• The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) has officially opened applications for the 2026 Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)
• The application window for the 2026 cycle began on April 9, 2026, and will remain open until June 3, 2026, at 15:00 UTC
• The programme offers a fully funded two-year master’s degree in accredited universities located in selected low and middle-income Commonwealth countries

The Association of Commonwealth Universities has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS), a fully funded programme aimed at supporting postgraduate study across selected low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria.

Applications for the current cycle officially opened on April 9, 2026, and will close on June 3, 2026, at 15:00 UTC.

The scholarship programme offers students the opportunity to pursue a two-year master’s degree in accredited universities across participating Commonwealth nations.

It is designed for individuals who are passionate about driving meaningful change in their communities while building a global professional network.

According to the programme, the initiative seeks to foster cross-cultural learning and collaboration among scholars across the Commonwealth.

“Through cultural exchange and academic collaboration, Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholars help bring about positive change and find solutions to the shared challenges we face, both in their home countries and those that host them.

“Each year, there are two opportunities to apply for QECS, cycle 1 opens in November/December and cycle 2 opens in March/April. You only need to submit one application, but you are welcome to apply more than once if there is another country you are interested in studying in,” they said.

Successful applicants will study in selected universities across participating countries, gaining international exposure while expanding their academic and professional networks.

The scholarship package is fully funded and includes full tuition coverage, a living allowance, return economy airfare, and a one-off arrival allowance. In some cases, scholars may also receive additional research support grants upon request and approval.

Applicants are expected to carefully review the list of eligible countries, universities, and courses available in this cycle, as only specified programmes qualify for funding.

To apply, candidates must possess at least a 2:1 degree classification.

They are required to visit the relevant university website for their chosen course, complete the QECS application form, and submit their admission application to the selected institution.

A key part of the selection process includes three written statements in which applicants must outline their study plans, expected impact in their home countries, and strategies for building and utilising professional networks.

These statements are used to assess motivation, clarity of goals, and development impact.

The programme also emphasised originality, warning that plagiarised submissions will be disqualified. Applicants are further expected to align their study goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships remain one of the most competitive fully funded opportunities for students across the Commonwealth, particularly those from developing countries seeking international postgraduate education.

The Commonwealth is made up of 56 member countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific, including nations such as the United Kingdom, Canada, India, Australia, and Nigeria, as well as Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Pakistan, Malaysia, Jamaica, New Zealand, and Singapore.

Apply Now: FG launches NDDC foreign scholarship for 2026/2027 session

In an earlier report, TheRadar reported that the Federal Government, through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), had announced the commencement of applications for its 2026/2027 Foreign Master’s Postgraduate Scholarship Programme.

The NDDC stated that the applications open on March 23, 2026, and close on April 19, 2026.

According to the commission, the scholarship aims to empower young Nigerians from the Niger Delta region with advanced academic training and practical skills.