Apply now for the Fully-funded Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year

Ednah Carrick February 22, 2026

1 1,090 3 minutes read

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

Apply now for the Fully-funded Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year

Overview

The Commonwealth Distance Learning programme is one of three Master’s programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission.

The Commonwealth Scholarships Commission in the UK provides the UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. It operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship plan (CSFP) and offers a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth.

By attracting individuals with outstanding talent and identifiable potential from all backgrounds and supporting them to become leaders and innovators in their home countries, the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission (CSC)’s work combines sustainable development with the UK national interest and provides opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration.

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 from least developed and middle-income countries (including fragile and conflict affected states) 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.

Award duration: Up to six years. The scholarships are funded on an ongoing basis, due to the modular nature of the courses.

Application process: UK universities bid for scholarships for specific courses. Applications are made via successful universities, which make the initial selection of candidates, who are subsequently approved by the CSC.

How to apply

Applications for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year are now open. The scholarships are for study beginning in September/October 2026.

Applications to the CSC must be made using the CSC’s online application system application system, CSC Central. The CSC is unable to accept any applications or documentation not submitted via the online application system.

Candidates are advised to complete and submit applications as early as possible, as the online application system will be very busy in the days leading up to the application deadline. Candidates wishing to save a copy of their applications can either print the summary page when submitting or access the system again after submitting using the ‘view a submitted application’ section.

It is recommended to prepare answers outside of the system and then add them to the form once they have been finalised.

A template application form including all questions is available here and technical guidance is here.

The form uses a two-factor authentication (2FA) system and will require access to either a smartphone or a second email account when registering. The 2FA system must be passed each time a user logs in to access the form.

Candidates are asked to note:

The save function should be used to avoid loss of data.
Refreshing the browser window will cause candidates to exit the form and will result in any unsaved data being lost.
Applications may not be edited after submitting.

Users should use system back buttons rather than those on the browser. Note that clicking on the CSC logo will return users to the log in screen where they will need to pass 2FA again to access the system.

Candidates must apply and secure admission to study an approved master’s course at a participating UK university in addition to applying for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship via the CSC’s online application system.

View full list of approved courses and participating UK universities.

Candidates can apply for more than one course and to more than one university, however they may only accept one offer of a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship. The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are only for master’s courses and not for undergraduate or PhD study.

Please check with the chosen university for their specific advice on when to apply, admission requirements, and rules for applying.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship applications will be shared with UK universities, who will nominate their chosen candidates to receive a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship in June 2026. The CSC then checks that the candidates nominated meet the CSC’s eligibility criteria. Universities inform candidates if they have successfully been awarded a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship by August 2026.