The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2026-27 in the UK is an outstanding opportunity for high-quality postgraduate students seeking professional development training in their key areas. These fully-funded scholarships target those individuals who have the potential to develop practical skills but are unable to access training in their native countries. This Commonwealth scholarship helps students enrich their professional competencies during their study tenure and equip themselves with the latest competing skills while staying in their home country.
The Commonwealth scholarships for international students are designed for talented and vibrant students to attain the skills required to meet the standards of sustainable development. The Commonwealth Scholarships 2024 aims to identify individuals who cannot think of studying in the UK due to financial and other reasons. Considering the ongoing pandemic, these scholarships have brought forward a light of hope. The students get to work under the supervision of world-class mentors from top-ranked universities. worldwide through a diversified community.
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships are being offered under the six themes. Science and technology for development ensure bringing developments in the economically torn regions. Strengthening health systems and capacity helps meet the health standards specified in the sustainable developmental goals. Promoting global prosperity helps nations by providing ways to curtail the obstacles coming to their development. Strengthening global peace, security, and governance contributes to firming the foundations of the countries.
The Commonwealth master’s scholarship program is aimed at investing in the development of future qualifiers. These scholarships are sponsored by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which intends to influence the UK’s development goals and widen overseas interests. The purpose of the commission is to support excellence in the higher education of the UK and comply with the Commonwealth’s principles. Further, the Commonwealth uses robust procedures to promote equity, discipline, inclusion, and diversity among its associates based on merit-based approaches.
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2026-27
Host Country:
- United Kingdom
Host Universities:
- UK Universities
Funded By:
- The UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Degree Level:
- Master’s Degree Program
Benefits of Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2024:
- Full tuition fees are covered.
- Study grants are provided where required.
Eligibility Criteria of Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships:
- 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 a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) standard by September 2026 (a lower qualification may be considered with relevant experience).
- Be unable to afford to study the programme without the scholarship.
- Provide three referees (one must be a current employer if applicable).
- Apply for and secure admission to an approved master’s course at a participating UK university.
Check Australia Awards Scholarships 2026-27 | Fully Funded
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
How to Apply for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships:
The application process has two main parts. You must apply to the university and to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). Both steps are required.
Step 1: Choose an Approved Course and Apply to a UK University
- First, select a master’s course that is approved under the Commonwealth Distance Learning programme. Only specific courses at participating UK universities are eligible.
- Apply directly to the university and make sure you meet their admission requirements. Each university may have its own deadline and English language rules.
- You must secure admission to an approved course in addition to applying for the scholarship.
Step 2: Apply Through the CSC Online System
- All scholarship applications must be submitted through the CSC’s online portal called CSC Central. The CSC does not accept applications by email or post.
- You will need to register in the system. During registration, the system uses two-factor authentication (2FA), so you must have access to either a smartphone or a second email account.
- After entering your details, you will receive an email with your Application Reference Number and passcode. Keep this email safe because you will need it every time you log in.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
In the application form, you will be asked to provide:
- Details of your undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications
- Information about your employment history
- Names and details of three referees (one must be your current employer, if applicable)
- A detailed Development Impact statement
- Your study plan and career plans
- A personal statement
- Information about leadership and voluntary activities
It is strongly recommended to prepare your answers separately before entering them into the system. Use the save button regularly. Refreshing the browser may cause loss of unsaved data.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
- Upload all required supporting documents in the correct format as instructed in the system. Make sure everything is complete before submitting.
- Applications cannot be edited after submission.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
- Submit your application before 16:00 BST on 31 March 2026.
- It is advised to apply early because the system may become very busy near the deadline.
- After submission, you can log back into the system to view your submitted application.
Documents Required for the Commonwealth Scholarship 2026-27:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Details of three referees (one must be a current employer, if applicable)
- Supporting documents in the format required by the CSC
- Admission to an approved master’s course at a participating UK university
Commonwealth Scholarship Deadline:
- The application deadline for the scholarship is 31 March 2026.
