Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship
We’re pleased to offer five Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for students joining the September or October 2026 intakes of our online Sustainable Development MSc programme.
Apply for the opportunity to access a world-leading education in sustainability and gain the skills to make a lasting impact in your home country.
Application deadline: 24 March 2026 at 4pm BST
About the scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) fund talented individuals from developing Commonwealth countries to gain the knowledge and skills needed to tackle global development challenges. These scholarships are designed for professionals who wish to remain in their home country while studying and who have the potential to enhance development through leadership and innovation.
What's covered:
- Full tuition fees for the Sustainable Development MSc (online)
- Study grants where required
Important: Only the Sustainable Development MSc (online) at the University of Sussex is eligible for this scholarship. No other programmes qualify.
Learn more about the conditions of the scholarship.
Are you eligible?
To qualify for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship, you must:
- be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British protected person
- be a permanent resident in a developing Commonwealth country
- have a first or 2:1 degree by September 2026 (a lower qualification and sufficient relevant experience may be considered in certain cases)
- be unable to afford to study the programme without this scholarship
- have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.
The CSC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination and encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. For further information on the support available to candidates with a disability, see the CSC disability support statement.
Key dates
17 February 2026, 4pm GMT – Applications open via CSC Central
24 March 2026, 4pm BST – Application deadline (apply early to avoid system congestion)
June 2026 – The University of Sussex will nominate scholarship recipients to the CSC
August 2026 – Successful candidates will be notified by the University of Sussex
September/October 2026 – The Sustainable Development MSc (online) programme starts
How to apply
Applying for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship requires two separate applications.
Step 1: Apply to study with University of Sussex
Apply for a place on our Sustainable Development MSc (online) programme.
Check the programme page for curriculum details and entry requirements or contact us to speak to an enrolment advisor about the course.
Step 2: Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship
Submit your scholarship application through the CSC's online system, CSC Central, before 24 March 2026.
Selection criteria
Applications are assessed on:
- candidate merit (academic achievement and professional experience)
- quality of study plan (clear, achievable objectives aligned with development goals)
- development impact (potential to drive positive change in your home country).
Visit the CSC website for instructions and guidance on the application process.
The University of Sussex will review all scholarship applications and nominate candidates to the CSC. The CSC will then confirm that nominees meet eligibility criteria, and we will notify successful candidates by August 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Only candidates from the following countries can apply for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships.
- Bangladesh
- Belize
- Botswana
- Cameroon
- Dominica
- Eswatini
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guyana
- India
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Montserrat
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Papua New Guinea
- Rwanda
- Saint Helena
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Sierra Leone
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Zambia
Next steps
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Visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website and review its FAQs for full details on scholarship eligibility, application requirements and the CSC selection process.
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If you’re eligible and ready to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship, submit your application via CSC Central by 4pm (BST) on 24 March 2026.
Remember, you must separately apply to join the September or October 2026 intake of the Sustainable Development MSc (online) programme at the University of Sussex. If you have any questions about the programme or the scholarship, complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.