The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are one of three Master’s programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission. These scholarships are aimed at students from developing Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree through distance learning at a UK university.
The deadline for application is March 28, 2023.
Benefits of Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships cover tuition fees and study grants where required. These scholarships also provide opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration, allowing individuals to become leaders and innovators in their home countries. By attracting individuals with outstanding talent and identifiable potential, the scholarships aim to combine sustainable development with the UK national interest.
Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
To be eligible for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships, candidates must be citizens of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, permanently reside in a developing Commonwealth country, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard, and be unable to afford to study the programme without this scholarship.
Selection Process for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
The selection process for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships is conducted by participating UK universities, which select a specified number of candidates based on their academic merit and potential impact of their work on the development of their home country. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) will then confirm the eligibility of these candidates, and universities will inform them of their results in July 2023.
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How to Apply for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
To apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships, candidates must first apply and secure admission to study an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university. They must then apply for a scholarship via the CSC’s online application system.
The application form requires candidates to list their qualifications, publications, employment history, and referees who can comment on their capacity to benefit from the proposed Scholarship in the UK and their ability to deliver development impact afterwards.
Candidates must also provide a Development Impact statement in four parts, explaining the relevance of their previous work experience to the proposed Scholarship, their future career plans, how they plan to use the knowledge and skills acquired to contribute to their home country’s development, and how they will maintain contact with their home country.
