King’s College London’s Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS) 2026

If you’re a bright student from a low or middle-income Commonwealth country with dreams of studying in the UK, this could be your moment. The 2026 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS) at King’s College London (KCL) is now open—and it’s one of the most generous postgraduate opportunities available.

   

Jointly funded by KCL and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), this scholarship is designed for students who have the potential to make a real difference in their home countries but lack the financial means to study abroad.

Let’s break down what makes this scholarship so powerful—and how you can apply.

Why the CSSS at King’s College London Is a Big Deal

King’s College London is one of the UK’s most prestigious universities, ranked among the top institutions globally. The CSSS offers a fully funded Master’s degree to students from eligible Commonwealth nations, with a focus on health and research fields that have high impact in developing countries.

For 2026, KCL is offering two full scholarships for students applying to specific on-campus Master’s programs. This is a rare opportunity to gain world-class education, build global networks, and return home equipped to lead change.

What the Scholarship Covers

The CSSS at King’s is designed to remove every financial barrier so you can focus entirely on your studies. Here’s what’s included:

• Full tuition fees for your entire Master’s program
• Round-trip airfare from your home country to the UK
• Monthly living stipend to cover accommodation, food, and personal expenses
• Warm clothing allowance for the UK climate
• Thesis grant to support your dissertation work
• Study travel grant for academic-related travel
• TB testing contribution (mandatory for some applicants)
• Child allowance: £622/month for the first child and £154/month for each additional child (for eligible single parents)

This comprehensive package ensures you can study without financial stress and make the most of your time at King’s.

Recommended Posts:

Eligible Master’s Programs at King’s College London

Only full-time, on-campus programs are eligible. For 2026, the following degrees are covered:

• MSc Health Psychology
• MSc Mental Health Studies
• MRes Clinical Research
• MSc Palliative Care

Note: Distance learning and part-time programs are not eligible under this scheme.

Explore the full list of eligible programs and application details.

Who Can Apply?

To be considered for the CSSS at King’s College London, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country and currently living there
• Hold a first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree (or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification)
• Be unable to afford studying in the UK without this scholarship
• Not have studied or worked in a high-income country for one year or more
• Meet the academic and English language requirements for your chosen program at KCL
• Be committed to returning to your home country after completing your studies

This scholarship is aimed at students who are not only academically strong but also passionate about making a difference in their communities.

How to Apply

The application process involves two separate steps, each with its own deadline:

Step 1: Apply to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)

• Submit your scholarship application through the CSC’s online portal
• Deadline: 09 December 2025 at 16:00 GMT

You’ll need to provide academic transcripts, references, a personal statement, and details about your development impact goals.

Apply via the CSC portal

Step 2: Apply to King’s College London

• Submit your full admissions application to one of the eligible Master’s programs
• Deadline: 12 January 2026

If you need an application fee waiver, submit the official waiver request form by 2 January 2026 to allow time for processing.

Eligible Countries

Applicants from the following Commonwealth countries are encouraged to apply:

• Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia
• India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia
• Jamaica and other eligible Commonwealth nations

Check the full list of eligible countries on the CSC website: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/about-us/scholarships/

Why This Scholarship Matters

The CSSS is more than a financial award—it’s a platform for leadership, innovation, and global impact. Scholars return home with advanced knowledge, international experience, and the tools to drive change in healthcare, research, and policy.

If you’re passionate about improving lives in your country and have the academic credentials to match, this scholarship could be your launchpad.

FAQs

Can I apply for more than one Master’s program at King’s? No. You must choose one eligible full-time, on-campus program to apply for under the CSSS.

Do I need to apply to King’s before applying to the CSC? No. You can apply to the CSC first, but you must also complete your KCL application by the stated deadline.

Is there an age limit for applicants? There is no official age limit, but most applicants are early- to mid-career professionals.

Can I bring my family with me? Yes. The scholarship provides a child allowance for eligible single parents. However, you’ll need to plan for additional living costs.

What happens if I miss one of the deadlines? Unfortunately, missing either the CSC or KCL deadline will disqualify your application. Start early and track your progress carefully.

More Opportunities: