The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship, a transformative online study UK initiative, invites postgraduate students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue part-time Master’s programs at top UK universities, such as University of Edinburgh, Open University, and University of Strathclyde. Sponsored by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this Commonwealth Master’s scholarships program awards up to 100 scholarships annually, nurturing global development trailblazers through a transformative digital education. Aligned with the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), it supports fields like Climate Change, Public Health, Education Innovation, and Governance.
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship empowers scholars to conduct impactful research remotely, accessing virtual labs, e-libraries, and interactive webinars to address sustainable development goals. Scholars collaborate with leading faculty on projects tackling healthcare access, environmental sustainability, and digital inclusion, with 35% of alumni driving policy reforms in their home countries post-graduation. Structured around six CSC development themes—Science and Technology, Health Systems, Global Prosperity, Peace and Governance, Resilience to Crises, and Access and Inclusion—the program promotes UK higher education excellence and global collaboration.
The scholarship fosters global academic synergy. Scholars join a Commonwealth alumni network of over 31,000 professionals, engaging with peers and mentors through virtual conferences, CSC impact webinars, and regional workshops. This inclusive framework encourages diverse perspectives, with 40% of scholars from least-developed countries. Digital events, like Commonwealth Virtual Education Forum, SDG Action Week, or British Council e-learning seminars, enrich the dynamic academic experience, with 45% forming global professional networks. Partnerships with institutions in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Pacific enhance cross-border research.
Studying online, scholars tap into UK universities’ digital ecosystems, including virtual dissertation support and online research platforms, immersing in a global academic environment. Programs like MSc Global Challenges at University of Glasgow or MSc Sustainable Development at SOAS University of London align with development priorities. The CSC’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and merit-based selection ensures diverse representation, with 48% of scholars contributing to national development strategies post-graduation. London’s cultural vibrancy, accessible via virtual events like London Climate Action Week, complements academic pursuits.
Candidates must secure admission to an approved master’s program at a participating UK university, submitting applications through the CSC online portal. Scholars engage in development-oriented projects, shaping global solutions. Join a global cohort to champion research excellence, embrace UK academic culture, and redefine postgraduate education with the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship!
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships:
Host Country:
•United Kingdom
Host Universities:
•UK Universities
Funded By:
•The UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Program Duration:
•The duration of the Commonwealth UK scholarship is a maximum of five years.
Degree Level:
•Master’s Degree Program
Eligible Courses:
•MSc Water Management for Development.
•MA Online Teaching.
•MA Human Rights.
•MSc Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion.
•MA Educational Leadership in Practice.
•MSc Gerontology.
•MSc Global Ageing and Policy.
Benefits of Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships:
•will be given the full course tuition fees.
•The CSC will also provide study grants where required.
Eligibility Criteria of Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships:
1. Candidates must be citizens or refugees or permanent residents from the eligible commonwealth country.
2. Candidates must be British-protected individuals.
3. Candidates must possess the first degree of at least upper second-class standard.
4. Candidates who cannot afford to study in the UK otherwise.
5. Candidates must provide one reference.
6. Candidates must hold an offer to start their selected course of study.
7. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.
Eligible Commonwealth Countries:
•Bangladesh.
•Cameroon.
•Eswatini.
•The Gambia.
•Ghana.
•India.
•Kenya.
•Kiribati.
•Lesotho.
•Malawi.
•Mozambique.
•Nigeria.
•Pakistan.
•Papua New Guinea.
•Rwanda.
•Samoa.
•Sierra Leone.
•Solomon Islands.
•Sri Lanka.
•Tanzania.
•Tuvalu.
•Uganda.
•Vanuatu.
•Zambia.
Documents Required for the Commonwealth Scholarship:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of bachelor’s degree.
3. Academic transcript of bachelor’s program (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).
7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).
Selection Criteria:
An applicant will be selected based on the following criteria:
•Academic merit.
•Learning opportunities.
•Developmental impact on the applicant’s home country.
Scholarship Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in May 2026!
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
