The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK has opened applications for the 2026/2027 Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships, providing fully funded opportunities for high-calibre postgraduate students from developing Commonwealth countries to pursue online Master’s degrees from participating UK universities without leaving their home countries.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the scholarships target talented individuals from least developed and middle-income Commonwealth nations—including fragile and conflict-affected states—who require advanced training not readily available locally.
The scholarships cover full tuition fees and, where applicable, study grants, with a funding cap of £18,000 per award. They align with six CSC development themes focused on sustainable development priorities. Courses are part-time and delivered via distance learning, allowing flexibility for professionals who cannot relocate.
How to apply:
Applications for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships must be submitted using the CSC’s online application system, CSC Central. The CSC cannot accept any applications or documentation submitted outside this system.
Applications should be made via this link
Follow these steps:
1. Secure admission to an approved part-time Master’s course at one of the participating UK universities (check university-specific deadlines and requirements separately, as admission is a prerequisite).
2. Access CSC Central to start your scholarship application.
3. Register with two-factor authentication (using a smartphone or secondary email).
4. Prepare your responses and documents in advance (draft outside the system if helpful), then enter them into the form. Use the save function frequently to prevent loss of progress.
5. Upload all required supporting documents in PDF format before the deadline.
6. Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues or system overload; no edits are possible after submission.
7. Upon successful submission, you will receive an Application Reference Number via email—keep it secure for future reference.
Qualification Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
– Be citizens of, or hold refugee status from, an eligible developing Commonwealth country (or be British Protected Persons), and reside permanently in one.
– Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree by September 2026 (or a lower qualification with substantial relevant experience in exceptional cases).
– Be unable to afford the programme without scholarship support.
– Secure admission to one of the approved Master’s courses at a participating UK university.
The list of eligible courses and universities is available on the official site and organised by development theme. Candidates can apply to multiple programmes but may accept only one scholarship.
Recipients must remain resident in their home country throughout the programme and demonstrate strong potential to apply their acquired skills toward sustainable development and leadership in their home nations.
Deadline
Applications opened at 16:00 GMT on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, and close at 16:00 BST on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. Interested candidates must apply directly through the CSC’s online portal at the CSC Central application system and separately secure admission to their chosen approved course (universities handle their own admission deadlines and requirements).
Application Process
Supporting documents must be uploaded in PDF format by the deadline, including proof of citizenship or refugee status (passport or national ID), full academic transcripts (with certified translations if needed), and at least two references on institutional letterhead or official email. The application requires detailed sections on development impact, career plans, study approach, personal statement, and more.
Universities will nominate selected candidates to the CSC in June 2026, with successful applicants notified by August 2026. Study is scheduled to commence in September/October 2026.
No application fee is charged by the CSC, and the programme emphasises equal opportunity, including support for candidates with disabilities. Applicants should note that concurrent funding covering the same costs is not permitted, and the CSC enforces strict policies on conduct, fraud, and safeguarding.
Full details on eligibility, the list of approved courses and universities, required documents, guidance notes, and the direct link to start your application in CSC Central are available here:
This initiative forms part of the broader Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, aimed at building professional capacity across the Commonwealth through UK-supported education.
