Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships at UK Universities for Developing Countries 2018/2019

Application Deadline: 20th June 2018 by 23.59 (BST)

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible 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

To be taken at: UK Universities

About the Award: Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships provide the opportunity for individuals to study for a UK Master’s degree while living and working in their home country. The scheme was established in 2002, as a direct response to the measures taken by its funder, the UK Department for International Development (DFID), to explore new methods of delivery as part of the drive for poverty reduction. To date, nearly 1,000 Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships have been awarded.

Offered Since: 2002

Type: Masters

Eligibility: To apply for these scholarships, you must:

• Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, 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. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination, and encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates.

Selection Criteria: 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 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, in addition to any other application that you are required to complete by your chosen university.
• You can apply for more than one course and/or to more than one university, but you may only accept one offer of a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship.
• The CSC will not accept any applications that are not submitted via the CSC’s application system to your UK university, or any applications directly from individuals; such applications will not be acknowledged.
• The EAS will open for applications on 4 April 2018.

Visit the Scholarship Webpage for Details

Scholarship Provider: UK Department for International Development (DFID)