Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships 2026/27

 

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships are administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC). As part of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), the programme reflects the United Kingdom’s commitment to advancing sustainable development across the Commonwealth.

This scholarship enables talented professionals from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue part-time Master’s study with UK universities while remaining in their home countries.

Programme Purpose

The Commonwealth Distance Learning programme is designed to:

• Contribute to the development needs of Commonwealth countries
• Strengthen professional capacity in key development sectors
• Support individuals with strong leadership potential
• Promote international collaboration and institutional partnerships

The programme particularly benefits candidates who:

• Cannot access equivalent training in their home country
• Need to remain in their country while studying
• Demonstrate potential to drive social, economic, or institutional change

Scholarship Structure

Key features of the award include:

• Level of Study: Master’s degree only
• Mode of Study: Distance learning
• Start Date: September/October 2026
• Duration: Up to six years (modular format)
• Funding Model: Ongoing support aligned with course structure

Scholarships are offered under six CSC Development Themes aligned with global development priorities.

Application Timeline (2026/27 Academic Year)

• Applications Open: 16:00 GMT, Tuesday 17 February 2026
• Applications Close: 16:00 BST, Tuesday 31 March 2026

Late submissions are not accepted. Applicants are strongly advised to submit well before the deadline due to anticipated system congestion.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the CSC’s online system, CSC Central. The CSC does not accept applications outside this platform.

The process involves:

• Applying to an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university
• Submitting a scholarship application via CSC Central
• Undergoing university nomination
• Final eligibility verification by the CSC

Important notes:

• Applications cannot be edited after submission
• All supporting documents must be uploaded in the required format
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) is required for login
• The “save” function must be used to prevent data loss
• Browser refresh may result in unsaved information being lost

Applicants may apply to multiple courses and universities but may accept only one scholarship offer.

Selection Process

The selection process operates in stages:

1. UK universities apply to host scholarship-funded courses.
2. Candidates apply through CSC Central and to their chosen universities.
3. Universities nominate selected candidates in June 2026.
4. The CSC verifies eligibility and confirms awards.
5. Successful candidates are notified by universities by August 2026.

This collaborative model ensures alignment between academic excellence and development impact.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, applicants must:

• Be a citizen, refugee, or British Protected Person from an eligible Commonwealth country
• Be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country
• Hold, by September 2026, a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second-class (2:1)
• Demonstrate inability to afford study without scholarship support
• Provide all required documentation

The CSC maintains a strong commitment to equal opportunity and diversity, encouraging applications from candidates across varied backgrounds, including persons with disabilities.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be citizens or residents of one of the following eligible 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

Only applicants from these countries are eligible to apply.

Strategic Impact

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships aim to cultivate leaders equipped with advanced knowledge and skills to address national and regional development challenges.

By enabling professionals to study without leaving their home countries, the programme:

• Minimises brain drain
• Strengthens local institutions
• Builds national capacity
• Supports long-term development outcomes

Through investment in high-potential individuals, the CSC contributes to sustainable development while reinforcing the United Kingdom’s international partnerships within the Commonwealth.

Key Takeaways

• Fully funded Master’s distance learning opportunity
• Study with approved UK universities
• Remain in home country while completing degree
• Competitive, development-focused selection process
• Deadline: 31 March 2026

Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare documentation early and submit applications ahead of the deadline to avoid system delays.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

 

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