MastersFully Funded

Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships

These scholarships support Master’s study for candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries, enabling them to study a UK Master’s degree by distance learning while remaining in their home country. The scholarships cover tuition fees and study grants.

Provider: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC)
Host country: United Kingdom
Deadline: Null
Region: Multiple

Official source Track this application

Topics

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Mozambique · Cameroon · Togo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: Candidates must be citizens of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard, be unable to afford the program without the scholarship, and provide all required supporting documentation.
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters
Deadline: Null

Key eligibility criteria

Candidates must be citizens of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard, be unable to afford the program without the scholarship, and provide all required supporting documentation.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships (2026)

## Overview The Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships are a prestigious program offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC). This initiative is a core part of the UK government scholarship scheme, driven by international development objectives and operating within the well-established framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). The program underscores the UK's enduring commitment to the Commonwealth by fostering leadership and innovation in developing nations. The primary purpose of these scholarships is to address the development needs of Commonwealth countries by providing advanced training to skilled and qualified professionals in key development areas. The scholarships target high-quality postgraduate students from least developed and middle-income countries, including those defined as fragile and conflict-affected states. These beneficiaries are individuals who seek access to specialized training unavailable in their home countries, prefer or need to remain at home while studying, and possess the potential to significantly contribute to their nation's development through newly acquired knowledge and leadership skills. Awards can extend for up to six years, reflecting the modular nature of the courses. The scholarships are continuously funded, ensuring sustained support for scholars throughout their studies. The application process is unique: UK universities bid for scholarships for specific courses. Successful universities then conduct the initial selection of candidates, who are subsequently approved by the CSC. These scholarships are aligned with six designated CSC Development Themes, ensuring that the chosen fields of study directly contribute to identified global development priorities. ## Benefits The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship is a comprehensive award designed to remove financial barriers to education. It covers: * **Tuition Fees:** The full cost of tuition for the approved Master’s course. * **Study Grants:** Where required, these grants provide additional financial support to assist scholars with their studies. It is important to note that recipients of this scholarship cannot concurrently hold other scholarships, awards, or bursaries that cover the same costs. ## Eligibility To be considered for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship, applicants must meet the following strict criteria: * **Citizenship/Residency:** Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person. They must also be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country. * **Academic Qualification:** By September 2026, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard. In certain cases, a lower qualification combined with sufficient relevant experience may be considered. * **Financial Need:** Be genuinely unable to afford to undertake the chosen Master’s program without the scholarship. * **Documentation:** Have provided all required supporting documentation in the specified format by the application deadline. The CSC is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination, actively encouraging applications from a diverse range of candidates, including those with disabilities. A comprehensive list of eligible Commonwealth countries is provided, and applicants must confirm their country is listed. ### Eligible Countries (as of the provided information): Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia. ## Required Documents Applications will be considered ineligible if any of the required documents are not included by the closing date. All documents must be uploaded directly to the CSC’s online application system; no external submissions are accepted. The following documents are mandatory: * **Proof of Citizenship/Refugee Status:** A copy of a valid passport or national ID card clearly displaying a photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship. * **Academic Transcripts:** Full transcripts detailing all higher education qualifications, including up-to-date transcripts for any courses currently in progress. If not in English, certified translations are required. Incomplete transcripts will render the application ineligible. * **References:** A minimum of two references, in PDF format, signed and on institutional letterhead or from an email clearly showing the sender’s details. References must be collected by the applicant and uploaded with the application by the deadline. Referees should comment on the applicant's suitability for the scholarship, capacity for analytical and original thought, motivation, potential impact on development in their home country, and any other relevant qualities. ## How to Apply The application process for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships involves two key steps: 1. **University Admission:** Candidates must first apply for and secure admission to an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university. It is highly recommended to check with the chosen university for specific advice on application timelines, admission requirements, and application rules. A full list of approved courses and participating universities is available on the CSC website. 2. **CSC Scholarship Application:** Concurrently, or after securing university admission, applicants must submit their scholarship application through the CSC’s online application system, CSC Central. Applications for the 2026/27 academic year are now closed. The CSC does not accept applications or documentation outside this online system. ### Application System Guidance: * **Early Submission:** Candidates are strongly advised to complete and submit applications as early as possible, as the online system is expected to be very busy closer to the deadline. * **Preparation:** It is recommended to prepare answers, statements, and gather documents offline before inputting them into the online form. A template application form and technical guidance are available for download. * **Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):** The system utilizes 2FA, requiring access to a smartphone or a second email account for registration and each subsequent login. * **Saving Work:** Use the save function frequently to avoid loss of data. Refreshing the browser will cause data loss. * **No Edits After Submission:** Applications cannot be edited once submitted. * **Reference Number:** Upon completing the initial details, an Application Reference Number email (e.g., 01234-SSP-UK-15) will be sent. Keep this safe as it's needed for logging in to view submitted applications. ## Key Dates * **Application Closure (2026/27):** Applications for the 2026/27 academic year are currently closed. These scholarships are for study commencing in September/October 2026. * **University Nomination:** Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship applications are shared with UK universities, which nominate their chosen candidates for the scholarship in June 2026. * **CSC Approval & Notification:** The CSC verifies nominated candidates against eligibility criteria. Universities then inform successful candidates of their scholarship award by August 2026. ## Selection Criteria Applications are rigorously assessed based on three core criteria: * **Candidate Merit:** The overall academic and personal strength of the applicant. * **Quality of Study Plan:** The clarity, relevance, and feasibility of the proposed study plan, including its alignment with development objectives. * **Potential Impact:** The anticipated contribution the candidate will make to the development of their home country after completing their studies. ## Tips * **Strategic Course Selection:** Research and choose courses that align with the CSC Development Themes and your country's development needs. The CSC website provides resources to help identify suitable institutions and courses. * **Strong Development Impact Statement:** Dedicate significant effort to crafting a compelling Development Impact statement. Clearly articulate how your proposed scholarship relates to global, national, and local development issues, how you intend to apply new skills post-scholarship, the expected development outcomes and timeframe, and how these outcomes will be measured. * **Detailed Career Plans:** Outline both your 5-year and long-term career aspirations, demonstrating how the scholarship will facilitate these goals. * **Compelling Personal Statement:** Share your personal background and motivations for making an impact in your home country. Highlight significant contributions or instances where you've overcome barriers. * **Voluntary and Leadership Experience:** Showcase any voluntary activities and leadership opportunities you've engaged in. * **High-Quality References:** Ensure your referees are well-informed about your capabilities and development potential, and that their references are submitted correctly. * **Adhere to Instructions:** Carefully read and follow all instructions regarding application forms, supporting documentation, and submission procedures. Any deviation can lead to ineligibility. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK website: [https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-distance-learning-scholarships/](https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-distance-learning-scholarships/)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully Funded

Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Candidates must be citizens of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard, be unable to afford the program without the scholarship, and provide all required supporting documentation.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-distance-learning-scholarships/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: Candidates must be citizens of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard, be unable to afford the program without the scholarship, and provide all required supporting documentation.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Null. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: Null. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
Null
Provider deadline information: Null. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships?+

Candidates must be citizens of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard, be unable to afford the program without the scholarship, and provide all required supporting documentation.

What funding does the Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Null. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-distance-learning-scholarships/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Candidates must be citizens of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard, be unable to afford the program without the scholarship, and provide all required supporting documentation.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Null. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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