Check eligibility, monthly stipends and December 2026 deadlines for the UK's Commonwealth Shared Scholarships and the Obama Foundation Leaders Africa cohort.

Published 10 Nov 2026, 19:12 GMT

3 min read

A participant speaks at an Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa event — An Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa event

Listen to this article

Playback position

0:003:18

Playback speed

Applications are open for Ghanaian graduates and young professionals seeking fully funded UK master's study under the 2027/28 Commonwealth Shared Scholarships or virtual leadership training through the 2027–2028 Obama Foundation Leaders Africa programme.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) closes applications on its Commonwealth Shared Scholarships portal at 16:00 GMT on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, while the Obama Foundation's priority deadline falls on Monday, November 23.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: who qualifies and what it pays

Jointly funded by the UK government and participating British universities to support educational access across the Commonwealth, the scheme covers 12-month taught master's courses starting in September or October 2027 for candidates who cannot otherwise afford UK study.

Ghanaian citizens or recognised refugees permanently resident in Ghana qualify if they hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree by September 2027—or a lower second-class degree with a relevant master's—and have not studied or worked for a year in a high-income country.

Each award pays full tuition fees, approved return airfare, a thesis grant, a study travel grant, and a monthly stipend, set at £2,000 for universities in the London metropolitan area. Single parents with accompanying children under 16 receive £622 monthly for the first child.

Participating institutions include the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics, SOAS University of London, and the universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bath, Southampton, Sussex, Surrey, Stirling, Hull and Liverpool Hope across development-focused courses.

How to apply for a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

Unlike bilateral state-backed scholarship agreements, candidates must submit two applications: one for admission to an approved course at a participating UK university, and another through the CSC Central online system before 16:00 GMT on December 8, 2026.

Applicants must upload a valid passport or national ID card, full higher education transcripts, and at least two signed references in PDF format on institutional letterhead. Universities nominate finalists in March 2027.

Obama Foundation Leaders Africa: eligibility and deadlines

The Obama Foundation Leaders Africa programme, announced on Monday, November 9 by former US President Barack Obama, selects changemakers from across the continent for free virtual leadership coaching and weekly group sessions between September 2027 and May 2028.

Applicants must currently reside in Africa, be aged 24 to 45 on September 1, 2027, hold at least three years of relevant leadership experience in public, civil society or private-sector work, and refrain from running for electoral office through May 2028.

No academic degree is required, and participants commit eight to 12 hours a month to live virtual sessions without programme fees, though the foundation provides no project grants and requires eligibility for potential US travel and visa clearance.

Candidates should apply via the official programme FAQ and portal with contact details for two referees by the November 23 priority deadline, or before the final close on Friday, December 4, 2026, at 18:00 GMT.

Araba IncoomAraba Incoom writes on multiple topics with a vast knowledge across different sector. You can almost call me an AI, after all, my initials are Araba Incoom.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships and Obama Leaders Africa open: how Ghanaians can apply

Suggested for you

More Stories

Don&#39;t spray, crumple or turn new Heritage cedi notes into money bouquets – BoG

DDC26: dEX Design Conference names speakers for three-day Accra summit

Obuasi SHTS sexual abuse probe 85% complete; evidence points to prosecution – Education Minister

Adeleke speaks on Osun’s debt profile, amid reported $26.56m borrowing increase

Carex Rewards Thousands Of Consumers As Everybody Wins Promo Concludes With Grand Finale Live Draw

Ablakwa expresses Ghana’s interest in nuclear energy cooperation with US

Discussion

Don't spray, crumple or turn new Heritage cedi notes into money bouquets – BoG