Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships 2025

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

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Description

The Commonwealth Distance Learning programme is one of three Master’s programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. It operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship plan (CSFP) and offers a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. By attracting individuals with outstanding talent and identifiable potential from all backgrounds and supporting them to become leaders and innovators on returning to their home countries, the CSC’s work combines sustainable development with the UK national interest and provides opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration.

Purpose:
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to access training and skills required for sustainable development not available in their home countries.

Intended beneficiaries:
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are for candidates from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries, to undertake part-time taught Master’s study with UK universities while remaining in their home countries.
These scholarships are offered under six CSC development themes. 

Responsibilities

Applicant eligibility

To be eligible for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship, applicants should:

• Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status 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) standard. A lower qualification and sufficient relevant experience may be considered in certain cases.
• Be unable to afford to study the programme without this scholarship.
  
  The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination, and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants. For further information on the support available to candidates with a disability, see the CSC disability support statement.
  
  The CSC is committed to administering and managing its scholarships and fellowships in a fair and transparent manner. For further information, see the CSC Anti-Fraud Policy and Procedure and the guidance on reporting fraud.
  
  The CSC is committed to proactively safeguard and promote the welfare of our beneficiaries, and to protect its staff, Commissioners, beneficiaries and all those with whom the CSC comes into contact. The CSC requires staff, members of the Commission, applicants for and recipients of CSC awards and suppliers to act consistently with its requirements for safeguarding. Applicants should note the CSC’s Safeguarding Policy which sets out the obligation for staff, members of the Commission, applicants for and recipients of CSC awards and suppliers to act consistently with its requirements for safeguarding. Any safeguarding concerns should be reported to the Commission at: csc.safeguarding@cscuk.org.uk

Qualification

Advice for applicants:

Applicants can find general information about applying for a Commonwealth Scholarship on the advice for applicants page. Please read and complete the Distance Learning Scholarships eligibility checklist before submitting your application.

Supporting Documentation:

To be eligible, applicants must upload all required documents via the online application system before the deadline. No external or late submissions will be accepted.

Required Documents:

Proof of Citizenship/Refugee Status: Valid passport or national ID with photo, date of birth, and country of citizenship. Academic Transcripts: Full transcripts of all higher education qualifications (including ongoing courses). Certified translations if not in English. Incomplete/missing pages will render the application ineligible. Two References: Must be in PDF format, signed, and on institutional letterhead or from official email addresses showing sender details. Must be uploaded by the applicant; no external or delayed submissions are accepted.

Referees Should Include:

Duration and nature of relationship with the applicant. Assessment of applicant’s suitability for the scholarship and subject area. Comments on analytical skills, originality, motivation, and perseverance. Applicant’s strengths, weaknesses, and development potential in their home country. Additional relevant qualities that support the applicant’s candidacy.

How to apply:

Applications for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for the 2025/26 academic year are now open. The deadline for submitting an application is 16:00 GMT on Tuesday 20 May 2025. The scholarships are for study beginning in September/October 2025.
Applications to the CSC must be made using the CSC’s online application system.
The CSC is unable to accept any applications or documentation not submitted via the online application system. Applicants must apply and secure admission to study an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university in addition to applying for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship via the CSC’s online application system. 

View full list of approved courses and participating UK universities
Applicants can apply for more than one course and to more than one university, but they may only accept one offer of a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship. Please note that Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are only for Master’s courses and not for undergraduate or PhD study. Please check with the chosen university for their specific advice on when to apply, admission requirements, and rules for applying. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship applications will be shared with UK universities, who will nominate their chosen candidates to receive a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship in June 2025. The CSC then checks that the candidates nominated meet the CSC’s eligibility criteria. Universities inform candidates if they have successfully been awarded a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship by August 2025.