Applications Invited for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Programme Master’s Scholarships

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About the Organization

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government’s scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. It supports the co-creation of research, innovation, and solutions to enact sustainable development priorities across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Since 1960, the CSC has funded over 31,000 individuals to study in the UK and gain skills, acquire knowledge, and build networks to tackle global development challenges.

The CSC is an executive non-departmental public body and operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Department for Education and UK University partners, the CSC offers a range of study, research, and professional development options for people throughout the Commonwealth.

About the Scholarship

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. By attracting individuals with outstanding talent and identifiable potential from all backgrounds and supporting them to become leaders and innovators on returning to their home countries, the CSC’s work combines sustainable development with the UK national interest and provides opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration.

Purpose: Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to access training and skills required for sustainable development not available in their home countries.

Intended beneficiaries: Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are for candidate from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries, to undertake part-time taught Master’s study with UK universities while remaining in their home countries.

These scholarships are offered under six CSC development themes.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship, applicants should:

• 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.
• 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.

The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination, and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants.

Please see list of eligible countries below as stated in the DAC List published in 2024.

How to Apply

Applications for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for the 2025/26 academic year are now open. The deadline for submitting an application is 16:00 GMT on Tuesday 20 May 2025. The scholarships are for study beginning in September/October 2025.

Applications to the CSC must be made using the CSC’s online application system.

Applicants must apply and secure admission to study an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university in addition to applying for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship via the CSC’s online application system.

View full list of approved courses and participating UK universities

Applicants can apply for more than one course and to more than one university, but they may only accept one offer of a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship. Please note that Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are only for Master’s courses and not for undergraduate or PhD study. 

Please check with the chosen university for their specific advice on when to apply, admission requirements, and rules for applying.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship applications will be shared with UK universities, who will nominate their chosen candidates to receive a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship in June 2025. The CSC then checks that the candidates nominated meet the CSC’s eligibility criteria. Universities inform candidates if they have successfully been awarded a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship by August 2025.

For more information please check the Link

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Tags Skill Development Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Others