Deadline: May 12, 2017
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are offered for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries as a way of contributing to development needs of these countries by providing training for skilled and qualified professionals in key development areas. 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. The 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.
The purpose of the scholarship is to contribute to development needs of Commonwealth countries by providing training for skilled and qualified professionals in key development areas. The intended beneficiaries are 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.
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.
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
Application Process
- You should apply to study an eligible Master’s course at a UK university that is participating in the Distance Learning Scholarship scheme. Click here for a list of participating universities and eligible courses;
- You must make your application using the CSC’s Electronic Application System (EAS). Click here for full information on how to use the EAS, including detailed guides.
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.
For more information, visit the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship.
