If you’re from a developing Commonwealth country and dream of earning a UK Master’s degree without leaving your home country, the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025/2026 may be the perfect opportunity.
This program is fully funded and designed to support students who cannot afford to study in the UK but wish to receive high-quality education through online and distance learning programs offered by UK universities.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), this scholarship enables students to gain the skills and knowledge they need to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries, while also being part of an international academic network.
Quick Summary of Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
| Feature | Details |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Study Level | Master’s (via Distance Learning) |
| Eligible Countries | Citizens of Developing Commonwealth Countries |
| Mode of Study | Online (Distance Learning from UK Universities) |
| Funded by | UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) |
| Deadline | 20 May 2025. |
| Fields of Study | Various Development-related fields |
| Tuition Coverage | 100% Tuition Fee Covered |
| Host Institutions | Selected UK Universities |
| Application Mode | Online via the CSC application system |
| Work Experience Needed? | Preferred but not always compulsory |
About the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships aim to provide talented and motivated individuals with access to quality UK education from their home countries.
This allows scholars to continue their employment or responsibilities at home while still receiving world-class education in critical development-related subjects.
The scholarship is ideal for professionals or recent graduates who want to make a positive impact in their field, without needing to travel or relocate.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025/2026, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently residing in a developing Commonwealth country.
- Hold at least a first degree of upper second-class (2:1) standard. In some cases, a lower qualification with relevant experience may be accepted.
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
- Meet any specific requirements set by the selected UK university/course.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship is fully funded, and it typically covers:
- Full tuition fees.
- Study materials and online learning support.
- Occasionally, some scholarships may also cover project-related travel (if required), but generally, no living or travel costs are included as this is a distance learning scholarship.
Eligible Courses and Universities
Each year, different UK universities offer approved Master’s programs that are eligible under the scholarship. These courses are carefully chosen for their relevance to development priorities.
Examples of popular study fields include:
- Public Health
- Sustainable Development
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- ICT for Development
- Human Rights
- Agriculture
- Engineering
- Management
To apply, you must first be accepted into an eligible course at a participating UK university. A full list of approved programs and institutions will be published on the official CSC website once applications open.
Eligible countries
- 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
How to Apply
Applications for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025/2026 are now open. The deadline to submit your application is 16:00 GMT on Tuesday, 20 May 2025. The scholarships support Master’s degree programs beginning in September/October 2025.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Apply Online through the CSC Portal
All scholarship applications must be submitted via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s (CSC) online application system: https://fs29.formsite.com/m3nCYq/qwx3ti73hb/login
The CSC does not accept any applications or documents sent outside this system.
- Secure Admission to an Approved Course
Applicants must also apply and gain admission to study an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university. You need to do this in addition to your CSC scholarship application.
View the full list of approved courses and participating universities on the official CSC website.
- Multiple Applications Allowed
You can apply for more than one course and to more than one university, but you will only be able to accept one offer if selected for the scholarship. - Important Notes
- The scholarship is for Master’s level courses only. It is not available for undergraduate or PhD programs.
- Each university may have different admission deadlines, requirements, and instructions, so it is important to check directly with the university you’re applying to.
- Selection Timeline
- After the application deadline, UK universities will review applications and nominate their selected candidates by June 2025.
- The CSC will then verify if nominees meet eligibility requirements.
- Successful candidates will be notified by August 2025 by their respective universities.
Key Documents Needed
- Proof of citizenship or refugee status
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- At least two references
- Admission letter (or application proof) from a participating UK university
- Personal statements or development impact essays (in the CSC portal)
Application Deadline: 20 May 2025
Check the official website regularly for the most accurate and updated information:
Benefits of Studying via Distance Learning
- Study while working – Keep your job and apply your knowledge in real time.
- No relocation stress – No need to leave your home, family, or responsibilities.
- Access to world-class education – Learn from top UK universities.
- Flexible learning – Study on your own schedule with online support.
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