Are you passionate about creating change in your community and eager to broaden your horizons through international study?
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) are now open for applications, offering a life-changing opportunity to pursue a two-year Master's degree at an ACU member university in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country.
📅 Key Dates
- Applications open: 24 November 2025
- Applications close: 14 January 2026, 15:00 UTC
🌍 Eligible African Countries
Botswana, Cameroon, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia
✨ Why Apply?
The QECS are designed for students committed to making a difference. Beyond academic study, scholars immerse themselves in new cultures, build lasting global networks, and contribute to solving shared challenges across the Commonwealth.
As an active part of this vibrant network, QECS scholars help shape the future of the Commonwealth through cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and community impact.
🎓 Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Fully-funded tuition fees
- Living allowance (stipend) for the duration of the award
- Return economy flights to the host country
- One-off arrival allowance
- Research Support Grant (available on request, subject to approval)
🔑 Application Cycles
There are two application cycles each year:
- Cycle 1: November/December
- Cycle 2: March/April
Applicants may apply more than once if interested in studying in another country, but only one application per cycle is required.
📝 How to Apply
- Review the list of eligible countries and universities hosting scholarships in this cycle.
- Ensure you meet the academic requirement: a minimum of 2:1 undergraduate degree classification.
- Visit the relevant university website for details on your chosen course.
- Complete and submit your QECS application via the 'Apply now' button (create a myACU account if you don't already have one).
- Submit a separate application to your chosen university for admission to the selected course.
💡 Tip: Read the official application guidance and FAQs before starting your application to maximize your chances of success.
📣 Alumni Spotlight
“My research in cellular and molecular medicine wouldn’t have been possible without the QECS. I came away with a wealth of knowledge, new collaborators, and exciting new ideas.”
- Tolulope Saliu, QECS Alumnus, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
