Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2019/2020

Applications are open for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2019/2020. 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:

1. Science and technology for development
2. Strengthening health systems and capacity
3. Promoting global prosperity
4. Strengthening global peace, security and governance
5. Strengthening resilience and response to crises
6. 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.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 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.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships Selection Criteria

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  29th April 2019. The CSC will then confirm that these candidates meet the eligibility criteria for this scheme. Universities will inform candidates of their results by July 2019.

Selection criteria include:

• Academic merit of the candidate
• Potential impact of the work on the development of the candidate’s home country

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 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

How to Apply for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships

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 2019-2020 academic year. You must also provide the details of at least one referee in your application.

Your application must include the following supporting documentation by 12:00 PBST) on 5 April 2019 in order for your application to be eligible for consideration:

• Copy of your valid passport or national ID card showing your photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship – uploaded to the online application system
• At least one reference – submitted directly by the referee to the online application system. Referees will be sent an email request however applicants are responsible for seeking permission from their referees in advance of submitting their application; for ensuring that their referees are available to complete the reference by the deadline; and that the referees have received the reference request email.
• An offer letter to start your chosen course of study in the 2019-2020 academic year – uploaded to the online application system
• Full transcripts detailing all your higher education qualifications (with certified translations if not in English) – uploaded to the online application system

The CSC will not accept supporting documentation submitted outside the online application system.

Supporting documentation uploaded to the online application system must be uploaded as files that are no more than 5 MB in size and must be in one of the following formats: PDF, .doc, .docx, .odt, .jpg, .jpeg. Files submitted in any other format (including Zip files and PDF Portfolios) will NOT be accepted.

Candidates who have met the above criteria should CLICK HERE to apply

Application Deadline: 22nd March 2019 by 12.00 PM (BST)

For more information, visit the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships.