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.
Application Process
Candidates must apply directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) via their online application system. The Open University is known to host at least 5 of these fully funded positions specifically for their MSc in Global Development.
Required Documentation
Applicants need to provide:
- A scanned copy of their passport or national ID.
- Academic transcripts.
- Two academic/professional references.
- An admission letter from the university, if already obtained.
Key Considerations
The selection process heavily weighs the potential of the study to contribute to development impact in the applicant’s home country. The scholarships are designed for candidates who cannot otherwise afford to study in the UK.
Application Deadline:
The application deadline for this scholarship is March 31st 2026.
For more Scholarships, go to campustimesng.com/category/scholarship/
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can a Nigerian apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship?
To apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country. You will still be eligible if you are a refugee or British protected person.
How much is the Commonwealth distance learning scholarship?
The CSC has a funding cap of £18,000 per Scholarship. Universities may contribute funding from an approved source if the full cost of the award is more than £18,000. The Scholarship must cover all elements of the award, including: Course tuition fees.
What is the minimum CGPA for a Commonwealth Scholarship?
Competitive scholarships like Chevening or Commonwealth require a strong academic record, often equivalent to a UK Upper Second Class Honours degree, which usually means a CGPA of 3.5/5.0 or higher from a Nigerian university.
Which country has Commonwealth Scholarships?
The UK: Commonwealth Scholarships are managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK. As part of the UK’s ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth, each year, around 700 students are given the chance to undertake postgraduate degrees with UK universities.
Do I need IELTS for a Commonwealth Scholarship?
Do I require an IELTS certificate? It is not necessary to have IELTS or any other English language certificate to apply for a CSC scholarship. However, UK universities require candidates from some countries to demonstrate their proficiency in English language by taking the IELTS or another English language certificate.
Is there an interview for the Commonwealth scholarship?
Commonwealth Scholarship interview questions typically focus on academic excellence, leadership, career plans, and development impact. Candidates are expected to provide clear, evidence-based answers that show their potential to contribute meaningfully to their home country.
Can I stay in the UK after a Commonwealth Scholarship?
Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded for the completion of one course of study only. When you accept your scholarship, you commit to return to your home country after the end of your scholarship. You must leave the UK before the end of your visa (but not within the week before your visa expires).
Which test is required for a Commonwealth Scholarship?
Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT)
Applicants are required to obtain minimum 60% marks in Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) for consideration towards nomination.
Can I go to the UK without IELTS for study?
Applying to a UK university without IELTS is entirely feasible, provided you plan smartly, understand the alternatives, meet the other criteria, and choose the right university.
What Are Alternatives to IELTS?
If a scholarship is listed as “without IELTS,” it usually requires one of these to prove English proficiency:
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate: A letter from your previous university confirming your degree was taught in English.
- Preparatory Language Year: Free training in the host country’s language (e.g., Turkey, Japan).
- Internal University Test: Proctored online interviews or English tests by the university.
- Duolingo English Test: Accepted by many universities as a cheaper, faster online alternative.
These information about Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships would be efficient to guide your application choice. Commonwealth Scholarships are UK university scholarships given to talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage.
