The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer outstanding students from across the Commonwealth the opportunity to pursue a fully funded two-year master’s degree in a new country.
Designed to support global knowledge-sharing and foster cross-cultural collaboration, this life-changing award is now open for applications in its 2026 Cycle 2 intake.
What’s Included in the QECS Award:
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Full coverage of tuition fees
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Monthly living allowance (stipend)
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Return economy airfare to the host country
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One-time arrival allowance
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Research support grant (if applicable and approved)
Who Should Apply?
This scholarship is ideal for students who are passionate about academic excellence, global engagement, and using education as a tool for community transformation. Candidates should have a desire to contribute to sustainable development both in their host country and their home country.
Participating South African Universities and Programmes
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Start Date: 1 July 2025
Contact: MohlalaMF@tut.ac.za
Programmes Available:
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Master of Performing Arts
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Master of Education in Educational Technology
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Master of Public Affairs
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Master of Agricultural Science
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Master of Applied Sciences
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Master of Computing
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Master of Engineering (Electrical / Management)
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Master of Business Studies in Finance
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Master of Management Sciences in Tourism Management
University of Pretoria (UP)
Start Date: 14 February 2026
Contact: ssc@up.ac.za
Programmes Available:
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LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa
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LLM in Trade and Industry Law in Africa
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MSc in Development Studies or Political Science
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MTD in Science of Religion and Missiology
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MTH in Practical Theology
Note: International applicants may need SAQA certification and supervisor endorsement.
University of the Free State (UFS)
Start Date: 10 January 2026
Contact: TsoeuMR@ufs.ac.za
Programmes Available:
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Interdisciplinary Master’s in Human Rights
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Master of Health Professions Education
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Master of Nursing
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Master of Nutrition, Dietetics, or Public Health
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MSc in Geo-informatics, Physiotherapy, or Occupational Therapy
University of Venda (Univen)
Start Date: 1 January 2026
Contact: Thizwilondi.nefale@univen.ac.za
Programmes Available:
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MCUR: Master of Nursing
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HSMMA: Master’s in Psychology
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MPH: Master of Public Health
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MSCPNT: MSc in Public Nutrition
Entry Requirements:
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An Honours degree or equivalent (typically NQF Level 8)
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Minimum academic average of 65% in undergraduate studies (may vary by institution)
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Submission of both a QECS application and the corresponding university application
How to Apply:
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Explore the full list of eligible universities and programmes.
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Review specific course and institutional requirements.
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Apply through the QECS application portal.
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Complete and submit a university admission application in parallel with your scholarship application.
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