by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) · Various UK Universities (e.g., University of Edinburgh, Oxford Brookes, Open University, etc.)
For students aiming to study in United Kingdom, Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship from Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC). The award covers The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for a Master's degree at a UK university, allowing students to study from their home country without incurring travel or relocation costs. and is open to master's (taught) students studying programs aligned with six csc development themes: science and technology, health systems, global prosperity, peace/security/governance, resilience/crises, access/inclusion/opportunity.. The scholarship runs for up to 3 years (part-time). Eligibility is generally based on open to talented individuals from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue a Master's degree while remaining in their home country. The application deadline is Usually March (Annual cycle), with an acceptance rate of approximately Estimated < 5%. EduAtlasHub tracks updated deadlines, coverage details and eligibility requirements for this scholarship as they change.
✨ Should I Apply for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
8%
Win Probability
7/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
30-45 hrs
Time Required
Low
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Full cost of tuition fees
⏳
Duration
Up to 3 years (Part-time)
📅
Deadline
Usually March (Annual cycle)
🔬
Fields
Programs aligned with six CSC development themes: Science and technology, Health systems, Global prosperity, Peace/security/governance, Resilience/crises, Access/inclusion/opportunity.
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 200-300 awards per year
🌏
Study Country
United Kingdom
🏛️
Provider
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC)
📊
Acceptance
Estimated < 5%
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are for candidates from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to undertake part-time taught Master's study with UK universities while remaining in their home countries. Funded by the UK FCDO, the scheme aims to contribute to UK international development aims and wider overseas interests.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to talented individuals from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue a Master's degree while remaining in their home country.
🏛️ Host University
Various UK Universities (e.g., University of Edinburgh, Oxford Brookes, Open University, etc.)
🤝 Sponsor
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
🔬 Fields of Study
Programs aligned with six CSC development themes: Science and technology, Health systems, Global prosperity, Peace/security/governance, Resilience/crises, Access/inclusion/opportunity.
✨ Key Benefits
The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for a Master's degree at a UK university, allowing students to study from their home country without incurring travel or relocation costs.
🎯 Target Students
International students from eligible Commonwealth countries
Access to UK university digital libraries, course materials, and a global network of Commonwealth scholars.
🔄 Renewable
No
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Citizen/permanent resident of eligible Commonwealth countries; hold a 2:1 undergraduate degree; unable to afford the course without funding.
🎓 Academic Level
Master's (Taught)
📊 Minimum GPA
Upper Second Class (2:1) Honors or equivalent
🗣️ English Requirement
Must meet host university requirements (typically IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)
💼 Work Experience
Not mandatory, but relevant professional experience in development is highly valued.
🏆 Leadership
Potential for leadership and impact in the home country is a key selection factor.
💰 Financial Need
High (Applicants must state why they cannot afford the fees themselves)
🎯 Target Students
International students from eligible Commonwealth countries
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Personal statement and development impact essays)
Rec Letters
Yes (Two professional or academic references)
Interview
Depends on the host university's admission process
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Two professional or academic references) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Must meet host university requirements (typically IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)
Interview: Depends on the host university's admission process
Min GPA: Upper Second Class (2:1) Honors or equivalent
📋 Application Process
Clearly link your chosen course to one of the six CSC development themes and demonstrate how the degree will benefit your home country after graduation.
💡 Insider Tip: You must apply to a participating UK university for a course place AND to the CSC for the scholarship separately.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Usually January or February
⏰ Deadline
Usually March (Annual cycle)
🎤 Interview
Depends on the host university's admission process
🎓 Study Starts
September/October
Usually January or February
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Usually March (Annual cycle)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Depends on the host university's admission process
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
September/October
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic merit, quality of the study plan, and potential impact on the development of the candidate's home country.
Open to talented individuals from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue a Master's degree while remaining in their home country.
This scholarship covers: The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for a Master's degree at a UK university, allowing students to study from their home country without incurring travel or relocation costs.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Usually March (Annual cycle). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low. Acceptance rate: Estimated < 5%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Must meet host university requirements (typically IELTS 6.5 or equivalent), Yes (Two professional or academic references) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.