The University of London Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2025 offers a fantastic opportunity for talented individuals from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree online. This scholarship, provided through a partnership between the Institute of Commonwealth Studies (School of Advanced Study, University of London) and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), funds 5 full scholarships for the MA in Human Rights by distance learning, starting in September 2025.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these scholarships support motivated candidates who cannot afford to study in the UK for financial or other reasons. They focus on building specialist skills in human rights to contribute to sustainable development.
Programme Overview: MA in Human Rights (Distance Learning)
The MA in Human Rights is a practice-based online Master’s programme designed to equip you with the vocational skills needed to thrive as a human rights practitioner.
- Delivered entirely online by the Institute of Commonwealth Studies.
- Combines theoretical, legal, and practical perspectives on human rights issues.
- Develops essential skills for working in the human rights field.
- Flexible, asynchronous learning – study at your own pace from anywhere.
- Awarded by the University of London.
This programme is ideal for professionals, activists, or those passionate about promoting and protecting human rights globally.
Scholarship Benefits
- Fully funded: Covers the full tuition fees for the MA programme.
- No additional financial support (e.g., living costs) is mentioned, as it is a distance learning award focused on fee waivers.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the University of London Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2025, you must:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of a low- or middle-income Commonwealth country (check the full eligible countries list on the CSC website).
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent qualification).
- Have already received an offer of admission to the MA in Human Rights programme at the University of London.
- Be unable to afford or access full-time study in the UK for financial or other reasons.
- Demonstrate potential to contribute to sustainable development in your home country or field.
Key Deadlines (for September 2025 Intake)
- Apply for the MA in Human Rights programme: No later than 9 May 2025 (recommended to apply early to secure an offer in time).
- Apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship: No later than 20 May 2025 (typically 16:00 GMT – confirm exact time on the portal).
Note: These deadlines are specific to this programme and intake. Late applications are unlikely to be considered.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
- Apply to the MA Programme First Visit the official programme page at the University of London: Here. Submit your application for the MA in Human Rights by distance learning. Ensure you meet the entry requirements (including a relevant bachelor’s degree). Aim to complete this by 9 May 2025 to allow time for an offer before the scholarship deadline.
- Secure an Offer of Admission Wait for confirmation of your place on the MA programme. You must have an offer before applying for the scholarship.
- Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship Once you have your offer, go to the official CSC application portal: Here. Complete and submit your scholarship application by 20 May 2025. Provide all required information, including details of your MA offer, academic background, and how the scholarship aligns with your career goals in human rights and sustainable development.
- Monitor Your Application Check for updates from the University of London (for programme admission) and the CSC (for scholarship outcome). Successful applicants will be notified accordingly.