The University of Edinburgh Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships offer a fantastic opportunity for talented individuals from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue part-time, distance learning Master’s programmes at one of the UK’s leading universities. Funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) — part of the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — these scholarships support accessible, high-quality postgraduate education without the need to relocate.
Key Benefits
- Full coverage of tuition fees.
- Tenable for up to five years of part-time study.
- Fully equivalent to on-campus degrees from the University of Edinburgh.
These scholarships target candidates who cannot afford to study without financial support, helping build skills and leadership in priority development areas.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the University of Edinburgh Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen of, or hold refugee status from, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Hold a first degree at upper second-class (2:1) level or equivalent. In some cases, a lower qualification plus relevant professional experience may be accepted.
- Demonstrate that you are unable to afford the programme without scholarship support.
- Provide at least one academic or professional reference.
Note: You do not need an offer from the University of Edinburgh to apply for the scholarship, but you must secure an unconditional offer before starting your studies. Early application to the university is strongly recommended, as unconditional offer holders are prioritised.
Before applying, review the full eligibility and eligible countries list on the CSC website.
Eligible Programmes
The University of Edinburgh offers scholarships for the following part-time, online Master’s programmes (grouped by theme, with scholarship allocations where specified):
Health-related programmes (5 scholarships across the group):
- MSc in Epidemiology
- MSc in Clinical Management of Pain
- MSc in Clinical Trials
- MSc in Critical Care
- MSc in Data Science for Health & Social Care
- MSc in Internal Medicine
Conservation, biodiversity, and related programmes (5 scholarships across the group):
- MSc Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics
- MSc Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health
- MVetSci Conservation Medicine
- MSc in Data-Driven Breeding and Genetics
- MSc Global Food Security and Nutrition
- MSc Global Health and Infectious Diseases
- MSc in International Animal Health
- MSc in One Health
Additional programmes (such as MSc in Digital Education or others) may be confirmed for future intakes. Check the official University page or the CSC eligible courses list for the latest updates.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
You must apply separately to both the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and the University of Edinburgh. The processes are independent, but you need success in both to receive the scholarship.
- Apply to the University of Edinburgh:
- Search for your chosen programme on the University of Edinburgh Degree Finder (study.ed.ac.uk).
- Submit your application online as early as possible, including all required documents (e.g., academic transcripts, CV, proof of English language proficiency if needed).
- Processing can take up to 28 working days. Aim for an unconditional offer by meeting all entry requirements.
- Optionally, note in your application that you are also applying for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship.
- Apply to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC):
- Visit the official CSC application portal via the Commonwealth Scholarships website (cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk).
- Complete the online application form, including details of your chosen programme and university.
- Upload all supporting documents (e.g., references, transcripts, proof of citizenship/residency, and evidence of financial need).
- Submit by the deadline.
Current Deadline for 2026 Awards: Applications to the CSC close on 31 March 2026 (at 16:00 GMT). The window is now open.
For earlier intakes (e.g., 2025), deadlines were in May, but confirm the exact cycle on the CSC site.
Selection Process
- After the CSC deadline, eligible applications are forwarded to the University of Edinburgh.
- The University nominates candidates for shortlisting.
- The CSC makes final selections, with successful candidates notified around July (e.g., July 2026 for the current cycle).
- Unsuccessful applicants are not notified separately.
Important Tips
- Start your University application early to secure an unconditional offer.
- Prepare strong references and clear evidence of how the programme aligns with your career and development goals in your home country.
- An information session video (recorded in April 2025) is available on the University site for guidance on online study, applications, and Q&A with staff and scholars.