Closing date: 18 January, 2021
Applications are open for Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) – a unique opportunity to study a two-years Master’s degree in low or middle-income country of the Commonwealth. The QECS awards are only hosted by low and middle income countries. Therefore these awards will not be hosted in Canada, the UK or Australia.
Aimed at students who are committed to creating change in their communities, the scholarships are a life-changing opportunity to experience a new country and culture, to broaden horizons, and to build a global network that will last a lifetime.
Through cultural exchange and academic collaboration, Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholars help bring about positive change and find solutions to the shared challenges we face – both in their home countries and those that host them. As an active part of the Commonwealth network, scholars will help shape its future.
The current hosts of the QECS awards are only those listed on the website. If a country/university is not on the website, it means that they are not a host for the current cycle of awards. In some cases this may be due to the timing of the application cycle, for example some institutions have an academic year starting in January/February therefore they would be included in the second cycle of awards. Please keep an eye on the website for more details on those institutions/countries that will be included in the second application cycle. Only those universities listed online are hosting QECS awards for the current application cycle.
Eligibilities:
- Citizens (or those who hold refugee status) in a Commonwealth country are welcome to apply.
- You must have already completed your degree and have graduated with an equivalent of a 2:1 at the time of application.
- Applicants cannot apply for an award in their home country/country of citizenship as this is an international programme. If you are attempting to apply for a QECS in a university in your home country you will not find your country in the drop down and should consider applying for an award in another country.
- As part of the application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your final transcript and degree certificate.
Funding:
Award recipients receive:
- Fully-funded tuition fees.
- Living expenses allowance (stipend) for duration of award.
- Return economy flights to their host country.
- An arrival allowance.
- Research support grant – on request only; subject to approval.
How to apply:
The application form consists of the following sections:
- Personal Details.
- Academic & Employment Record.
- Course at host university details.
- Statements.
- Upload supporting documents
The statement section is formed of three main statements which applicants need to provide. Guidance for what is required for each statement is shown below as well as on the application form itself.
Statement 1: Plan of study
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships provide unique opportunities to study abroad for a Master’s in leading universities in low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
Your statement should answer the following questions:
- Why have you chosen to study this course? What specific features of the course do you find interesting?
- Why do you want to undertake this course at this institution and in this country?
- What have you done to research your chosen university?
- How is this course relevant to your future career plans?
- Explain how your previous studies and experiences make you a suitable candidate for this course.
Statement 2: Development impact and post-study outreach
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships are for students committed to creating change in their communities. Scholars will be supported to develop their knowledge and skills and learn how to apply them in their careers so they can contribute towards solutions to global challenges and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Part 1
Your statement should answer the following questions:
- Describe briefly one challenge or problem in your country that you would like to address.
- How will your proposed study help you contribute towards a solution to this challenge?
- What skills do you expect to gain from this scholarship?
- How will you use the knowledge and skills gained on the award in your local community when you return home?
Part 2
- Which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals does the subject you are studying most align to? (you can pick more than one).
- How will your proposed study contribute to this/this Sustainable Development Goal (s)?
Statement 3: Creating networks
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships provide an opportunity to embrace new cultures, learn different perspectives, and enhance collaboration at home and throughout the Commonwealth.
Your statement should answer the following questions:
- Explain how you have developed networks through academic studies, hobbies, work experience, and/or volunteering experience.
- What connections and networks will help you to achieve an impact on your scholarship?
- How might you start to develop these connections during your study?