The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship offers international students the opportunity to complete a part-time taught Master’s degree with universities in the United Kingdom while remaining in their home countries. This programme supports talented individuals from developing Commonwealth nations and equip them with the knowledge, leadership capacity, and innovation skills.
Scholarship Overview
| Host | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission |
| Institution | UK Universities |
| Study Location | Study in UK |
| Eligible Countries | Commonwealth Countries |
| Scholarship Category | Postgraduate Scholarships, Masters Scholarships |
| Reward | Full Scholarship, £18,000 per year, Travel & Visa Costs |
| Application Start Date | 18th February, 2026 |
| Application Closing Date | 31st March, 2026 |
| Application Portal Link | https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-distance-learning-scholarships-candidates/ |
This scholarship is specifically designed to identify talented individuals with clear potential for impact and to support them academically and professionally so they can become innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders after graduation.
These scholarships are offered under six themes including science and technology for development; strengthening health systems and capacity; promoting global prosperity; strengthening global peace, security and governance; strengthening resilience and response to crises; and access, inclusion and opportunity
Benefits of Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2026
The funding cap is £18,000 per scholarship for this programme. Participating universities may contribute funding from an approved source if the full cost of the award is more than £18,000. Plus, the scholarship must cover all elements of the award, including:
- Course tuition fees
- Grant to contribute to study-related costs
- Partnership development costs
- Any UK residential programme(s)
In the case of a university intending to run a UK residential programme as part of the course, the institution is expected to provide at least the following level of support:
- Return travel from the Scholar’s home country to the UK location
- Cost of UK visa
- Maintenance stipend of £1,133 per month (£1,390 for Scholars in London), to be paid for the full duration of the UK residential.
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Requirements for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship
Eligibility is limited to citizens or refugees from developing Commonwealth nations who live permanently in their home countries. The full required qualifications are as follows:
- Citizenship or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person
- You must reside in a developing Commonwealth country
- A minimum of first degree of at least upper second class (2:1)
- Inability to afford to study the programme without this scholarship
Required Documents for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship
- Documentation of all undergraduate and postgraduate university qualifications obtained
- Documentation of up to 10 publications and prizes
- Provision of details of their employment history and explain how each job is relevant to the programme to be undertaken
- Provision of a statement on the relevance of their previous work experience to the proposed Scholarship
- List names and positions of two referees who are qualified to comment on both the candidate’s capacity to benefit from the proposed Scholarship in the UK and their ability to deliver development impact afterwards. One referee must be a current employer (if applicable)
- Provision of a Development Impact statement in 4 parts.
Furthermore, you must upload the following documents with the application:
- Proof that the applicant is a citizen or has refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country: a copy of a valid passport (or national ID card) showing a photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship
- Full transcripts detailing all higher education qualifications, including to-date transcripts for any courses currently being studied, with certified translations if not in English
- References from at least two individuals, on institutional letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2026
Applying involves two connected processes. First, the candidate must secure admission to an approved distance-learning Master’s course at a participating UK university.
At the same time, the applicant submits a scholarship application through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission online system, ensuring that all supporting documents are uploaded before the deadline of 31 March 2026 at 16:00 GMT.
Applicants may apply to more than one course or university, but only one scholarship offer can ultimately be accepted. It is also important to remember that this funding is strictly for Master’s-level study and does not cover undergraduate or doctoral programmes.