Apply Now: 2026 Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s Study

April 24, 2025

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Bursary Description


Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer outstanding students from across the Commonwealth the opportunity to pursue a fully funded two-year master’s degree in a new country.

Designed to support global knowledge-sharing and foster cross-cultural collaboration, this life-changing award is now open for applications in its 2026 Cycle 2 intake.

What’s Included in the QECS Award:

  • Full coverage of tuition fees

  • Monthly living allowance (stipend)

  • Return economy airfare to the host country

  • One-time arrival allowance

  • Research support grant (if applicable and approved)

Who Should Apply?

This scholarship is ideal for students who are passionate about academic excellence, global engagement, and using education as a tool for community transformation. Candidates should have a desire to contribute to sustainable development both in their host country and their home country.

Participating South African Universities and Programmes

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

Start Date: 1 July 2025
Contact: MohlalaMF@tut.ac.za
Programmes Available:

  • Master of Performing Arts

  • Master of Education in Educational Technology

  • Master of Public Affairs

  • Master of Agricultural Science

  • Master of Applied Sciences

  • Master of Computing

  • Master of Engineering (Electrical / Management)

  • Master of Business Studies in Finance

  • Master of Management Sciences in Tourism Management

University of Pretoria (UP)

Start Date: 14 February 2026
Contact: ssc@up.ac.za
Programmes Available:

  • LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa

  • LLM in Trade and Industry Law in Africa

  • MSc in Development Studies or Political Science

  • MTD in Science of Religion and Missiology

  • MTH in Practical Theology

Note: International applicants may need SAQA certification and supervisor endorsement.

University of the Free State (UFS)

Start Date: 10 January 2026
Contact: TsoeuMR@ufs.ac.za
Programmes Available:

  • Interdisciplinary Master’s in Human Rights

  • Master of Health Professions Education

  • Master of Nursing

  • Master of Nutrition, Dietetics, or Public Health

  • MSc in Geo-informatics, Physiotherapy, or Occupational Therapy

University of Venda (Univen)

Start Date: 1 January 2026
Contact: Thizwilondi.nefale@univen.ac.za
Programmes Available:

  • MCUR: Master of Nursing

  • HSMMA: Master’s in Psychology

  • MPH: Master of Public Health

  • MSCPNT: MSc in Public Nutrition

Entry Requirements:

  • An Honours degree or equivalent (typically NQF Level 8)

  • Minimum academic average of 65% in undergraduate studies (may vary by institution)

  • Submission of both a QECS application and the corresponding university application

How to Apply:

  1. Explore the full list of eligible universities and programmes.

  2. Review specific course and institutional requirements.

  3. Apply through the QECS application portal.

  4. Complete and submit a university admission application in parallel with your scholarship application.