Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships 2026-2027 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships, a fully funded opportunity for students from eligible developing Commonwealth countries to study for a UK Master’s degree remotely.

The programme is administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK and funded by the UK government as part of its international development strategy. It forms part of the wider Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), reflecting the UK’s long-standing commitment to Commonwealth cooperation.

About the Scholarship

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships allow talented students to pursue a UK Master’s degree while remaining in their home country.

It is specifically designed for individuals who:

• Cannot access equivalent training locally
• Need or prefer to remain in their home country during study
• Have strong potential to contribute to sustainable development in their country

Study Mode

• Distance learning (online)
• Offered by selected UK universities

Award Duration

• Up to six years (due to modular course structures)

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country
  OR be a British Protected Person
• Be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country
• Hold by September 2026 a first degree of at least Upper Second Class (2:1) standard
  (Lower qualification plus relevant experience may be considered in some cases)
• Demonstrate an inability to afford the programme without the scholarship
• Submit all required documentation in the correct format

YOU CAN ALSO APPLY FOR:
Swedish Institute Scholarships 2026-2027 for Global Professionals (Fully Funded Master’s Studies in Sweden)

Eligible Countries

Only applicants from the following countries may apply:

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.

Scholarship Benefits

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Study grants (where required)

Recipients may not hold another scholarship that covers the same costs concurrently.

Why Apply?

This scholarship offers:

• A fully funded UK Master’s degree
• Flexibility to study while remaining in your home country
• Access to high-quality UK education
• Opportunity to develop leadership and technical expertise
• A platform to contribute to national development

It is ideal for professionals who want to upskill without relocating.

How to Apply

• Scholarships are for study beginning September/October 2026
• Applications must be submitted through the CSC’s online application system (CSC Central)
• The CSC does not accept applications submitted outside the online portal

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships is 16:00 BST on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

Apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships