(Kampala) – The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) provide an exceptional opportunity for talented students to pursue a two-year master’s degree in low or middle income Commonwealth countries. These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and more, supporting individuals committed to creating meaningful change in their communities.
Summary
The QECS offers fully funded scholarships for master’s programs in low and middle income Commonwealth countries, empowering students to become agents of positive change globally.
The QECS, an initiative by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), offers transformative scholarships designed to support students in addressing global challenges. These scholarships not only facilitate higher education but also promote cultural exchange and collaborative problem-solving among scholars worldwide.
The program targets students passionate about creating change in their communities. By studying in a host country, scholars gain exposure to new cultures and develop networks that last a lifetime. In return, they contribute to shaping the future of the Commonwealth through academic and community involvement.
Scholarship Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Merit- and need-based |
| Number of Scholarships | Multiple |
| Grant Amount | Fully funded |
| Covered Expenses | Tuition, living allowance, travel, arrival costs, research support (optional) |
| Duration | Two years |
| Eligible Disciplines | Any |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree; commitment to community change |
| Locations | Commonwealth countries in low/middle-income categories |
| Application Deadline | 24 May 2025 |
Program Benefits
QECS is a fully funded program designed to ease the financial burden on scholars. The benefits include:
- Full tuition coverage for the duration of the degree.
- A stipend to cover living expenses.
- Return economy-class flights to and from the host country.
- A one-time allowance for arrival costs.
- An optional Research Support Grant, subject to approval.
These scholarships enable students to immerse themselves in an academic environment while fostering meaningful cultural exchanges.
Participating Universities and Programs
The QECS supports studies across various disciplines and institutions, including:
| Institution | Program | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Tilburg University | Data Science and Society | Netherlands |
| University of Glasgow | Data Science | United Kingdom |
| University Canada West | Master of Business Administration | Canada |
| University of the People | Education | United States |
| IU International University of Applied Sciences | Computer Science (Online) | Germany |
These programs prepare students for careers that address pressing global challenges.
Application Process
The QECS application involves multiple steps:
- Review the list of participating countries and universities for available scholarships.
- Select a university and course that matches your interest and visit the university’s website for detailed information.
- Complete the QECS application through the ACU’s portal. If you don’t have a myACU account, you can create one to begin your application.
- Submit a separate application to your chosen university for admission into the program.
Two application cycles occur annually, with the first opening in November/December and the second in March/April. Candidates may apply for multiple cycles if they wish to explore different host countries.
Empowering Scholars for a Better Commonwealth
QECS scholars actively contribute to their host and home communities. By fostering collaboration among nations, this scholarship initiative supports academic excellence while building bridges between diverse cultures.
Applications for the 2025 cycle are open until 24 May 2025. Prospective students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to achieve their academic and professional goals.
