Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for PNG– Study in the United Kingdom

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2026/2027 – Study in the United Kingdom

The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) is inviting suitably qualified Papua New Guineans to apply for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship to undertake full-time Master’s study at an approved university in the United Kingdom.

The scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and coordinated by DHERST.

Successful scholars will commence their studies in September/October 2027 and are expected to return to Papua New Guinea after completing their studies and contribute to national development.

 

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Return international airfares
• Study-related travel grants
• Additional support where applicable

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a citizen of Papua New Guinea, or an eligible Commonwealth citizen, refugee or British Protected Person currently residing in Papua New Guinea.
• Be a permanent resident of Papua New Guinea.
• Be available to begin studies by September 2027.
• Hold an Upper Second-Class Honours degree (2:1) or a Lower Second-Class degree.
• Demonstrate financial need.

Application Requirements

• Valid Papua New Guinea passport or National ID
• Certified academic transcripts
• Certified degree certificate(s)
• Two signed referee reports
• Personal statement
• Employment history or CV
• Research publications or professional awards, if applicable

Development Impact Statement

Applicants should explain:

• The development issue they want to address
• Why the proposed study is important
• How the knowledge and skills gained will be applied in Papua New Guinea
• Expected outcomes and beneficiaries
• How success will be measured

Preparing a Strong Application

• Identify eligible UK universities and relevant Master’s programmes.
• Prepare a realistic study plan.
• Develop a five-year career plan.
• Demonstrate leadership and community involvement.

Scholarship Conditions

• Successful scholars must return to Papua New Guinea after graduation.
• Comply with CSC policies and UK visa requirements.
• Obtain admission to a UK university separately.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Follow university rules and regulations.
• Comply with UK laws and requirements throughout the study period.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's CSC Central application system.

Apply Online:
CSC Central Online Application Portal

The CSC will not accept applications or supporting documents submitted by email, post, or any method other than CSC Central.

Applicants must also submit the required supporting documents to DHERST within the specified deadline for nomination and recommendation.

Important Points

• Applications must be completed and submitted through CSC Central.
• Required supporting documents must be provided.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Applicants who currently hold a scholarship are not eligible.

Application Timeline

• Applications Open: 9 September 2026
• Applications Close: 21 October 2026
• Closing Time: 1:00 am PNG-GMT

Contact DHERST

Telephone: 301 2076
Email: scholarships@dherst.gov.pg
Website: www.dherst.gov.pg

Definitions

Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1): A bachelor's degree with strong academic results. No additional postgraduate qualification is required.

Lower Second-Class Degree: Applicants with a lower bachelor's degree result must have a relevant postgraduate qualification, such as a postgraduate diploma or Master’s degree.

Certified Documents: Official copies of original documents verified, signed and stamped by a Commissioner for Oaths as true copies of the originals.