The Refugee Law Initiative, School of Advanced Study, University of London is pleased to again be partnering with Commonwealth Scholarships to offer 10 full scholarships for the October 2024 intake to our MA in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies (taught part-time and by distance learning).
Applications are currently being accepted for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2024. This UK scholarship is designed for citizens of specific developing Commonwealth countries to pursue an online master’s degree with financial support. The scholarship for a UK Master’s degree is sponsored by the UK Department for International Development (DFID).
Candidates from Commonwealth developing countries, regardless of their academic background, are eligible to apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships, offering a wide range of master’s degree courses in the UK. The goal of these master’s scholarships aligns with international development objectives, supporting excellence in UK higher education and upholding Commonwealth principles.
The UK Department for International Development (DFID) will cover all expenses and tuition fees. For more detailed information about the Commonwealth scholarship, please refer to the details provided below.
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2024 Description
- Country: United Kingdom
- Degree: Master’s Degree
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 28 March 2024
Commonwealth Scholarship Criteria
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships are granted to individuals from developing Commonwealth countries aspiring to pursue a Master’s degree through distance learning at a UK university.
The selection criteria include:
- Eligibility: The applicant must be a citizen of a developing Commonwealth country and possess a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) standard.
- Course of Study: The applicant must have applied for and received an offer for a course of study at a participating university in the United Kingdom under the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship scheme.
- Work Experience: The applicant must have a minimum of two years of full-time (or equivalent) work experience relevant to the applied course.
- Financial Need: The applicant must demonstrate financial inability to pursue studies in the United Kingdom without a scholarship.
- Academic Merit: The applicant must showcase academic proficiency to successfully complete the chosen course of study.
- Potential Impact: The applicant must illustrate how the proposed course will contribute to the development of their home country, outlining plans to apply acquired skills and knowledge.
Required Documents
- Completed Application Form: Applicants should diligently fill out the online application form, providing all necessary details and accompanying documents.
- Proof of Citizenship: Applicants must furnish a copy of their passport or national identity card as evidence of their Commonwealth citizenship.
- Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates: Submission of copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates is mandatory to verify the academic qualifications required for the selected course.
- Proof of Work Experience: Applicants need to present evidence of their work experience, often in the form of a letter from their employer, establishing a minimum of two years of relevant work experience.
- English Language Proficiency: To demonstrate proficiency in English, the language of instruction for most distance learning courses in the United Kingdom, applicants may undergo a language test such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Reference Letters: Two reference letters, one academic and one professional, are required to affirm the applicant’s academic and professional competencies and potential.
- Personal Statement: Applicants are expected to provide a personal statement elucidating their motivation for applying for the scholarship, outlining how the course will benefit them and their home country, and detailing their plans for applying acquired skills and knowledge.
List Of Academic Fields & Majors
Depending on the particular scholarship being awarded, a broad range of fileds and disciplines are eligible for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships. Some common fields of study that these scholarships may cover include:
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
- Applied Sciences
- Architecture, Building, and Planning
- Business Studies and Management
- Computer Science and IT
- Education and Teacher Training
- Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Health and Medicine
- Humanities
- Law and Legal Studies
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Social Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure
Available Study Fields
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are offered Under Six themes:
1. Science And Technology For Development
- MSc Tropical Forestry – Bangor University
- MSc Environmental Toxicology & Pollution Monitoring – Ulster University
- MSc Biodiversity Wildlife and Ecosystem Health – University of Edinburgh
- MSc Conservation Medicine – University of Edinburgh
- MSc Global Health and Infectious Disease – University of Edinburgh
- MSc International Animal Health – University of Edinburgh
- MSc International Animal Welfare, Ethics, and Law – University of Edinburgh
- MSc One Health – University of Edinburgh
- MSc BIM & Digital Built Environments – University of Salford
- Sustainable Aquaculture – University of St Andrews.
