The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2026 offer talented individuals from developing Commonwealth countries the opportunity to pursue part-time Master’s degrees by distance learning at UK universities. This allows scholars to remain in their home countries while studying, gaining skills for sustainable development and contributing to leadership and innovation back home.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), these scholarships support high-quality postgraduate training in areas not readily available in candidates’ home countries.
Key Objectives
These scholarships aim to attract motivated individuals with outstanding potential from diverse backgrounds. They focus on enabling scholars to acquire knowledge and skills for sustainable development, aligned with six CSC development themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting global prosperity
- Strengthening global peace, security and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2026 (for study commencing September/October 2026), applicants must:
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee status granted by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country.
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard. In some cases, a lower qualification plus relevant experience may be considered.
- Be unable to afford the programme without this scholarship.
The CSC promotes equal opportunities and encourages applications from diverse candidates, including those with disabilities (refer to the CSC disability support statement for details).
Eligible Countries Applicants must be from one of the following developing Commonwealth 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.
Benefits of the Scholarship
The scholarship covers essential costs for part-time distance learning Master’s programmes (typically up to six years due to modular structure). Funding includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Grants to support study-related costs (e.g., internet or materials)
There is no residential requirement in the UK, as the study occurs from the home country. No concurrent scholarships covering the same costs are permitted.
Required Documents
Prepare and upload the following in PDF format via the online system:
- Proof of citizenship or refugee status: A valid passport or national ID card showing your photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
- Full academic transcripts: Covering all higher education qualifications (including current studies), with certified English translations if needed.
- At least two references: From qualified individuals (one should be your current employer if applicable), on institutional letterhead or via email showing sender details. Referees must comment on your potential to benefit from the programme and deliver development impact.
In the application form, you will also need to provide:
- Details of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications
- Up to 10 publications or prizes
- Employment history and relevance to the proposed programme
- A statement on how your previous experience relates to the scholarship
- Names and positions of two referees
- A detailed Development Impact statement (in four parts)
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Applications for the 2026/27 academic year (study starting September/October 2026) are open.
- Check eligibility and courses — Review the full list of approved Master’s courses and participating UK universities on the official CSC website: Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships eligible courses. Courses are sorted by development theme.
- Apply for admission — Secure admission (or apply) to one or more approved Master’s programmes at participating UK universities. Follow each university’s specific admission requirements, deadlines, and processes (including any English language requirements). Note: Scholarships are for Master’s only (not undergraduate or PhD).
- Prepare your application — Draft answers offline using the provided template (available on the CSC site). Gather all required documents and references early.
- Submit your scholarship application — Apply via the CSC’s online system: CSC Central application portal.
- Applications opened at 16:00 GMT on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
- The deadline is 16:00 BST on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. Submit early, as the system may be busy near the deadline. Save frequently and use two-factor authentication.
- University nomination and selection — Universities review applications, nominate candidates (typically in June 2026), and the CSC approves final awards. Universities notify successful candidates by around August 2026.
You may apply to multiple courses/universities, but you can accept only one scholarship offer.
Important Notes
- No application fee is charged by the CSC.
- Ensure all documents are complete and uploaded by the deadline—missing items will make your application ineligible.
- Check university-specific advice on admissions.
- For technical issues or queries, contact [email protected] or refer to the CSC FAQs.