Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are offered for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. These scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), with the aim of contributing to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth.
Purpose: To contribute to development needs of Commonwealth countries by providing training for skilled and qualified professionals in key development areas.
Intended beneficiaries: High-quality postgraduate students who wish to access training not available in their home countries, who wish or need to remain in their home country while they study, and who have the potential to enhance the development of their home countries with the knowledge and leadership skills they acquire.
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships support distance learning Master’s degree courses offered in partnership with local providers in developing countries, as well as courses delivered directly by UK universities.
Eligibility
To apply for these scholarships, you must:
- Be a citizen of a developing Commonwealth country, refugee, or British protected person
- Be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard. A lower qualification and sufficient relevant experience may be considered in certain cases
The CSC promotes equal opportunity, gender equity, and cultural exchange. Applications are encouraged from a diverse range of candidates. The CSC is committed to administering and managing its scholarships and fellowships in a fair and transparent manner.
Selection process
Each participating UK university will conduct its own recruitment process to select a specified number of candidates for Distance Learning Scholarships. Universities must put forward their selected candidates to the CSC by 9 June 2017. The CSC will then confirm that these candidates meet the eligibility criteria for this scheme. Universities will inform candidates of their results by August 2017.
Selection criteria include:
- Academic merit of the candidate
- Potential impact of the work on the development of the candidate’s home country
How to apply
You should apply to study an eligible Master’s course at a UK university that is participating in the Distance Learning Scholarship scheme.
Before applying, you must check with your UK university for their specific advice, admission requirements, and rules for applying. Most universities may require you to complete their own admissions application form as well, which may have a separate closing date. You must take the necessary steps to secure admission to your chosen course(s) at your preferred university/universities before applying for a Distance Learning Scholarship.
You can apply for more than one course and/or to more than one university, but you may only accept one offer of a Distance Learning Scholarship. The CSC will not accept any applications that are not submitted via the EAS to your UK university, or any applications directly from individuals.
All applications must be submitted by 23:59 (BST) on 12 May 2017.