2. Strengthening Health Systems And Capacity
- MSc in Palliative Medicine for Healthcare Professionals – Cardiff University
- MSc in Clinical Optometry – Cardiff University
- MSc Public Health Promotion – Leeds Beckett University
- MSc Global Health – London School of Tropical Medicine
- MSc Clinical Trials – London School of Tropical Medicine
- MSc Epidemiology – London School of Tropical Medicine
- MSc Infectious Diseases – London School of Tropical Medicine
- MSc Public Health – London School of Tropical Medicine
- MSc Burn Care – Queen Mary University of London
- MSc Cancer and Clinical Oncology – Queen Mary University of London
- MSc Cancer and Therapeutics – Queen Mary University of London
- MSc Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine – Queen Mary University of London
- MSc Endocrinology and Diabetes – Queen Mary University of London
- MSc Gastroenterology – Queen Mary University of London
- MSc Orthopaedic Trauma Science – Queen Mary University of London
- MSc Trauma Sciences – Queen Mary University of London
- Master of Public Health – The University of Manchester
- MSc Clinical Nutrition – University of Aberdeen
- Master of Public Health – University of Aberdeen
- MSc Infection Prevention and Control – University of Dundee
- MSc Clinical Education – University of Edinburgh
- MSc Global Challenges – University of Edinburgh
- MSc Paediatric Emergency Medicine – University of Edinburgh
- Master of Public Health – University of Edinburgh
- Master of Family Medicine – University of Edinburgh
- MSc Surgical Sciences – University of Edinburgh
- ChM (Masters of Surgery) in General Surgery – University of Edinburgh
- ChM (Masters of Surgery) in Trauma & Orthopaedics – University of Edinburgh
- ChM (Masters of Surgery) in Urology – University of Edinburgh
- ChM (Masters of Surgery) in Vascular & Endovascular Surgery – University of Edinburgh
- MSc in Dementia Studies – University of Stirling
- MSc Prosthetic & Orthotic Rehabilitation Studies – University of Strathclyde
- MSc Prosthetic Rehabilitation Studies – University of Strathclyde
- MSc Orthotic Rehabilitation Studies – University of Strathclyde
- MSc Rehabilitation Studies – University of Strathclyde.
Promoting Global Prosperity
MSc Responsible Tourism Management – Leeds Beckett University
Strengthening Global Peace, Security, And Governance
- MSc International Development (Conflict, Security, and Development) – University of Birmingham
- MSt in International Human Rights Law – University of Oxford
(Note: Only those who have been asked by the University of Oxford can apply for their course)
Strengthening Resilience And Response To Crisis
- MSc Environmental Management – Open University
- MSc in Risk, Crisis, and Disaster Management – University of Leicester
- MA in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies – University of London
- MSc Global Food Security – Food Safety – Queen’s University Belfast
Access, Inclusion, And Opportunity
- MSc Water Management for Development – Loughborough University
- MSc Water Engineering for Development – Loughborough University
- MSc International Development – University of Portsmouth
- MSc Gerontology – University of Southampton
- MSc Global Ageing and Policy – University of Southampton
- Masters of Public Administration (International Development) – University of York.
Financial Coverage
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships furnish financial assistance to encompass tuition fees throughout the course and other associated expenses. The specific financial provisions can vary depending on the scholarship, but commonly include:
- Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers the entire cost of tuition fees for the duration of the course.
- Study Materials: Funding may be allocated for study materials, including textbooks, course materials, and software.
- Travel Expenses: The scholarship may include provisions for travel expenses associated with mandatory residential components of the course.
- Living Expenses: Recipients may receive a living allowance to address accommodation, food, and other daily living costs.
- Medical Insurance: The scholarship may extend coverage for medical insurance throughout the course’s duration.
Eligible Countries:
This international distance learning scholarship is exclusively available to applicants from Commonwealth countries. The Commonwealth Distance Scholarship 2024 is a fully funded opportunity designed to support individuals from developing nations in pursuing distance education.
Bangladesh, Cameroon, Eswatini, The Gambia, Ghana, Guyana, India, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania ,Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu and Zambia.
Number of Awards: 10
Value of Award
- The scholarship will cover 100% of the fees payable to the University of London. This includes the cost of one module continuation/deferral/extension fee, examination resit fee, dissertation re-submission fee.
- It does not cover the examination centre costs or any other costs not directly payable to the University (such as the purchase of additional materials or electronic equipment).
- Applicants must ensure they can cover such costs from other financial sources.
How To Apply For A Commonwealth Scholarship 2024/2025
To apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships, follow these steps:
- Research scholarships: Visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s website to identify currently available scholarships, review eligibility criteria, and note application deadlines.
- Choose a course: Select an eligible course of study at a participating university in the United Kingdom that qualifies for the scholarship.
- Check eligibility: Ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria, including citizenship requirements, academic qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency.
- Gather documents: Collect essential documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, proof of work experience, proof of citizenship, English language proficiency certificate, reference letters, and a personal statement.
- Apply online: Complete the online application form, uploading all required documents and information. Review your application carefully before submission.
- Submit: Ensure timely submission of your application before the deadline, as late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Wait for results: Await the outcome of the scholarship selection process. Successful applicants will receive notifications via email or through the online application portal.
To Apply, Please Visit the Official Website of the Commonwealth Distance Scholarship UK.