Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded UK Online Degree for Nigerians & Developing Countries
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Summary:
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarship is a fully funded UK government scholarship that allows students from Nigeria and other eligible Commonwealth countries to study a UK master’s degree remotely while staying in their home country. It covers full tuition fees and study support costs for selected development-focused courses. Applicants must have a 2:1 degree (or equivalent), gain admission to an approved course at a participating UK university, and show strong potential to impact their country’s development. Deadline: 31 March 2026.
Scholarship Name
Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarship
Host / University / Organization
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
Funded by the UK Government
Level of Study
Postgraduate (Master’s – Distance Learning)
Value / Benefits
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Full tuition fees
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Study grants (where required)
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Fully funded UK master’s degree from your home country
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No travel required
Duration
Up to 6 years (flexible due to modular structure)
Application Deadline
31 March 2026 (16:00 BST)
Study starts: September/October 2026
Eligible Countries
Includes:
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Nigeria
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Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and many more Commonwealth developing countries.
Purpose of the Scholarship
To train professionals who will:
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Contribute to national development
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Become leaders and innovators
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Apply their knowledge to solve real problems in their home country
Eligibility Criteria
You must:
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Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country
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Be permanently resident in your home country
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Have a minimum 2:1 degree (or lower + relevant experience in some cases)
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Be unable to afford the course without the scholarship
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Hold admission to an approved course at a participating UK university
Not Eligible If
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You are an employee/relative of certain UK government bodies listed by CSC
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You are applying for undergraduate or PhD study
Eligible Courses
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Only approved development-focused master’s courses
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Offered by participating UK universities
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Delivered via distance learning
How to Apply
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Apply for an eligible distance-learning master’s course at a participating UK university.
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Apply through the CSC online application system (CSC Central).
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Submit all required documents before the deadline.
You must apply to both the university AND the CSC.
Selection Criteria
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Academic merit
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Quality of study plan
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Development impact on your home country
Important Notes
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You can apply to multiple courses, but accept only one award.
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IELTS is not required by CSC (but may be required by the university).
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Universities nominate candidates in June 2026.
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Final results released by August 2026.
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Cannot be held with another scholarship covering the same costs.
For more information and application:
Visit the official website of the Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarship