The University of Edinburgh Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2026 support talented students from eligible low‑ and middle‑income Commonwealth countries who plan to pursue part‑time, online Master’s study through distance learning. These scholarships fully fund tuition for eligible online postgraduate programmes and allow future global leaders to focus entirely on flexible, high‑quality study while living in their home countries.

About the University of Edinburgh Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in partnership with the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. They provide full tuition coverage for selected online Master’s degrees at the University of Edinburgh. These distance learning awards enable students to study part‑time over a period of up to five years while working or fulfilling other commitments.

Why Choose The University of Edinburgh Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships?

  • Fully fund your online postgraduate tuition at a world‑ranked UK university.
  • Study part‑time and remotely, allowing you to earn a degree while continuing professional or personal responsibilities.
  • Expand your expertise in fields like public health, data science, clinical care, and digital education.
  • Strengthen your academic credentials with an internationally respected postgraduate qualification.
  • Build capacity to lead health, education, and development initiatives in your home country.

University of Edinburgh Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships Summary

  • Host Country: United Kingdom
  • Host Institution: University of Edinburgh
  • Scholarship Name: University of Edinburgh Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
  • Study Level: Master’s (Postgraduate, online, part‑time)
  • Programme: Eligible online Master’s degrees offered by the University of Edinburgh
  • Coverage: Full tuition fee award
  • Eligible Scholarship Window: Applications aligned with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission cycle (typically early 2026 for study starting September/October 2026)
  • Study Duration: Up to five years (part‑time)
  • Eligible Applicants: Citizens and permanent residents of eligible low‑ and middle‑income Commonwealth countries who meet CSC criteria

Scholarship Benefits

  • Cover 100 % tuition fees for eligible online Master’s programmes.
  • Enable flexible distance learning, letting you study from home.
  • Support the development of advanced skills and knowledge tied to global health, education, social care, and other priority sectors.
  • Provide access to a degree awarded by a top‑ranked UK institution without the need to relocate.

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet all of the following:

  • Be a citizen, refugee with status, or British Protected Person from an eligible Commonwealth country.
  • Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
  • Hold at least a first degree of upper second class (2:1) standard, or a lower qualification with sufficient experience (considered case‑by‑case).
  • Be unable to afford the programme without scholarship support.
  • Apply for an eligible online Master’s programme at the University of Edinburgh and submit a separate CSC scholarship application.

Required Documents

You should prepare and submit:

  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates showing the required qualification level.
  • Proof of Commonwealth citizenship, refugee status, or British Protected Person status.
  • Evidence of permanent residence in an eligible Commonwealth country.
  • Completed Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) application, including any personal statement or study plan required.
  • Completed the University of Edinburgh programme application for your chosen online Master’s degree.
  • At least one academic or professional reference.

Application Process & Timeline

  1. Choose an eligible online Master’s programme offered by the University of Edinburgh.
  2. Apply for admission to your chosen programme at the University of Edinburgh.
  3. Prepare and submit your Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) application by the CSC deadline (often in early spring).
  4. Await initial CSC selection and then nomination by the University.
  5. Receive your scholarship decision, typically announced mid‑year.
  6. Accept your award and begin part‑time distance study from home starting in September/October 2026.