, statistics, etc.
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Background in programming, statistics, and linear algebra.
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Applicants who lack the prerequisites may take courses for which they are eligible.
10. Uganda
University: Makerere University
Required Qualifications: Minimum 2:1 Bachelor’s Degree
Programs offered
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MSc Plant Breeding and Seed Systems
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MSc Civil Engineering
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MSc Climate Change and Development
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MSc Food Safety and Quality Management
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MSc Renewable Energy
Requirements vary across agriculture, biological sciences, engineering, environmental sciences and climate-related fields.
Why apply to QECS 2026
QECS is more than a scholarship. We offer the following opportunities:
1. Study in a new country
Experience various cultures and education systems firsthand.
2. Building a network
Become part of a global community of experts and changemakers.
3. Build your career
A master’s degree from an international institution opens the door to global opportunities.
4. Giving back to society
QECS prioritizes applicants who are committed to solving community problems.
final thoughts
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Fully Funded Scholarship 2026 is one of the best opportunities for aspiring masters students across the Commonwealth. With full financial support, international research exposure, and a strong alumni network, these scholarships can transform your academic and professional journey.
Apply on the official website.