Searching for a degree in the UK that may be earned remotely while lowering your financial burden?
This article contains a list of scholarship opportunities for distance learning students, particularly those from developing nations who lack the funds to receive a proper education.
These opportunities allow them to receive a high-quality education from the comfort of their homes at little or no cost.
The majority of these scholarships are completely financed, meaning that the fortunate students will be covered for all living expenses, tuition, and other expenditures until they complete their studies.
Certain fully funded scholarships simply pay for tuition, leaving students to handle additional costs on their own.
Let’s explore the list!
Distance Learning Scholarships UK
- Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
- The University of Glasgow online scholarship
- The University of Edinburgh Online Scholarship
- University of London Distance Program Scholarship
- Open University Distance Learning Scholarship
#1. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship offers three Master’s programs, of which the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship is one of them.
This scholarship is specifically designed for candidates from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
Being a part of this scholarship will enable them to undertake part-time Master’s studies with UK universities online from the comfort of their home in their country.
The scholarship aims to enable talented and motivated individuals to access the training and skills required for sustainable development that are not available in their country.
Eligible countries include 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.
UK Universities Offering Commonwealth Scholarship
Access, Inclusion, and Entrepreneurship
- Loughborough University
- Open University
- School of Advanced Study, University of London
- University of Edinburgh
Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Leeds Beckett University
Science and Technology for Development
- Bangor University
- Loughborough University
- University of Edinburgh
- University of St Andrews
Strengthening Global Peace, Security, and Governance
- Open University
- University of Birmingham
- University of Oxford
Strengthening Health Systems and Capacity
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Lancaster
- University of Liverpool
- University of Strathclyde
Strengthening Resilience and Responses to Crisis
- Open University
- School of Advanced Study, University of London
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Sussex
Click here to view the eligibility criteria and apply
#2. The University of Glasgow Online Scholarship
The University of Glasgow offers Postgraduate Access Scholarships to home students. The scholarship is specifically for students undertaking a one or two-year Taught Masters program, and the value of the scholarship is £4,000.
The countries eligible for this scholarship include England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Scholarship Eligibility
- Candidate must hold an offer for a full-time postgraduate taught Masters program
- Have not undertaken postgraduate study
- Provision of evidence of excellent academic achievement in the undergraduate studies (2:1 and above)
- Be classified as Home or RUK for fee purposes
- Provide evidence that their circumstances are such that they may find it difficult to take up a place at the University for financial or other reasons.
Click here to apply for the University of Glasgow Distance Scholarship
#3. The University of Edinburgh Online Scholarship
There are a variety of scholarships designed for online students at the University of Edinburgh.
Not all these scholarships are fully funded, some of the scholarships are partially funded scholarships.
- ASiT—Edinburgh Surgery Online Bursary: This scholarship is designed for ASiT members undertaking the Masters in Surgical Sciences, ChMs in General Surgery, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Urology, and Endovascular & Vascular Surgery, including the Masters in Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors.
- Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship: The Commonwealth Scholarship is available at the University of Edinburgh to applicants accepted into the university to study online master programs.
- The Anne Rowling Clinic Regenerative Neurology Scholarships: This scholarship is designed for applicants enrolled in Stem Cells and Translational Neurology Programs.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Online Learning Scholarships: This scholarship is designed for students pursuing an Online Master’s or a Diploma.
- Clinical Management of Pain Scholarship: The University of Edinburgh offers three scholarships for this program.
- The David and Molly Pyott Foundation Scholarships in Ophthalmology: This scholarship is designed for online learning students accepted for admission to the two-year, part-time online ChM (Master of Surgery) in Clinical Ophthalmology. Eligible countries include Africa, Central and South Asia, Caribbean Islands, Pacific Islands, Central and Latin America.
- Polish School of Medicine Memorial Fund Scholarships: This scholarship is specifically designed for medical doctors and medical scientists to further their study and research.
- Edinburgh Surgery Online Global Scholarships: This is a global scholarship offered by the University of Edinburgh to master students, it is a full tuition with a contribution towards the cost of internet access.
- Edinburgh Surgery Online Ophthalmology Scholarship: This is designed for the part-time online master’s program in Primary Care Ophthalmology.
- Edinburgh Surgery Online: It is a fully funded scholarship for Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors study.
- The Edinburgh Futures Institute Scholarships: This comprises three scholarships offering fully funded scholarships; the Madeleine Bentley Scholarship, the George Lindsay Cooper Scholarship, and the Bilan-Cooper Scholarship. This scholarship is designed for selected taught Master’s programs offered by or affiliated with the Edinburgh Institute.
- The Glenmore Postgraduate Scholarship: Comprises three scholarships available for eligible postgraduate programs offered by the university.
- George David Family Scholarships: This scholarship is specifically designed for applicants from a country impacted by climate change who enrolled for an online postgraduate certificate program in circular economy at the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI)
Click here to apply for the University of Edinburgh Distance Learning Scholarships
#4. University of London Distance Program Scholarship
The University of London offers distance learning scholarships – The Varadi Scholarships and the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships.
The Varadi Scholarship is open to all new students covering all University of London tuition fees.
To be eligible for this scholarship you must have an offer for the program you applied for, be a new student, and reside in one of the following countries: Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Poland, Greece, Malta, Germany, Bulgaria, Portugal, Slovakia, Hungary, Czechia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, Turkey, Italy and Romania.
Each successful applicant of the Varadi scholarship will be eligible for an award of up to £10,900 annually.
Commonwealth Distance scholarship programs at the University of London include: MA Human Rights (School of Advanced Study), MA Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies (School of Advanced Study), MSc Clinical Trials (LSHTM), MSc Global Health Policy (LSHTM), MSc Public Health (LSHTM), MSc Epidemiology (LSHTM), MSc Infectious Disease (LSHTM).
Click here to apply for the University of London Varadi Scholarship for distance learners
#5. Open University Distance Learning Scholarships
Open University offers the Masters in Online Teaching scholarship specifically designed for students interested in online teaching, technology-enhanced learning, and educational technology.
These scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, which means it’s only available to students from Commonwealth countries or British-protected persons.
Eligible countries include 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
Scholarship eligibility criteria
- 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; and
- Be permanently in one of the eligible developing Commonwealth countries listed above; and
- 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; and
- Be unable to afford to study the program without this scholarship.
Click here to apply for the MAOT Scholarship
FAQs
Who is eligible for distance learning scholarships in the UK?
UK and international students can apply for distance learning scholarships, but eligibility criteria may vary based on the specific scholarship.
Are there any specific language proficiency requirements?
Yes, most scholarships require English language proficiency, often demonstrated through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
What is the application process for a distance learning scholarship like?
The application process typically involves submitting an online application form, academic transcripts, language proficiency test scores, and personal statements.
What documents do I need to submit for the online scholarship?
Required documents may vary but typically include:
The application form
Academic transcripts
Language proficiency test scores
Personal statement
Letters of recommendation
Financial statements (if applicable)
What kind of financial support do these scholarships provide?
Scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, or a combination of both.
Do scholarships cover tuition fees only, or do they also cover living expenses?
This depends on the specific scholarship. Some cover tuition only, while others offer a stipend for living expenses.
How do I determine if a course is eligible for scholarship funding?
Check the scholarship guidelines to see if your chosen course meets the eligibility criteria.
What are the living costs in the UK for international students?
Living costs in the UK can vary depending on the city and your lifestyle. However, you can expect to spend around £10,000-£15,000 per year.
Conclusion
Many UK colleges provide Commonwealth’s distant learning scholarships.
Applications for these scholarships are only available if you have been admitted to the university of your choice.
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