Deadline: June 20, 2018
Applications are open for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2018. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are for candidates from least developed and lower middle income Commonwealth countries, for part-time Master’s study by distance learning on selected courses offered by UK universities.
Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are aimed at those unable to study in the UK for financial and other reasons.
The Scholarships are intended for 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.
These scholarships are offered under six themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting global prosperity
- Strengthening global peace, security and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
Scholarship Value
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships provide full tuition fees and all other compulsory costs of studying a UK Master’s course by distance learning. This includes the full cost of any residential components of a course.
Eligibility
To apply for these scholarships, you must:
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country (see below), or be a British Protected Person
- Be permanently resident in an eligible 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
- Be unable to afford to study your chosen course without this scholarship.
The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change. They are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination, and encourage applications 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 Criteria
Each participating UK university will conduct its own recruitment process to select a specified number of candidates to be awarded Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships. Universities must put forward their selected candidates to the CSC by 4 July 2018. Universities will inform candidates of their results in August 2018.
Selection criteria include:
- Academic merit of the candidate
- Potential impact of the work on the development of the candidate’s home country
Eligible Commonwealth countries
Bangladesh
Cameroon
The Gambia
Ghana
Guyana
India
Kenya
Kiribati
Lesotho
Malawi
Mozambique
Nigeria
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Rwanda
Samoa
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Sri Lanka
Swaziland
Tanzania
Tuvalu
Uganda
Vanuatu
Zambia
Application
You should apply to study one of the taught Master’s courses offered under the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship scheme. These scholarships support courses offered in partnership with local providers in developing countries, as well as courses delivered directly by UK universities. View a full list of eligible courses
All applications must be made through your chosen university. You must check with your chosen university for their specific advice, admission requirements, and rules for applying. You must take the necessary steps to secure admission to your course at the same time as applying for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship. When you submit your application, you must hold an offer to start your chosen course in the 2018-2019 academic year. You must also provide the details of at least one referee in your application.
You must make your application using the CSC’s application system.
For more information, visit Commonwealth Distance Learning.
