Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are offered to citizens from low middle income Commonwealth countries. Moreover, these scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), with the aim of contributing to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, as well as sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth. In addition, it has a 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, as well as who have the potential to enhance the development of their home countries with the knowledge and leadership skills they acquire.

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
• Permanently resident in a low middle income Commonwealth country
• Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard. Also,  A lower qualification and sufficient relevant experience may be considered in certain cases; as well as
• Unable to afford to study the programme without this scholarship

Selection Criteria

Selection criteria include:

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

Application Documents

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

• Copy of valid passport or national ID card showing 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.
• Also, An offer letter to start chosen course of study in the 2019-2020 academic year – uploaded to the online application system
• Full transcripts detailing all higher education qualifications (with certified translations if not in English) – uploaded to the online application system.