UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and programme partners
A UK government scholarship for professionals and future leaders to study an eligible one-year master's in the United Kingdom. Awardees must return to their country of award for at least two years after funding ends. Applications for 2027–2028 closed on 6 October 2026; candidates can prepare for a future round, but the current intake is not open.
The key information before reviewing the full conditions.
Funding for an eligible one-year master's, generally covering tuition, a living stipend, return travel and certain allowances under the cycle rules. There is no single cash amount for every country and university; some course costs may be subject to limits.
Application deadline
Oct 6, 2026
Information last verified
Oct 15, 2026
Applicants from eligible countries or territories with a degree qualifying them for a UK master's, post-graduation work experience, leadership/professional potential and commitment to return home for two years after study.
Review eligibility, coverage and required documents before applying.
General criteria include citizenship of an eligible country, commitment to return to the country of award for at least two years, at least 2,800 hours of work experience acquired after completing an undergraduate degree, and a degree suitable for UK master's entry. Applicants must select three eligible master's courses and meet unconditional-offer requirements by the relevant deadline. Experience can include full-time or part-time work, volunteering and internships. Check country-specific conditions.
Usually covers eligible course tuition, monthly living allowance, return travel and specified arrival/departure allowances. Dependants' costs are not automatically covered, and additional course expenses should not be assumed covered without checking the rules. The two-year return commitment is essential.
Prepare passport, degree certificates/transcripts, work records and qualifying-hours calculation, CV, motivation/leadership essays, three eligible course choices and requested references/documents. An unconditional offer from an eligible course must later be obtained by the applicable deadline. All experience and references must be genuine and verifiable.
1) Confirm country eligibility and the 2,800 post-graduation work-hour requirement. 2) Choose three eligible courses and check university dates. 3) Write truthful, evidence-based leadership and impact essays. 4) Apply when the next cycle opens; shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview with the relevant British mission. 5) Obtain the unconditional offer on time. The 2027–2028 application period closed on 6 October 2026; next-cycle dates are not confirmed here. NEXA can review CVs, essays and documents for a separately disclosed fee, without guaranteeing selection.
Applying through NEXA is a separate paid service. The fee is explained before the process starts. Listing an opportunity does not guarantee eligibility, acceptance or funding.