The Commonwealth Distance Learning Masters Scholarships is your perfect opportunity if you want to earn a UK Master’s degree without leaving your home country. This scholarship program allows talented individuals from developing Commonwealth countries to pursue master ’s-level study online with top UK universities—completely tuition-free.
What is the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship?
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are part of the UK government’s effort to support sustainable development through education. These scholarships are awarded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), under the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).
The aim is to support promising students who cannot afford to study in the UK but want to improve their knowledge and skills in areas that contribute to the development of their home countries.
What does the scholarship cover?
If you’re selected for this scholarship, it will cover:
- Full tuition fees for your Master’s program
- Additional study grants where necessary.
Note: You can’t combine this award with other scholarships that cover the same costs.
Who can apply?
To be eligible for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships, you must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country, a British Protected Person, or hold refugee status in a Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently living in a developing Commonwealth country.
- Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree. In some cases, applicants with a lower degree but strong relevant experience might also be considered.
- Show that you cannot afford to study your chosen program without this scholarship.
What are the selection criteria?
Applicants are selected based on:
- Academic performance
- Potential development impact of your work and studies on your home country.
The aim is to support students who will use their education to make a difference in their communities and help solve real-world problems.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted on time. The scholarship is for programs starting in September or October.
When applying, you must:
- List all degrees you have completed at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Provide a list of up to 10 awards, publications, or prizes you have received.
- Share your work experience and explain how each job relates to the course you plan to study.
- Write a statement showing how your previous experience connects with the scholarship.
- Submit the names and contact details of two referees who can comment on your academic abilities and your potential to contribute to your country’s development. (One referee should ideally be your current employer.)
- Write a Development Impact Statement explaining how the scholarship will help you create positive change in your home country.
This scholarship is a unique chance to gain a Master’s degree from a UK university without the need to travel.
If you’re passionate about contributing to your country’s development and need financial support to achieve your educational goals, this scholarship could change your life.
Where to apply?
If you are interested, you should apply through the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission’s official website.
For more information, go to the official Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships page.