Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships (Fully Funded) 2026

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.

The purpose of this scholarship is to contribute to development needs of Commonwealth countries by providing training for skilled and qualified professionals in key development areas.  

Step-by-step Video Guide

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMarch 31, 2026
• Study LevelMasters
• SponsorCommonwealth Scholarships
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

A Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship covers tuition fees and study grants where required.

Requirements

To be considered for these scholarships, candidates must: 

• 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. 
• By September 2026, 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.
• Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.

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 candidates. For further information on the support available to candidates with a disability, see the CSC disability support statement. 

Please note that only candidates from the eligible countries listed below can apply for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships. 

• 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 

Selection Process

Each participating UK University will conduct its own recruitment process to select a specified number of candidates to be awarded Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships and put these forward to the CSC. The CSC will then confirm that these candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the programme.  

Applications will be considered according to the following selection criteria: 

• Candidate merit. 
• Quality of study plan. 
• Potential impact on the development of the candidate’s home country. 

Application Documents

Applications must include supporting documentation to be eligible. 

Note that candidates are required to collect references, on institution letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details, from referees and then upload them to the application system in PDF format with other required supporting documentation.  

The references must be uploaded to the application system by the deadline for applications as we are unable to accept references any other way or after this date. 

Applicants must upload the following documents with the application:

• Proof that they are a citizen or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country: a copy of a valid passport (or national ID card) showing a photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship
• Full transcripts detailing all higher education qualifications, including up-to-date transcripts for any courses currently being studied, with certified translations if not in English. Where any transcripts are missing or do not include all pages, the application will be considered ineligible.
• References from at least two individuals, in PDF format, signed and on institutional letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details. 

Applications will be considered ineligible if any of the required documentation is not included by the closing date. The CSC will not accept supporting documentation submitted outside the online application system. 

When completing the references, referees should comment as fully as possible on the applicant, keeping in mind the following points for inclusion, as appropriate:

• How long, and in what capacity, the referee has known the applicant.
• The referee’s views on the applicant’s suitability for the proposed Scholarship and the need for the particular subject of study in the UK.
• Information on how, and to what extent, the applicant has shown ability in terms of capability to grasp concepts and reason analytically; capacity for original thought; and motivation and perseverance in achieving objectives.
• Assessment of the applicant’s particular strengths and weaknesses.
• The applicant’s potential to impact development in their home country.
• Any other general qualities which the referee considers would make the applicant a good recipient of a Scholarship.

Please note that the CSC does not charge an application fee for any of its scholarships or fellowships through its online application system. 

Application Deadline

March 31, 2026

How To Apply

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

A template application form including all questions is available here and technical guidance is here. 

The form uses a two-factor authentication (2FA) system and will require access to either a smartphone or a second email account when registering. The 2FA system must be passed each time a user logs in to access the form. 

To apply, visit Commonwealth Scholarship webpage