Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2026, a premier fully funded online Master’s degree scholarship in the UK for citizens of eligible developing Commonwealth countries. Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), this UK Master’s scholarship for international students covers 100% tuition fees and provides a comprehensive stipend to support your distance learning journey.
If you’re searching for online Master’s scholarships in the UK, the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to earn a UK Master’s degree online while advancing your career in international development. Applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds are eligible, reflecting DFID’s commitment to global education equity and the Commonwealth’s development goals.
This scholarship not only fosters academic excellence but also strengthens the principles of the Commonwealth by enabling talented professionals to gain UK higher education credentials without relocating. All expenses, including tuition fees, are fully covered, making this one of the most attractive distance learning scholarships for developing country students.
For detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines, please read on below.
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2026
- Country: United Kingdom
- Degree: Master’s Degree
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 20 May 2025
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Commonwealth Scholarship Criteria
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships are awarded to citizens of developing Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue a Master’s degree through distance learning at a university in the United Kingdom.
The criteria for selection are as follows:
Eligibility: The applicant must be a citizen of a developing Commonwealth country and must hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) standard.
The course of study: The applicant must have applied for and been offered a place on a course of study at a university in the United Kingdom that is participating in the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship scheme.
Work experience: The applicant must have at least two years of full-time (or equivalent) work experience relevant to the course for which they are applying.
Financial need: The applicant must demonstrate that they are unable to afford to study in the United Kingdom without a scholarship.
Academic merit: The applicant must demonstrate that they have the academic ability to complete the course of study.
Potential impact: The applicant must demonstrate how their proposed course of study will contribute to the development of their home country and how they plan to apply the skills and knowledge gained from the course.
Required Documents
The required documents for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships typically include:
Completed application form: Applicants must complete the online application form, providing all the necessary information and supporting documents.
Proof of citizenship: Applicants must provide a copy of their passport or national identity card to prove that they are citizens of a Commonwealth country.
Academic transcripts and degree certificates: Applicants must provide copies of their academic transcripts and degree certificates to demonstrate that they have the necessary academic qualifications for the course they are applying for.
Proof of work experience: Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, such as a letter from their employer, to demonstrate that they have at least two years of relevant work experience.
English language proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate that they have a good command of the English language, which is the language of instruction for most distance learning courses in the United Kingdom. This may be demonstrated through a test such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
Reference letters: Applicants must provide two reference letters, one academic and one professional, to attest to their academic and professional abilities and potential.
Personal statement: Applicants must provide a personal statement explaining why they are applying for the scholarship, how the course will benefit them and their home country, and how they plan to apply the skills and knowledge gained from the course.
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List of Academic Fields & Majors
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships are available for a wide range of academic fields and disciplines, depending on the specific scholarship being offered. Some common fields of study that may be covered by these scholarships include:
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
- Applied Sciences
- Architecture, Building, and Planning
- Business Studies and Management
- Computer Science and IT
- Education and Teacher Training
- Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Health and Medicine
- Humanities
- Law and Legal Studies
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Social Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure
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Available Study Fields
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are offered Under Six themes:
1) Science and Technology For Development
- MSc Tropical Forestry – Bangor University
- MSc Environmental Toxicology & Pollution Monitoring – Ulster University
- MSc Biodiversity Wildlife and Ecosystem Health – University of Edinburgh
- MSc Conservation Medicine – University of Edinburgh
- MSc Global Health and Infectious Disease – University of Edinburgh
- MSc International Animal Health – University of Edinburgh
- MSc International Animal Welfare, Ethics, and Law – University of Edinburgh
- MSc One Health – University of Edinburgh
- MSc BIM & Digital Built Environments – University of Salford
- Sustainable Aquaculture – University of St Andrews.
