Description

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships 2025/26 offer an incredible opportunity for students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree at top UK universities—without having to leave their home country. These scholarships, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), cover all tuition fees and support part-time distance learning in areas critical to sustainable development. Applications are open until 16:00 GMT on Tuesday, 20 May 2025.

What Are the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships?

Offered under the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), this scholarship scheme aims to empower talented individuals who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK due to financial or situational barriers. It supports academic study that directly contributes to development goals under six CSC development themes, including:

1. Science and technology for development
2. Strengthening health systems
3. Promoting global prosperity
4. Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
5. Strengthening resilience and response to crises
6. Access, inclusion, and opportunity

Degree Level

Commonwealth UK Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships 2025 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake Masters level programs at UK Universities.

Available Subjects

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

• All Subjects

Benefits

What the Scholarship Covers

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship is a fully funded award, covering:

1. Full tuition fees
2. Access to academic support and online resources
3. Opportunities to connect with fellow scholars and UK-based academic networks

Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is open to international students from 

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

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply if you:

1. Are a citizen, refugee, or British Protected Person from one of the eligible Commonwealth countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Nigeria, India, Ghana, Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa, etc.)
2. Are permanently resident in an eligible country
3. Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) standard
4. Cannot otherwise afford to study a UK Master’s degree

Application Procedure

How to Apply

Applicants must apply online through the CSC’s application portal and independently apply for admission to an approved distance learning Master’s course at a participating UK university.

You can find the full list of eligible UK universities and courses on the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.

1. Deadline to apply: 20 May 2025, 16:00 GMT
2. Start of study: September/October 2025

Supporting Documents Required

Applications must include:

1. A valid passport or national ID showing citizenship
2. Full academic transcripts, including those currently in progress
3. Two references on official letterhead (PDF uploads only)

All documents must be submitted through the CSC online application system by the deadline—late or emailed documents will not be accepted.

Selection Criteria

Selection is highly competitive and based on:

1. Academic merit
2. Quality of the study plan
3. Potential development impact in the applicant’s home country

Each university conducts its own shortlisting process, and successful candidates will be informed by August 2025.

Why Choose a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship?

1. Study from home while gaining a prestigious UK Master’s degree
2. Flexible part-time study model
3. Join a global community of scholars working to drive development change
4. No visa or relocation required

Take your career and contribution to your country’s development to the next level. Start your journey toward a UK degree with the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2025/26.