Application Deadline: 31 March 2026.
Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships. The Commonwealth Distance Learning programme is one of three Master’s programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. It operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship plan (CSFP) and offers a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth.
Intended beneficiaries: High-quality postgraduate students from least developed and middle-income countries (including fragile and conflict affected states) who wish to access training not available in their home countries, who wish or need to remain in their home country while they study, and who have the potential to enhance the development of their home countries with the knowledge and leadership skills they acquire.
Award duration: Up to six years. The scholarships are funded on an ongoing basis, due to the modular nature of the courses.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for these scholarships, candidates must:
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country.
- By September 2026, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard. A lower qualification and sufficient relevant experience may be considered in certain cases.
- Be unable to afford to study the programme without this scholarship.
- Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.
Eligible countries
Please note that only candidates from the eligible countries listed below can apply for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships.
- 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
Benefits
- A Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship covers tuition fees and study grants where required. Other scholarships, awards, or bursaries that cover the same costs may not be held concurrently.
How to Apply:
- The scholarships are for study beginning in September/October 2026.
- Applications to the CSC must be made using the CSC’s online application system application system, CSC Central.
- The CSC is unable to accept any applications or documentation not submitted via the online application system.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships
