Eligibility
To be eligible for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship, candidates should:
- be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person
- be permanently resident an eligible Commonwealth country as listed in the Eligibility Summary
- 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 the programme 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. For further information on the support available to candidates with a disability, see the CSC disability support statement.
The CSC is committed to administering and managing its scholarships and fellowships in a fair and transparent manner. For further information, see the CSC anti-fraud policy and the FCDO guidance on reporting fraud.
The CSC is committed proactively to safeguard and promote the welfare of our beneficiaries, and to protect its staff, Commissioners, beneficiaries and all those with whom the CSC comes into contact. The CSC requires staff, members of the Commission, applicants for and recipients of CSC awards and suppliers to act consistently with its requirements for safeguarding. Applicants should note the CSC’s Safeguarding Policy which sets out the obligation for staff, members of the Commission, applicants for and recipients of CSC awards and suppliers to act consistently with its requirements for safeguarding.
Any safeguarding concerns should be reported to the Commission at: csc.safeguarding@cscuk.org.uk
Project Details
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are offered to candidates from least developed, low and lower middle-income Commonwealth countries, for part-time Master's study by distance learning. These scholarships are funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), with the aim of contributing to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth.
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 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.
Development themes and impact
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.
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
Find out more about the CSC Development themes.
Further Information
For further information on the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships, please visit the CSC website.
Contact us
If you have any queries about applying for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship, you can contact the CSC.
How to apply
Candidates are required to hold an offer of study, with entry September 2022, to one of the eligible part time MSc programmes via distance learning at the University of Strathclyde. To make a submission, apply online here.
Candidates must complete all sections of the online application form, and upload copies of the following documentation:
- full academic transcripts and degree/graduation certificates for all academic qualifications. Please note that consolidated transcripts are not acceptable
- evidence of suitable English language proficiency. Recognised tests accepted for entry can be found on our English Language Requirements
- a full CV, detailing employment history to date, organisations worked for, job titles and a brief description on roles, responsibilities and professional skills/attributes
- name, contact information and email addresses for two nominated referees. These must be recent academic and/or employment contact who are able to comment on your skills, expertise and capabilities
- any other supporting information or materials
Completed submissions are reviewed by the admissions selection panel, with outcomes confirmed within two working weeks.
Candidates must also submit a formal application to the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships Scheme. Apply online at CSC.
To read how we process personal data, applicants can review our 'Privacy Notice for Student Applicants and Potential Applicants' on our Privacy notices' web page.