Program Description:

Title: Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025–2026

Application Deadline: Tuesday, 20 May 2025, 16:00 GMT

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Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025–2026 Overview

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are part of the UK government’s Commonwealth Scholarship programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). These scholarships enable talented individuals from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue part-time Master’s degrees online with UK universities, without the need to relocate.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025–2026 Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a citizen of, or hold refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country

• Must be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country

• Must hold at least an upper second class (2:1) undergraduate degree; lower qualifications may be accepted with relevant experience

• Must be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship

• Must apply and secure admission to an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university

• Must not be a current/former employee or relative of UK Government, British Council, ACU, or CSC staff (within the last 3 years)

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025–2026 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

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025–2026 Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage for the chosen online Master’s programme

• Study from your home country with a UK university

• Flexible part-time learning while working or managing other responsibilities

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025–2026 Required Documents

• Valid passport or national ID showing citizenship

• Full academic transcripts (with certified translations if not in English)

• Two references on institutional letterhead or official email with full sender details (PDF only)

• Completed application through the CSC online system

Application Process and Procedures

1. Apply for an approved Master’s programme at a participating UK university

2. Apply separately for the scholarship via the CSC online application system

3. Upload all required documents (including references) by the deadline

4. Universities review applications and nominate selected candidates

5. CSC confirms the eligibility of nominated candidates

6. Universities notify successful applicants

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025–2026 Important Dates

• Application deadline: Tuesday, 20 May 2025, 16:00 GMT

• Course start: September/October 2025

• Selection notification: By August 2025

Development Impact Statement Requirements

Applicants must submit a Development Impact Statement covering:

• Relevance of the proposed study to development challenges

• How they plan to use new skills to benefit their home country

• Expected development outcomes, timeframe, and beneficiaries

• How outcomes will be measured and evidenced

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025–2026 Selection Criteria

• Academic merit of the applicant

• Relevance of the course to development goals

• Potential impact on the applicant’s home country

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025–2026 General Conditions

• Scholarship covers tuition and essential study grants only

• Scholars may not hold another award covering the same costs

• Universities may request additional evidence of English proficiency

• Scholars are expected to adhere to the CSC Code of Conduct

• Breach of terms may lead to termination of the award