Last checked: 7 October 2026. Deadlines can change, so always confirm on the official pages linked in this guide.
If you are a Pakistani graduate dreaming of a UK degree without paying tuition, the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027-28 is one of the strongest options available, and the window closes soon. Pakistani and AJK applicants must apply through the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) portal, both by 20 October 2026. That is only days away, so start today.
Commonwealth Scholarship 2027-28: quick facts
| Programme | Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships for students from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries |
|---|---|
| Funded by | UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) |
| Administered by | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK |
| Who applies from Pakistan | Pakistani and AJK nationals who are permanent residents of Pakistan or AJK, nominated through HEC |
| HEC deadline | 20 October 2026, 4:00 pm Pakistan time |
| CSC portal deadline | 20 October 2026, 16:00 BST (8:00 pm Pakistan time) |
| Study starts | September or October 2027 |
| Results | Expected by July 2027 |
Because the HEC deadline falls four hours before the CSC deadline in Pakistan time, plan to finish both applications well before the afternoon of 20 October.
Who is eligible?
Requirements are set by the CSC and by HEC, so read both sets of rules. In general you should:
- Be a citizen of Pakistan (or AJK) and be permanently resident there.
- Hold, or be on track to hold by September 2027, a first degree equivalent to a UK upper second class (2:1) honours degree, or a relevant master’s degree for PhD applications.
- Be able to show that you could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
- Be available to start your UK studies in September or October 2027.
- Meet HEC’s test rule. HEC has said it accepts valid HAT scores taken on or after 25 October 2024, and that the HAT scheduled for 25 October 2026 is also considered for these nominations. Confirm the current rule on the HEC page.
The CSC also states that it will not normally fund a second master’s degree, so choose your level carefully.
What does the scholarship cover?
Commonwealth awards typically cover your UK tuition fees, an economy airfare, and a monthly living allowance paid while you study. Exact stipend rates change every year, so check the current figures on the CSC website before you plan your budget.
Which subjects are prioritised?
Commonwealth Scholarships focus on development impact. Your course and your story should connect to at least one of these themes: science and technology for development, strengthening health systems, global prosperity, peace, security and governance, resilience and crisis response, or access, inclusion and opportunity. Write about how your studies will help Pakistan after you return.
How to apply from Pakistan, step by step
- Check the rules. Read the HEC announcement and the CSC Master’s or PhD page for your level.
- Choose your UK courses. The CSC application asks you to name UK universities and courses that fit the scholarship themes.
- Prepare your HAT result. Register through the HEC Educational Testing Council portal if you do not already have a valid score.
- Apply on the CSC Electronic Application System (EAS). Complete every section, including references and your essays.
- Apply on the HEC scholarship portal. Register at scholarship.hec.gov.pk, choose the Commonwealth programme and submit before 4:00 pm on 20 October.
- Keep your confirmations. Save the submission receipts and a PDF copy of both applications.
Documents to have ready
- CNIC and passport (if available)
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- HAT score card
- CV and statements or essays required by CSC
- Two academic or professional references
- Proof of residence and any English test result requested
Calculating your grades for the forms? Use our free GPA calculator, and check essay length limits with the word counter. If a portal rejects a scan for being too large, shrink it with the image compressor.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting only on one portal. You need both CSC and HEC.
- Waiting for the last hour. Portals get slow near deadlines.
- Writing generic essays. Link your plan to Pakistan’s development needs.
- Asking referees at the last moment. Give them at least a week.
Commonwealth Scholarship 2027-28: frequently asked questions
Is the Commonwealth Scholarship fully funded?
It covers tuition, airfare and a living allowance, which is why it is described as fully funded. Check the CSC page for the current package.
Can I apply directly to the CSC from Pakistan?
Pakistani candidates are nominated through HEC, so apply on both the HEC and CSC portals.
Is there an application fee?
The scholarship application itself is free. Some universities may charge their own admission fees.
What if I miss this deadline?
The cycle closes permanently. Look at other options such as the Chevening Scholarship or the Stipendium Hungaricum, whose next rounds open soon.
Official sources: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and Higher Education Commission, Pakistan.
