2027 Commonwealth Scholarships Open for Nigerians
The Federal Government has opened applications for 2027 Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships for eligible Nigerians seeking UK study.
The 2027 Commonwealth Scholarships are now open to eligible Nigerian students seeking Master’s or PhD study in the United Kingdom.
The programme is administered by the Federal Scholarship Board under the Federal Ministry of Education. Applicants must meet specific academic and admission requirements before applying.
For the Master’s programme, candidates must hold a first degree with at least a Second Class Upper Division. PhD applicants must have a relevant Master’s degree and at least a Second Class Lower Division in their first degree.
Candidates in both categories must secure admission from at least two UK institutions. Those applying for PhD study must also submit a supporting statement from a prospective supervisor at their selected UK institution.
The ministry has also included evidence of participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) among the requirements.
Selection for theCommonwealth Scholarships will be based on three main areas:
- Academic merit
- Development impact on completion
- Quality of study plan
“Applications will be assessed on Academic merit, Development impact on completion and Quality of Study plan,” the notice stated.
Applicants must submit their forms through the Electronic Application System (EAS). They are required to register on the EAS portal and complete the application online.
They must also upload scanned copies of their passport photographs, academic transcripts, birth certificates and UK admission letters from institutions listed in their application.
The deadline for the 2027 Commonwealth Scholarships is 20 October 2026. Applicants should ensure they complete and submit their forms online before the closing date.
After submission, candidates must create a PDF copy of the completed form, download it and print one hard copy for submission at the interview venue.
The ministry said candidates holding foreign certificates must provide official translation and evaluation documents. It also advised applicants to consider Nigeria’s development priorities when preparing their proposed study programmes.
The listed priority areas are:
| Development area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Education | Improving education and learning |
| Health | Strengthening health services |
| Economic growth and private sector | Supporting economic development |
| Governance and conflict | Improving governance and addressing conflict |
| Climate and environment | Tackling environmental challenges |
| Water and sanitation | Improving access and public health |
| Engineering, science and technology | Building technical capacity |
| Food and nutrition | Strengthening food security and nutrition |
| Humanitarian disasters and emergencies | Responding to humanitarian needs |
The Federal Ministry of Education urged prospective candidates to ensure their proposed courses and study plans connect clearly with Nigeria’s development needs.
The emphasis on development impact means applicants should carefully explain how their proposed UK studies could contribute to national priorities after completing their programmes.
For eligible Nigerian students, the 2027 Commonwealth Scholarships offer an opportunity to pursue postgraduate education in the UK while developing skills linked to key areas of national development.
Are you considering applying for the 2027 Commonwealth Master’s or PhD Scholarship?
