The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025/2026 offer a unique opportunity for talented individuals from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to study for a UK Master’s degree online, without leaving their home countries. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these scholarships are part of the UK’s commitment to sustainable development and global partnerships.
Whether you’re looking to build skills in public health, education, technology, or development, this scholarship supports part-time Master’s courses that align with six key development themes set by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).
Unlock your potential with a fully funded online Master’s degree from a UK university — while staying in your home country. Read the full details below to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply before the deadline.
Contents
- 1 Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025/2026 Summary
- 2 Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025/2026 Details
- 3 Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025/2026 Eligibility Requirements
- 4 Scholarship Benefits
- 5 Required Documents for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025/2026
- 6 How to Apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025/2026 (Step-by-Step)
- 7 Deadline
- 8 Receive the Latest Scholarship Updates through our Social Media Channels:
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025/2026 Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Study Abroad: Study in UK (Distance learning from your home country)
- Host Institution: Various UK universities
- Funded By: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- Category level: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries (low and middle-income countries)
- Reward: Full tuition | Study grants | lots more
- Deadline: Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Scholarship Categories to Explore on ScholarWaka— Here are some key scholarship opportunities you should check out on ScholarWaka:
- Study Abroad: Study in USA | Study in Canada | Study in UK | Study in Europe | Study in Asia | Study in Australia | Study in Africa
- Scholarship Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships | Competitions | High School Scholarships | Internships Scholarships | Training | Fellowships
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025/2026 Details
The Commonwealth Distance Learning programme is one of the Master level opportunities funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC). The CSC provides scholarships that support international development, helping individuals who show strong potential to become change-makers in their home countries.
This programme allows scholars to access quality UK education online while continuing to live and work in their home country. It’s ideal for people who need flexible learning while building practical experience.
These scholarships cover part-time taught Master’s degrees with UK universities and are awarded based on merit and development potential. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear link between their studies and how they’ll create a positive impact back home.
You must apply both for the scholarship and for admission to an eligible course at a participating UK university.
This is the full list of approved courses and universities.
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.
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Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025/2026 Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2025/2026, you must:
- Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently living in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country.
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1). A lower qualification may be accepted if you have enough relevant experience.
- Be unable to afford the cost of studying the programme without a scholarship.
The CSC values inclusion and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities or from diverse backgrounds.
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Scholarship Benefits
If selected, you’ll receive:
- Full coverage of tuition fees.
- Study-related allowances or support, if required.
- A chance to earn a world-class UK Master’s degree without relocating.
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Required Documents for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025/2026
All applications must include the following documents uploaded to the CSC application system:
- A valid passport or national ID showing your photo, date of birth, and nationality.
- Full transcripts of all higher education qualifications (including those currently in progress). If they’re not in English, certified translations must be provided.
- Two reference letters on official letterhead or from professional emails with full sender details (in PDF format).
- All supporting documents must be uploaded before the application deadline. The CSC does not accept any late or emailed documents.
Your referees should be able to speak about your academic ability, leadership skills, and how your work will contribute to development in your home country.
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How to Apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025/2026 (Step-by-Step)
1. Choose your course and university:
Check the full list of approved Master’s courses and participating UK universities.
2. Apply to your chosen university:
Each university has its own deadlines and admission requirements. Apply early to secure your place.
3. Apply for the scholarship online:
Use the CSC’s official online application system to submit your scholarship application.
4. Upload all required documents:
Make sure all documents, including references, are uploaded before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
5. Wait for university nomination and final selection:
UK universities will review applications and nominate candidates to the CSC. Final scholarship results will be shared by August 2025.
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Tips for the application form:
You’ll be asked to provide:
- Full academic history and qualifications.
- Employment details and relevance to your chosen field.
- Development Impact Statement in four parts (how your studies will support development in your country).
- Personal statement explaining your motivation and past contributions.
- Referee contact details and study plan.
Applicants are also encouraged to check the CSC’s “Advice for Applicants” page before submitting their applications.
Deadline
Application Deadline: Tuesday, 20 May 2025 at 16:00 GMT
All parts of the application — including references and documents — must be submitted by this time.
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