If you’re looking to pursue a Master’s degree from a world-class UK university without leaving your home country and worrying about tuition fees, then the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025 might be the perfect opportunity for you. This fully funded scholarship, supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), offers students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries a golden chance to earn a UK-accredited postgraduate qualification while staying in their home country.

From public health to data science, education, and sustainability, these scholarships cover a broad range of academic fields — and they’re tailor-made for individuals like you who strive for change and a better tomorrow. Let’s dive into all the details and help you understand why this could be a life-changing step in your academic and professional journey.

About the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission (CSC)

The Commonwealth Scholarships Commission (CSC) is the UK government body responsible for managing scholarships aimed at students across the Commonwealth. The CSC is committed to sustainable development, global partnerships, and bringing talented individuals like you into the global academic space — all while aligning with the UK’s development priorities.

Through this distance learning program, you won’t have to move abroad. Instead, you’ll be able to study part-time at a UK university remotely, helping you gain advanced knowledge and skills that can create ian mpact in your local community.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025

Key Detail	Information
Scholarship Name	Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships 2025
Offering organization	UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Administered By	Commonwealth Scholarships Commission (CSC), UK
Scholarship Type	Fully Funded Distance Learning
Eligible Degrees	Master’s (part-time, online)
Eligible Countries	Low and middle-income Commonwealth countries
Commonwealth distance learning scholarships 2025 Deadline	20 May 2025 (16:00 GMT)

Scholarship Benefits

This fully funded Distance Learning Scholarship 2025 offers you several benefits:

• Your entire tuition fee will be covered, so you don’t need to worry about the financial burden of paying for your Master’s course.
• You may receive additional study-related grants from the university where you’re enrolled, depending on the course and institution.
• You get access to high-quality UK education without relocating — all from the comfort of your home.
• You’ll build global connections and collaborate with peers, experts, and faculty from internationally ranked UK institutions.
• You’ll enhance your leadership, academic, and professional profile, making you more competitive in your field.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for these fully funded UK online Master’s scholarships, make sure you meet the following conditions:

• You must be a citizen of or have refugee status in one of the eligible Commonwealth countries
• You need to be permanently residing in a developing Commonwealth country — so this scholarship is for you only if you’re based in your home country.
• You must have at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree (upper second-class). If your degree doesn’t meet this standard, having sufficient relevant work experience might still qualify you.
• You must be unable to afford studying this program without a scholarship, so your financial need is a key part of the application.
• Note that you need to meet the admission criteria of your selected UK university and the CSC scholarship criteria.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025 eligible courses include many, and you can find them on the official website. 

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

To apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2025-2026, requirements include: 

• Start by browsing the list of universities to find a Master’s program that matches your interests.
• Once you choose your course(s), apply to the university for admission according to their specific requirements. Each university might have slightly different steps, so make sure to follow their instructions.
• Simultaneously, create an account and submit your application through the CSC Online Application System.
• Prepare all required documentation and make sure it’s uploaded before the deadline. For Commonwealth distance learning scholarships 2025, last date to apply is Tuesday, 20 May 2025 (16:00 GMT)

Required Documents

Be sure to gather the following items before submitting your application:

• A scanned copy of your valid passport or national ID card, showing your photo, date of birth, and citizenship.
• Official transcripts for all your university-level education. Make sure they are up to date and translated if not in English.
• Two reference letters on official letterhead or from institutional emails clearly identifying the referees. These must be uploaded in PDF format.
• Supporting documents must be submitted through the online application system only — no exceptions, and nothing accepted after the deadline.

Available Master’s Programs (Selected List)

You can apply to more than one course or university. Below are some attractive options:

• University of Edinburgh: Offers MSc Digital Education, MSc Data Science for Health, MPH Public Health
• University of Manchester: Offering subjects like MA Educational Leadership, MSc Management and Information Systems
• University of Leeds – MSc Disability Studies
• Cranfield University – MSc Sustainability
• Open University – MSc Environmental Management, MA Online Teaching
• University of London – MA Human Rights, MA Refugee Protection
• University of St Andrews – MSc Sustainable Aquaculture, MSc Data Literacy for Social and Environmental Justice
• And many more across fields like healthcare, education, forestry, ageing policy, and global development.

Comparison to Other Scholarships

Feature	Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships	Chevening Scholarships	Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
Mode of Study	Online (Distance Learning)	In-person (UK)	In-person (Multiple Countries)
Eligibility	Only Commonwealth countries	Global	Global
Degree Level	Master’s	Master’s	Master’s
Tuition Covered	Yes	Yes	Yes
Living Cost Covered	No	Yes	Yes
Need to Relocate?	No	Yes	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply to more than one course or more than 1 university?
Yes, you can apply to multiple universities and courses, but you can accept only one scholarship offer.

Do I need to take IELTS?
No, the CSC doesn’t require IELTS, but individual universities might.

Can I pursue a PhD with this scholarship?
No, this scholarship only supports Master’s level studies, not undergraduate or doctoral programs.

When will I know if I’ve been selected?
Universities will nominate candidates by June 2025, and final decisions will be shared with applicants by August 2025.

Ready to take your academic and professional journey to the next level — without leaving home? Don’t wait! Start preparing your application for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships 2025 today. APPLY NOW before the deadline on 20 May 2025.

Subscribe & Explore More Opportunities

If this scholarship isn’t the perfect fit for you, don’t worry — there are dozens of other fully funded options for passionate students like you. We post the latest scholarships, fellowships and internships every week to help students access world-class education without the burden of financial constraints.