Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2024-2025

Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2024-2025
Photo by Mirhashim Bagaliyev / Unsplash

Delve into an extraordinary opportunity as The Association of Commonwealth Universities unveils the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for 2024. This exclusive chance is tailored for member universities hailing from Commonwealth nations, totaling 500 institutions across 50 countries. The program offers a remarkable two-year master's study opportunity at any Commonwealth member university.

This scholarship beckons to students aspiring to catalyze positive change within their communities, fostering a brighter tomorrow. Geared towards individuals from middle to low-income brackets, the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships equips them to tackle global challenges and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By fostering collaboration among diverse member nations, the initiative facilitates the exchange of ideas, skills, and knowledge, transcending borders and fostering innovation.

Applicants must seek this scholarship outside their home countries or universities, broadening horizons and fostering international connections. Through this program, member universities are already propelling the world towards a happier, healthier, and more sustainable future through groundbreaking research and inspired teaching. International cooperation in higher education fuels intellectual breakthroughs, fosters the free flow of ideas, and nurtures enduring relationships between institutions and nations. At its core, the initiative aims to address socioeconomic disparities, striving to level the playing field and ensure equal opportunities for all to study, lead, progress, and thrive. Central to its mission is the focus on university research, envisioned to enhance people's lives, inform evidence-based policymaking, advance research and healthcare, and tackle global challenges head-on.

Universities stand as pillars of society, significantly contributing to each nation's social, economic, and cultural advancement. Aspiring to fortify these foundations, the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships program embodies a beacon of hope, fostering a global community of scholars dedicated to shaping a brighter, more equitable future.

Host Countries and Universities

Students can apply in any of the following countries but it has to be other than their home country. Countries and universities may change on each application cycle so visit the official link for details,

Bangladesh

  • University of Dhaka

Eswatini

  • University of Eswatini

Ghana

  • Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)

West Indies

  • The University of the West Indies

Kenya

  • The Technical University of Kenya
  • University of Nairobi

Malaysia

  • Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
  • University of Malaya

Mauritius

  • University of Mauritius

Pakistan

  • COMSATS University Islamabad

Rwanda

  • University of Rwanda

South Africa

  • Stellenbosch University
  • Stellenbosch University
  • University of Pretoria

Sri Lanka

  • University of Colombo
  • University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Tanzania

  • The State University of Zanzibar

Uganda

  • Makerere University

Benefits

Unveiling an array of benefits, the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship (QECS) stands as a fully funded opportunity, covering all expenses essential for academic pursuits. Let's delve into the comprehensive details:

  • Full coverage of Tuition Fees.
  • Monthly stipend to sustain living expenses throughout the award period.
  • Accommodation allowance provided.
  • Return air ticket facilitated.
  • Arrival allowance granted.
  • Research support grants available.

Eligibility and Requirements:

  • Citizens or individuals holding refugee status in a Commonwealth country are eligible to apply.
  • Applications must be pursued in a country other than one's home country.
  • No upper age limit applies.
  • Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree of at least upper second level, excluding undergraduates.
  • Specific eligibility criteria set by universities for each course must be met by candidates.

For those seeking additional opportunities in the UK, the University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships for International Students presents another avenue for exploration.

Eligible Countries:

Students hailing from the following regions are encouraged to apply for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship program:

  • Botswana
  • Cameroon
  • Gambia, The
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Kingdom of Eswatini
  • Lesotho
  • Malawi
  • Mauritius
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • Rwanda
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • Uganda
  • United Republic of Tanzania
  • Zambia
  • Bangladesh
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • India
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Pakistan
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Bahamas, The
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Canada
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Jamaica
  • Saint Lucia
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Vincent and The Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Cyprus
  • Malta
  • United Kingdom
  • Australia
  • Fiji
  • Kiribati
  • Nauru
  • New Zealand
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Samoa
  • Solomon Islands
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Vanuatu

Deadline for Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships

Mark your calendars! The deadline to submit applications for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships is January 10th, 2024.

💡
Application for 2024 has ended. You can apply next year.

Essential Documents Required:

Prepare the following documents for your application:

  • High school certificate.
  • Undergraduate transcript (including graduation certificate).
  • Two references, preferably academic.
  • Scan of passport or national ID card.
  • Proof of English language proficiency if English is not your first language.

As you embark on this journey, consider exploring the Clarendon Scholarship for International Students at the University of Oxford for additional opportunities.

QECS Online Application Process:

The online application comprises several stages or categories:

  1. Eligibility
  2. Personal Details
  3. Academic & Employment Record
  4. Course details at the host university
  5. Statements
  6. Upload supporting documents

Statement Requirements:

Prepare three statements addressing the following questions:

Statement 1: Plan of study (200-400 words)

  • Why have you chosen this course?
  • What interests you about the course?
  • Why this institution and country?
  • How is the course relevant to your future career plans?
  • How do your previous studies and experiences qualify you for this course?

Statement 2: Development impact and post-study outreach (300-500 words)

  • Identify a challenge in your country and propose a solution.
  • How will your studies contribute to addressing this challenge?
  • What skills do you expect to gain from the scholarship?
  • How will you apply these skills in your community upon return?

Statement 3: Creating networks (200-400 words)

  • Describe your academic, work, and volunteer experiences.
  • How will these networks aid in your scholarship impact?
  • How do you plan to develop these connections during your studies?

Sustainable Development Goals:

Identify and elaborate on the UN Sustainable Development Goals aligned with your field of study.

How to Apply:

Follow these steps to apply for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship:

  • Submit the online application form.
  • Apply directly to your chosen university.
  • Visit the university's website for application details and admission procedures.
  • No offer letter is required during the QECS application process.
  • Coordinate with your chosen university upon selection to apply for your preferred course.