Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship (QECS) is an international scholarship program managed by the Commonwealth of Nations to support outstanding students from developing Commonwealth countries and territories to pursue their studies at eligible higher education institutions in the United Kingdom and other partner countries within the Commonwealth. Click the link below to apply:
The scholarship program was founded by Queen Elizabeth II in March 1958, when she signed an agreement with the Prime Ministers of sixteen Commonwealth countries at that time to found the QECS. It was later revised in 1977 and 2010 when it was renamed Queen Elizabeth II Scholarships.
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What is QECS?
QECS is an open competition for Commonwealth citizens living in countries that are members of the Queen Elizabeth II Foundation (for Northern Ireland). This scholarship is awarded annually to a maximum of 30 eligible candidates.
These scholarships are available only for study at UCL, one of several UK universities offering partner programs with QEC Ltd. This scholarship program aims to help build stronger economic and cultural ties between members of The Commonwealth.
If you wish to study further away from London, or you’re interested in learning about different industries, QECS Scholarships will help make your dreams come true! Who is Eligible?: To be eligible for a QECS scholarship, applicants must meet several criteria.
The first of these is citizenship; candidates must be citizens of one of these countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Cameroon, Canada (excluding Quebec), Cyprus (excluding Northern Cyprus), Fiji Islands, Ghana, India (excluding Goa and Daman and Diu), Jamaica (excluding Northern Jamaica), Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia (excluding Outlying Islands ), Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa. South Africa. Sri Lanka. Swaziland. Tanzania. Uganda. The United Kingdom including Northern Ireland. Zambia and Zimbabwe.
How to Apply for the Scholarship?
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships are offered to students from different countries around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in one of three UK higher education institutions (the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and University of London).
Before applying for a scholarship, an applicant must have a qualification that is acceptable to their chosen university. After completion of your undergraduate degree, you are required to submit a formal application by submitting an online application form available on the official website.
The online form requires information such as personal details including a contact address, email address, and passport details. A formal letter of application should also be submitted that includes a statement of intent and motivation for applying for a scholarship.
The following documents are required for submission: a transcript of academic records (original or certified copy), proof of English language proficiency (if applicable), and two letters of recommendation from former teachers or professors who can speak about your academic performance.
In addition to these documents, you will also need to submit an essay that is not more than 1,000 words long on why you would like to study at one of three UK higher education institutions (the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and University of London).
A final list with all applicants’ names will be published on the official website after the deadline date has passed.
Eligibility Criteria
As of March 2018, in order to qualify for a QECS scholarship you must: be either a citizen or a national of one of The Commonwealth realms (or have been eligible for citizenship); have successfully completed at least two years of tertiary education, and not have already graduated with your first degree.
If you are currently studying for your second degree, you must be able to provide evidence that shows that you will complete all studies for your first degree by 31 December 2021. If these requirements don’t fit your situation, consult an application officer before completing your application.
It is also worth noting that students from low-income backgrounds may receive additional points during selection – but only if they choose to self-identify on their QECS application form!
Final Verdict
While eligibility requirements vary by country, you can typically get a scholarship if you are a citizen of a particular country, have lived in that country for at least three years prior to applying, and have good academic records.
Most countries also require some kind of community service work, such as volunteering or working with low-income populations. Queen Elizabeth II Scholarships are awarded through specific programs, called Schemes (like QSIA for students pursuing an education in Australia). Each Scheme has its own eligibility requirements.
To learn more about these programs and how to apply, visit QECO’s website. Finally, keep in mind that if you’re not eligible for an international scholarship, there may be other resources available. Find out what options are available for you here.
