Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2025/26 – a fully funded opportunity offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK. This prestigious award allows students from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue a part-time Master’s degree online from top UK universities, all while remaining in their home countries.
The goal is to make quality UK education more accessible and affordable for students who may not otherwise be able to travel abroad. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and may also include additional study-related support if needed. No IELTS is required, but applicants must first gain admission to an approved course and institution.
Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Mode of Study: Online (Distance Learning)
- Degree Level: Master’s
- Duration: One year
- Deadline: 20th May 2025
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Financial Coverage
The scholarship includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Access to study materials
- No travel required
- IELTS not mandatory
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Participating Universities
- The Open University
- University of London (School of Advanced Study)
- University of Leeds
- University of Manchester
- University of Southampton
Eligible Programs
- MSc Water Management for Development
- MA Online Teaching
- MA Human Rights
- MSc Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion
- MA Educational Leadership in Practice
- MSc Gerontology
- MSc Global Ageing and Policy
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must:
- Be a citizen, refugee, or British Protected Person from an eligible Commonwealth country
- Be permanently residing in a developing Commonwealth nation
- Hold a first degree (normally upper second class or above; lower qualifications may be accepted with relevant experience)
- Demonstrate financial need—unable to fund the program without assistance
- Be available to begin studies in September/October 2025
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
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How to Apply
The application involves two steps:
- Apply for admission to an eligible Master’s program at one of the participating UK universities.
- Submit a separate application for the scholarship through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online application portal.
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