Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
Applications are open for the 2026/2027 Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships. This programme supports talented students from developing Commonwealth countries to pursue a UK Master’s degree through distance learning, without leaving their home country.
The scholarships are offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), which administers the UK government’s flagship scholarship scheme under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. The scheme is designed to contribute to sustainable development across Commonwealth nations by strengthening skills, leadership, and professional capacity.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is aimed at high-achieving graduates who:
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Are from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including fragile and conflict-affected states
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Cannot access similar postgraduate training in their home country
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Need or prefer to remain in their home country while studying
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Demonstrate strong potential to contribute to national development after completing their studies
Duration of Award
The scholarship can last up to six years, depending on the structure of the chosen course. Many eligible programmes are delivered in modules, allowing flexible study alongside work or other commitments.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
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Be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country, have refugee status in an eligible country, or be a British Protected Person
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Be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country
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Hold, by September 2026, a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second-class (2:1) honours degree
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In some cases, candidates with a lower qualification and substantial relevant work experience may be considered
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Demonstrate that they cannot afford to study the programme without financial support
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Submit all required documents in the correct format before the deadline
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of one of the following 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
What the Scholarship Covers
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship provides:
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Full tuition fees
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Any additional study-related grants required by the university
Note: Recipients may not hold another scholarship or award that covers the same costs at the same time.
How to Apply
The scholarship is for programmes starting in September/October 2026.
Applications must be submitted through the CSC’s official online portal (CSC Central).
The Commission does not accept paper applications or documents sent outside the online system.
For complete guidelines, course lists, and application instructions, visit the official website of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. LINK HERE
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