CALL FOR APPLICATIONS : QUEEN ELIZABETH COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIPS (QECS) – Apply By 3rd June 2026
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer a fully funded opportunity for students to pursue a two-year master’s degree at an Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) member university in a low- or middle-income Commonwealth country. Designed to develop future leaders, the program supports individuals committed to creating meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Applications open on 9 April 2026 and close on 3rd June 2026 at 15 :00 UTC. QECS runs two application cycles each year :
- Cycle 1 : November–December
- Cycle 2 : March–April
Applicants may submit one application per cycle but can reapply in future cycles for different countries or programs.
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
QECS is fully funded and covers essential study costs throughout the program :
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance (stipend)
- Return economy airfare
- One-time arrival allowanc
- Research Support Grant (on request, subject to approval)
Applicants are advised to review official guidance and FAQs before applying.
ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, candidates must meet academic and program requirements and follow these steps :
- Review eligible countries, universities, and courses for the current cycle.
- Ensure academic qualifications meet at least a 2 :1 or equivalent.
- Research course details on the chosen university’s website.
- Create a myACU account and submit a QECS application.
Apply separately to the selected university for admission to the course.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES AND UNIVERSITIES
QECS partners with institutions across Commonwealth nations. Examples include :
- Papua New Guinea
- Papua New Guinea University of Technology
- South Africa
Applicants must complete evaluation through the South African Qualifications Authority for overseas qualifications.
- Universities and Programs :
- Stellenbosch University
- MSc in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
- Requires relevant honours or four-year bachelor’s degree, programming skills (e.g., Python), and strong background in mathematics and statistics
- Tshwane University of Technology
Entry requirements vary by program (check official site)
PURPOSE AND IMPACT
QECS supports students who want to make a real difference. Beyond academics, scholars gain :
- International exposure and cultural exchange
- Broader global perspective
- Access to a diverse professional network and global understanding
- Skills and experiences to tackle shared global challenges
Through collaboration and learning, scholars actively contribute to development in both their home and host countries, becoming active agents of change within the Commonwealth.
ALUMNI EXPERIENCE
QECS has helped scholars achieve significant milestones. For example, Tolulope Saliu from the University of Colombo noted that the program enabled impactful research, new collaborations, and fresh ideas in cellular and molecular medicine.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
QECS is funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan endowment. Applicants are encouraged to explore official resources, including application guidelines, FAQs, and university course pages, before applying.
CONCLUSION
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships provide a life-changing pathway to advanced education, global exposure, and professional growth. Scholars not only gain academic excellence but also join a dynamic international network dedicated to solving global challenges and shaping a shared better future.