Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2026/27 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2026/27 — a fully funded opportunity for talented students from eligible developing Commonwealth countries to pursue a part-time Master’s degree entirely by distance learning (online from home) at participating UK universities. They cover full tuition fees and provide study grants where required, focusing on development-focused fields aligned with the CSC’s six development themes.

These scholarships support study starting in September/October 2026, with applications closing at 16:00 BST on Tuesday, 31 March 2026 (opened on 17 February 2026 at 16:00 GMT). There is no application fee charged by the CSC. This is not open to all nationalities — only citizens from specific eligible Commonwealth countries who are permanently resident in a developing one. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Degree Level: Master’s (Distance Learning, Online)
• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Study Start Date: September/October 2026.
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Open to All Nationalities?: No — only eligible Commonwealth countries (see list in Eligibility section).
• Duration: Up to 6 years
• No Application Fee
• Application Deadline: 31 March 2026 (16:00 BST)

What This Scholarship Offers:

• Full coverage of tuition fees at the overseas rate.
• Study grants provided where required to support your learning.
• Access to high-quality UK university training not available in your home country.
• Opportunity to build expertise that directly contributes to sustainable development and positive change in your home country.
• Development of leadership, analytical, and professional skills to become an innovator and leader back home.
• Flexibility to study part-time while staying with family, continuing work, or addressing local commitments.

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Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country.
• Hold (by September 2026) at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree; lower qualifications plus relevant experience may be considered in some cases.
• Be unable to afford the programme without this scholarship.

CSC promotes equal opportunity and encourages diverse applicants, including those with disabilities.

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Eligible 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, and Zambia.

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Programs Available

Eligible Master’s courses are offered under the six CSC Development Themes (courses must align with one; view full approved list and universities here):

• 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

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How to Apply:

1. Secure admission to an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university (apply directly to the university first; check their requirements and deadlines).
2. Apply for the scholarship via the CSC’s online system CSC Central.
3. You can apply to multiple courses/universities but accept only one scholarship.

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