The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) 2025 offer a life-changing opportunity to pursue a fully funded two-year Master’s degree in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country. These scholarships aim to support future leaders who are committed to creating positive change in their communities and contributing to the development of the Commonwealth.
This program promotes cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and global networking. QECS scholars will study at leading ACU member universities in diverse countries like Fiji, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Scholars will join a vibrant community working to solve pressing challenges across borders.
The QECS application cycle opens twice yearly, with this current cycle (Cycle 2) open from April 16 to June 4, 2025. Applicants must be citizens or have refugee status in a Commonwealth country and apply to study in a country other than their own.
Quick Overview of Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2025
- Host Countries: Fiji, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Sri Lanka
- Host Universities: USP, University of Mauritius, PNGUoT, Tshwane University of Technology, University of Pretoria, University of the Free State, University of Venda, University of Colombo, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
- Deadline: June 4, 2025 (3:00 PM UTC)
- Programs: Master’s in various fields (e.g., Public Health, Engineering, Development Studies, Human Rights, Computing)
- Value: Fully funded (tuition fees, return flights, living stipend, arrival allowance, research support on request)
- Age Limit: No upper age limit
- Eligibility: Undergraduate degree with at least 2:1 or equivalent; citizenship or refugee status in a Commonwealth country
Perks of the Fully Funded QECS by The Association of Commonwealth Universities 2025
- Fully funded tuition for a two-year Master’s degree
- Monthly living stipend throughout the program
- Return economy airfare to the host country
- One-time arrival allowance
- Optional Research Support Grant upon approval
- International exposure and cultural immersion
- Access to a global alumni network
Benefits of ASU Scholarships for Commonwealth Countries 2025
- Study at top universities in low or middle-income Commonwealth countries
- Build skills to address global challenges aligned with the UN SDGs
- Experience diverse cultures and share knowledge through academic exchange
- Gain confidence, global understanding, and leadership experience
- Become part of an active international alumni and peer community
Exclusions of Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships 2025
- Not eligible for study in your home country or country of citizenship
- Does not cover part-time, online, or already-started courses
- No additional allowance for dependents or family
- Some universities may charge application fees not covered by QECS
Eligibility Criteria of Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2025
- Must be a citizen or have refugee status in a Commonwealth country (excluding host country)
- Must hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to 2:1 or GPA 3.0+) at time of application
- Must apply for a full-time Master’s program at a participating university
- Courses must be taught in person (not online/distance learning)
- Cannot be currently enrolled or have started a course at the host institution
Important Dates of Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2025
- Applications Open: April 16, 2025
- Deadline: June 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM UTC
- Results for Cycle 2: October 2025
- Program Start Dates: Vary by university (e.g., July 2025 – March 2026)
How to Apply to Commonwealth Scholarships for International Students 2025
- Visit the QECS official website
- Review the list of participating universities and eligible programs
- Research entry requirements via the university’s website
- Register or log in to the myACU portal
- Complete the QECS online application form
- Apply to your chosen university separately
- Upload the required documents and references before submitting
Required Documents for Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2025
- Copy of final degree certificate and academic transcript
- Two reference letters (preferably one academic)
- National ID or passport (valid or expired)
- Completed application form including:
- Plan of Study Statement (200–400 words)
- Development Impact & Outreach Statement (300–500 words)
- UN SDG Contribution Statement (50–150 words)
- Creating Networks Statement (200–400 words)
Country-Specific Criteria
- Mauritius: MPH at University of Mauritius – must meet general and specific health-related background requirements
- PNG: Science & Engineering degrees at PNGUoT – GPA 3.0+/merit standard or relevant experience
- South Africa: Apply to 4 different universities offering fields in Public Health, Education, Rights, Technology – University admission required alongside QECS
- Sri Lanka: Degrees in Business, Immunology, Molecular Sciences – check respective eligibility and work experience where required
For further inquiries, visit the official ACU website.
