DEADLINE: 24 MAY 2022
Applications are now open for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS). QECS offers a unique opportunity to study a two-year Master’s degree in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country. This scholarship is 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.
Before submitting an application, please review the available courses and entry requirements on the application link - in addition to the application guidance. Please select a course that is offered at the university you select at the start of the form for your application to be counted. For more information, please read the FAQs.
VALUE OF AWARD
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
The selection committee assesses applications using four key criteria:
Academic history/references
Plan of Study
Development Impact and Post Study Outreach
Creating Networks
For an application to be considered for selection, applicants must ensure that:
Their personal statement is written clearly so that a non-specialist can understand what the aims of the research are and how they will be implemented
They clearly outline why they are applying to the courses and institutions listed on their application form. You must tailor these answers to each institution – if you write the same answer for each course/institution or copy and paste text from university websites, then your application will not be considered.
They meet all the eligibility requirements for their chosen university course, including having the necessary work experience
Two referees are identified and references are provided– references should be detailed and include the content outlined on the application form
Include full details about marks/grades gained for particular degrees. Applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure that full supporting documentation is provided at the time of application, in the form of an official transcript.
ELIGIBLE SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES
North West University
MA Positive Psychology
Master of Consumer Sciences
Master of Health Sciences in Cardiovascular Physiology
Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Psychology
Master of Health Sciences in Counselling Psychology
Master of Health Sciences in Health Professions Education
Master of Health Sciences in Human Movement Sciences
Master of Health Sciences in Occupational Hygiene
Master of Health Sciences in Psychology
Master of Health Sciences in Recreation Science
Master of Health Sciences in Research Psychology
Master of Health Sciences in Transdisciplinary Health Promotion
Master of Nursing Science
Master of Social Work
Master of Social Work in Child Protection
Master of Social Work in Forensic Practice
MPharm Pharmacy Practice
MSc Dietetics
MSc Nutrition
MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry
MSc Pharmaceutical Sciences
MSc Pharmaceutics
MSc Pharmacology
Rhodes University
MSc Science courses
MA Humanities courses
MCOM Commerce courses
LLM Law
MPharm Pharmacy
Masters Education
University of Johannesburg
Health and Life Sciences
Physical Sciences
Engineering and Mathematics Accountancy and Finance
Social sciences
Arts and Humanities
Stellenbosch University
MEng in Chemical Engineering
MPhil Paediatrics
MPhil Infectious Diseases
University of Pretoria
Master Research courses and not coursework
University of Venda
Health sciences
Management, Commerce and Law
Humanities, Social Science and Education
Science, Engineering and Agriculture
There is no upper age limit for this scholarship. All applicants must have already completed your degree and have graduated with an equivalent of a 2:1 at the time of application. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your final transcript and degree certificate. This scholarship is for 2-year masters degrees only; undergraduate and phd studies are not eligible. As QECS awards can be held in a variety of Commonwealth Countries, you can submit more than one application as long as they are for different host countries/universities. Academic references are advised, these are usually referees who have taught you or worked with you throughout your academic career. However if you are unable to obtain academic references we would advise that you use professional referees that are able to write you references demonstrating the points outlined on the application form.
HOW TO APPLY
The scholarship application form consists of the following sections:
Eligibility
Personal Details
Academic & Employment Record
Course at host university details
Statements
Upload supporting documents
The statement section is formed of three main statements (essays) which applicants need to provide:
Statement 1: plan of study
Statement 2: development impact and post study impact
Statement 3: creating networks
In addition, you will need to submit an application for admission to your chosen university course directly to the university in addition to completing a QECS application. As some university application cycles will open after the QECS award applications close, you do not need to have secured an offer and received an offer letter at your chosen institution at the time of submitting your QECS application. Please note that The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships at X university webpage will indicate whether you will have to apply to the university at the same time (or after) the QECS application deadline.