Imperial College Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens17 Feb, 2026
Closes31 Mar, 2026

The Imperial College Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships provide fully funded support to students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The scholarship covers full tuition fees at the overseas rate. For 2026/27, Imperial has received five awards for the online MPH program. Recipients can complete their studies entirely online from their home country. Consequently, scholars avoid relocation costs and maintain professional commitments. The funding ensures that financial limitations do not prevent qualified candidates from accessing world-class public health education.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Imperial College Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Bangladesh, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South-Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia

Study Fields

Public Health

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.4

Languages

C1 Advanced 176, C2 Proficiency 185, DuoLingo English Test 115, IELTS 6.5, PTE A 62, TOEFL iBT 92

Tests

Study Levels

Master's, MS

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (2)

Result Date

Program Start

September 2026

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount
Deadline31 Mar, 2026
LevelMaster's, MS
InstitutionImperial College London
CountryUnited Kingdom
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Imperial College Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships provide fully funded support to students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. Imperial College London participates in this scheme through its School of Public Health. Eligible students can pursue selected online programs, including the Master of Public Health (MPH). Commonwealth Scholarship Commission administers the award with funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The program enables students to earn a UK Master’s degree without relocating from their home country.

Background and Purpose

The UK government funds this scholarship to expand access to high-quality postgraduate education. It supports talented individuals who can contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. Therefore, the program focuses on capacity building and long-term impact. By offering distance learning opportunities, the scheme removes financial and geographic barriers. As a result, professionals can continue working while advancing their qualifications.

Imperial College Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships Benefits

The scholarship covers full tuition fees at the overseas rate. For 2026/27, Imperial has received five awards for the online MPH program. Recipients can complete their studies entirely online from their home country. Consequently, scholars avoid relocation costs and maintain professional commitments. The funding ensures that financial limitations do not prevent qualified candidates from accessing world-class public health education.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must come from eligible low- or middle-income Commonwealth countries. They must secure admission to the MPH (online) at Imperial. The selection panel evaluates academic excellence, the strength of the study plan, and the applicant’s potential development impact. Importantly, candidates must demonstrate how their degree will benefit their home country after graduation.

Imperial College Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships Application Process

Applicants must apply separately to Imperial and through the CSC online system. The application window for 2026/27 opens on 17 February 2026 and closes on 31 March 2026 at 16:00 BST. Therefore, candidates should prepare early and submit all required documents before the deadline. The Commission communicates decisions after completing its review process.

Opportunities for Scholars

Recipients gain advanced public health training from Imperial while remaining embedded in their local contexts. Furthermore, they build expertise that directly supports national development goals. In this way, the scholarship strengthens global health leadership across the Commonwealth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants must be citizens of or have refugee status in eligible Commonwealth countries, be permanent residents in a developing Commonwealth nation, and demonstrate financial need.

How do I apply?

You must apply for admission to the relevant online Master’s program at Imperial College London AND submit a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship application through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online portal.

How are candidates selected?

Selection is based on academic merit, quality of study plan, and potential impact on the applicant’s home country.