2) Strengthening health systems and capacity
- MSc in Palliative Medicine for Healthcare Professionals – Cardiff University
- MSc in Clinical Optometry – Cardiff University
- MSc Public Health Promotion – Leeds Beckett University
- MSc Global Health – London School of Tropical Medicine
- MSc Clinical Trials – London School of Tropical Medicine
- MSc Epidemiology – London School of Tropical Medicine
- MSc Infectious Diseases – London School of Tropical Medicine
- MSc Public Health – London School of Tropical Medicine
- MSc Burn Care – Queen Mary University of London
- MSc Cancer and Clinical Oncology – Queen Mary University of London
- MSc Cancer and Therapeutics – Queen Mary University of London
- MSc Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine – Queen Mary University of London
- MSc Endocrinology and Diabetes – Queen Mary University of London
- MSc Gastroenterology – Queen Mary University of London
- MSc Orthopaedic Trauma Science – Queen Mary University of London
- MSc Trauma Sciences – Queen Mary University of London
- Master of Public Health – The University of Manchester
- MSc Clinical Nutrition – University of Aberdeen
- Master of Public Health – University of Aberdeen
- MSc Infection Prevention and Control – University of Dundee
- MSc Clinical Education – University of Edinburgh
- MSc Global Challenges – University of Edinburgh
- MSc Paediatric Emergency Medicine – University of Edinburgh
- Master of Public Health – University of Edinburgh
- Master of Family Medicine – University of Edinburgh
- MSc Surgical Sciences – University of Edinburgh
- ChM (Masters of Surgery) in General Surgery – University of Edinburgh
- ChM (Masters of Surgery) in Trauma & Orthopaedics – University of Edinburgh
- ChM (Masters of Surgery) in Urology – University of Edinburgh
- ChM (Masters of Surgery) in Vascular & Endovascular Surgery – University of Edinburgh
- MSc in Dementia Studies – University of Stirling
- MSc Prosthetic & Orthotic Rehabilitation Studies – University of Strathclyde
- MSc Prosthetic Rehabilitation Studies – University of Strathclyde
- MSc Orthotic Rehabilitation Studies – University of Strathclyde
- MSc Rehabilitation Studies – University of Strathclyde.
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Promoting Global Prosperity
- MSc Responsible Tourism Management – Leeds Beckett University
Strengthening Global Peace, Security, and Governance
- MSc International Development (Conflict, Security, and Development) – University of Birmingham
- MSt in International Human Rights Law – University of Oxford
(Note: Only those who have been asked by the University of Oxford can apply for their course)
Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises
- MSc Environmental Management – Open University
- MSc in Risk, Crisis, and Disaster Management – University of Leicester
- MA in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies – University of London
- MSc Global Food Security – Food Safety – Queen’s University Belfast
Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity
- MSc Water Management for Development – Loughborough University
- MSc Water Engineering for Development – Loughborough University
- MSc International Development – University of Portsmouth
- MSc Gerontology – University of Southampton
- MSc Global Ageing and Policy – University of Southampton
- Masters of Public Administration (International Development) – University of York.
Financial coverage
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships provide financial support to cover the cost of tuition fees for the duration of the course, as well as other related expenses. The specific financial coverage provided may vary depending on the scholarship being offered but typically includes:
Tuition fees: The scholarship covers the cost of tuition fees for the duration of the course.
Study materials: The scholarship may provide funding for study materials such as textbooks, course materials, and software.
Travel expenses: The scholarship may provide funding for travel expenses related to attending any mandatory residential components of the course.
Living expenses: The scholarship may provide a living allowance to cover the cost of accommodation, food, and other living expenses.
Medical insurance: The scholarship may provide medical insurance coverage for the duration of the course.
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Eligible Region
Only Commonwealth countries can apply for this international distance learning scholarship. The Commonwealth Distance Scholarship 2026 is a free distance education scholarship for developing countries.
- Bangladesh
- Cameroon
- Eswatini
- The Gambia
- Ghana
- Guyana
- India
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Papua New Guinea
- Rwanda
- Sierra Leone
- Solomon Islands
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Zambia
How to apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship 2026
To apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships, applicants must follow these steps:
Research scholarships: Visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s website to find out which scholarships are currently available, their eligibility criteria, and their application deadlines.
Choose a course: Identify a course of study at a participating university in the United Kingdom that is eligible for the scholarship.
Check eligibility: Check that you meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarship, including the citizenship requirements, academic qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency.
Gather documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including academic transcripts and degree certificates, proof of work experience, proof of citizenship, English language proficiency certificate, reference letters, and personal statement.
Apply online: Complete the online application form and upload all the required documents and information. Be sure to carefully review your application before submitting it.
Apply: Submit your application before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Wait for results: Wait for the results of the scholarship selection process. Successful applicants will be notified by email or through the online application portal.
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It’s my wish to study with this university. I would like to teach learners with Special Education Needs.
I’m so much interested with the opportunity.