Applications are welcome for five fully-funded Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries to study the University’s Masters in Online and Distance Education (MAODE).
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships at The Open University (UK) offer full funding for postgraduate Master’s degrees, including the MSc in Global Development, for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. These awards cover tuition fees for online, part-time study, allowing professionals to study while working from their home country.
The Scholarship is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and are intended to contribute to the development needs of Commonwealth countries by providing training for skilled and qualified professionals in key development areas.
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are for three years part-time distance learning, commencing in September 2026, and will cover the full cost of tuition fees but no other expenses.
Before you apply, please read the eligibility requirements and other very important information in the sections appearing further below.
Key Details for 2026-2027 Cycle
Application Deadline: Expected March 31, 2026.
Study Start: September/October 2026.
Funding: Full tuition fees.
Eligibility: Citizens/residents of eligible Commonwealth countries, typically holding an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree.
Scholarship Type: Masters degree
Eligible Countries: Low and middle income Countries
Host Country: United Kingdom
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.
Are You Eligible For Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships?
To be eligible for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship to study the Masters in Online and Distance Education you must:
- Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by one of the eligible developing Commonwealth countries listed above, or be a British protected person
- Be permanently and continually resident in one of the eligible developing Commonwealth countries listed above
- 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.
How Can You Apply?
- Visit the Masters in Online and Distance Learning website, and the web pages for the modules listed above, to find out more about the programme.
- Read the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships Information for Candidates. If you have any questions please contact MAODE-COURSES@open.ac.uk in the first instance giving the subject 2026 Commonwealth Scholarships query.
- Complete the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship application form by 23:59 (BST) on March 31st and submit it online.
Visit The Official Website For More Information
Application Deadline:
The application deadline for this scholarship is March 31st 2026.
For more Scholarships, go to campustimesng.com/category/scholarship/
