Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2025/26
(Fully‑Funded Master’s Degrees for Nigerians & Other Commonwealth Citizens)
Applications open 16 April 2025 and close 15:00 UTC, 4 June 2025 – start preparing now! acu.ac.uk
Applications open 16 April 2025 and close 15:00 UTC, 4 June 2025 – start preparing now! acu.ac.uk
Quick‑look snapshot
Details | |
---|---|
Award | Two‑year on‑campus Master’s at an Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) member in a low‑ or middle‑income Commonwealth country |
Funding | Tuition, living allowance, return economy flights, arrival allowance, & research support grant Scholarships Corner |
Eligibility | Citizens/permanent residents of a Commonwealth country with ≥ 2:1 undergraduate degree (Hons) completed before applying acu.ac.uk |
Apply | Online portal at acu.ac.uk/qecs; no fee |
Deadline | 15:00 UTC, 4 June 2025 |
Why Nigerian graduates should care
Studying in another Commonwealth nation lets you:
- Earn an international credential without UK/US‑level tuition bills.
- Build a pan‑Commonwealth network of researchers and change‑makers.
- Return home with fresh expertise to tackle Nigeria’s SDG challenges.
Eligibility checklist
- Nationality – Nigerian citizen (or any eligible Commonwealth country).
- Academic record – Minimum Second‑Class Upper (2:1) or equivalent undergraduate degree completed and transcript available. acu.ac.uk
- No concurrent study – You cannot be enrolled in another Master’s.
- Course match – Apply only for programmes listed by the hosting university for this QECS cycle. acu.ac.uk
What the scholarship covers
- 100 % tuition fees
- Living stipend (paid monthly)
- Return economy flights to and from the host nation
- Arrival allowance to settle in
- Research support grant for fieldwork or thesis expenses Scholarships Corner
No application fee and no obligation to repay.
Where can you study? 2025/26 host examples
Country | University | Sample eligible Master’s |
---|---|---|
Fiji | University of the South Pacific | MSc Environmental Science, MSc Marine Science |
Mauritius | University of Mauritius | Master of Public Health |
Papua New Guinea | PNG University of Technology | MEng Civil Engineering, MSc Forestry |
South Africa | Tshwane University of Technology | MSc Computing, MEng Mechanical Engineering |
Full list appears on the ACU QECS page; always confirm your chosen course is listed before submitting an application.
Step‑by‑step application guide
- Download course list from the QECS portal and shortlist two universities.
- Prepare PDF copies of passport, degree certificate, transcript, and two academic references.
- Draft your three required statements (plan of study, development impact, creating networks). Use the ACU guidance notes for word limits. acu.ac.uk
- Create an account at the QECS online system and complete the form.
- Submit before 4 June 2025 15:00 UTC. You’ll receive a confirmation e‑mail.
Key dates (2025 timeline)
- 16 Apr 2025 – Portal opens
- 4 Jun 2025 – Deadline
- Aug‑Sep 2025 – Universities shortlist & interview
- Oct 2025 – Final award offers
- Jan‑Mar 2026 – Cohort enrols (varies by academic calendar)
How Easy Relocation makes it… well, easy
At Easy Relocation we specialise in guiding African talent through every step of the international study journey:
- Application polishing – Our editors fine‑tune your QECS statements to spotlight community impact.
- Visa & travel logistics – End‑to‑end support: visa appointment booking, biometrics prep, flight deals, and travel‑insurance bundles.
- Pre‑departure coaching – Cultural briefings and check‑lists so you land confident.
- On‑arrival support – Airport pickup, short‑term housing options, and SIM card & bank‑account setup in your host country.
Ready to boost your QECS application? Book a free 15‑minute consult with our scholarship team here.
FAQs
Will QECS pay for dependants?
No. The award is calculated for one scholar only; you must self‑fund any family members. acu.ac.uk
Can HND holders apply?
ACU requires a full bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2:1, so Higher National Diplomas alone are not accepted.
Do I need an IELTS score?
Only if the host university lists it as an entry requirement; QECS itself does not impose an English‑test score.