Scholarships / Fellowships

Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 for Master’s Studies

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer students from Commonwealth countries the chance to pursue a two-year master’s degree at select universities across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

Application Closing Date: 4 June 2025 at 15:00 UTC
Scholarship Location: ACU Member Universities in Low and Middle-Income Commonwealth Countries including South Africa
Study Start Dates: January to July 2026 (varies by university)

The 2026 Cycle 2 applications are now open, and South African universities are proudly participating, offering a range of master’s programmes.


What the QECS Scholarship Covers

  • Full tuition fees
  • Living allowance (stipend) for the duration of the award
  • Return economy flights to the host country
  • One-time arrival allowance
  • Research support grant (optional and subject to approval)

Who Should Apply?

This prestigious scholarship is designed for students committed to community development, academic excellence, and international collaboration. It is a life-changing opportunity to gain a world-class education while contributing to solutions in your host country and your home nation.


Participating South African Universities and Eligible Master’s Programmes

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – Start Date: 01 July 2025

Contact: MohlalaMF@tut.ac.za
Programmes Offered:

  • Master of Performing Arts
  • Master of Education in Educational Technology
  • Master of Public Affairs
  • Master of Agricultural Science
  • Master of Applied Sciences
  • Master of Computing
  • Master of Engineering (Electrical / Management)
  • Master of Business Studies in Finance
  • Master of Management Sciences in Tourism Management

University of Pretoria (UP) – Start Date: 14 February 2026

Contact: ssc@up.ac.za
Programmes Offered:

  • LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa
  • LLM in Trade and Industry Law in Africa
  • MSc in Development Studies / Political Science
  • MTD Science of Religion and Missiology
  • MTH Practical Theology

Note: SAQA certificate and supervisor confirmation may be required for international students.


University of the Free State (UFS) – Start Date: 10 January 2026

Contact: TsoeuMR@ufs.ac.za
Programmes Offered:

  • Interdisciplinary Master’s in Human Rights
  • Master of Health Professions Education
  • Master of Nursing
  • Master of Nutrition / Dietetics / Public Health
  • MSc in Geo-informatics / Physiotherapy / Occupational Therapy

University of Venda (Univen) – Start Date: 01 January 2026

Contact: Thizwilondi.nefale@univen.ac.za
Programmes Offered:

  • Master of Nursing (MCUR)
  • Master’s in Psychology (HSMMA)
  • Master of Public Health (MPH)
  • Master of Science in Public Nutrition (MSCPNT)

General Entry Requirements

  • A relevant Honours degree or equivalent (typically NQF Level 8)
  • Minimum average of 65% in undergraduate studies (varies per institution)
  • Submit both the university application and QECS scholarship application

How to Apply

  1. Choose a host country/university and a course from the current list.
  2. Check university-specific requirements and course details.
  3. Apply via the QECS portal: Click here to apply for the QECS 2026
  4. Submit a university application at the same time as your scholarship application.

StudentRoom

StudentRoom.co.za is a South African career portal dedicated to supporting students and recent graduates in their transition from education to the professional world. The platform offers a comprehensive range of resources, including listings for internships, learnerships, apprenticeships, bursaries, and entry-level job opportunities across various sectors.

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