The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS) 2026 at King’s College London (KCL) is now open for applications—offering an extraordinary, fully funded opportunity for talented students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue a world-class Master’s degree in the UK. Jointly funded by King’s College London and the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), this scholarship is designed for students who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK, but who have the potential to deliver meaningful impact in their home countries.
For 2026, King’s is offering two awards to outstanding applicants applying for full-time, on-campus master’s programs in high-impact health and research fields. This is a golden chance for students from countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Tanzania, Jamaica, Zambia, and many other eligible Commonwealth nations.
Why Apply for the CSSS 2026 at King’s College London?
This is one of the most prestigious fully funded UK scholarships available to developing and middle-income Commonwealth nations. Scholars receive financial support that covers every essential cost from the moment they leave home until they return equipped with new skills and professional capabilities.
What the Scholarship Covers?
The CSSS at KCL is designed to eliminate all financial barriers. Scholars receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Approved round-trip airfare from home country to the UK
- Generous monthly stipend (living allowance)
- Warm clothing allowance
- Thesis grant for dissertation-related expenses
- Study travel grant for academic visits
- Contribution toward mandatory TB testing
- Child allowance: £622/month for first child and £154/month for second and third child (for eligible single parents)
This funding package allows scholars to focus fully on academic excellence without the stress of financial pressure.
Eligible Master’s Programs at King’s College London
(Campus-Based Only)
Applicants may apply for one of the following full-time master’s degrees:
- MSc Health Psychology
- MSc Mental Health Studies
- MRes Clinical Research
- MSc Palliative Care
(Important: Distance-learning or part-time modes are not eligible.)
Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be citizens or refugees of an eligible Commonwealth country and permanently residing there.
- Hold a first-class or upper second-class degree, or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification.
- Be unable to study in the UK without financial support.
- Not have studied or worked in a high-income country for one academic year or more.
- Meet KCL’s academic and English-language requirements.
- Commit to returning home after completing the degree.
Applicants must also provide all required documentation within the stated deadlines.
Apply: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study-legacy/funding/commonwealth-shared-scholarship-scheme-csss
Application Deadline
For the 2026 Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS) at King’s College London, applicants must complete two separate applications, each with its own strict deadline. First, all candidates must submit their scholarship application to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) via the CSC online application system no later than 16:00 (GMT) on 09 December 2025.
After completing the CSC application, applicants must then submit a full King’s College London admissions application for one of the eligible master’s programs by 12 January 2026. Those requesting an admissions fee waiver must submit the official fee waiver form before 2 January 2026 to ensure timely processing.