The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are fully funded scholarships provided by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. The program allows students from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue part-time Master’s degrees through distance learning at selected UK universities while remaining in their home countries. The scholarships aim to support sustainable development and strengthen skills in priority development areas.
Eligibility
Applicants must be citizens 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
In addition:
- Applicants must be permanently resident in an eligible country.
- Applicants must hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification.
- Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
- Applicants must secure admission to an approved distance learning Master’s programme at a participating UK university.
Benefits
- Full tuition fees covered.
- Study-related grants where required.
- Opportunity to earn a UK Master’s degree remotely without relocating.
- Access to a global academic network.
- Fully funded support for the entire duration of the program.
Deadline
The application deadline for the 2026 cycle is 31 March 2026 at 16:00 BST.
How to apply
First, apply for admission to an eligible distance learning Master’s program at a participating UK university.
Then submit your scholarship application through the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission online application portal before the deadline.
