The Institute of Commonwealth Studies (ICwS), in partnership with the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, has announced five fully funded scholarships for the September 2026 intake of the MA in Human Rights (Distance Learning).
These scholarships are funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and are specifically designed to support talented applicants from eligible Commonwealth countries who are unable to study in the UK due to financial or other constraints.
For global applicants seeking a UK-accredited Master’s degree in Human Rights without relocating, this is a high-impact, government-backed funding opportunity.
About the MA in Human Rights (Distance Learning)
The MA in Human Rights offered by ICwS is a practice-based, online Master’s programme designed for professionals and emerging leaders working in human rights, advocacy, public policy, and civil society. Unlike purely theoretical programmes, this degree integrates:
- Practical human rights application
- Legal and policy frameworks
- Field-based analysis
- Advocacy and implementation skills
The programme focuses on building the vocational competencies required to work effectively as a human rights practitioner, particularly in contexts involving marginalized or vulnerable communities.
As a distance-learning degree under the University of London’s School of Advanced Study framework, it enables students to study from their home country while earning a recognized UK qualification.
What the Scholarship Covers?
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship is a full scholarship award. While final award details are confirmed through the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, these scholarships typically cover:
- Full tuition fees for the MA programme
- Study-related academic support
- Access to online learning platforms and resources
The funding is supported by the UK government through the FCDO and is aimed at building sustainable development capacity in low and middle income Commonwealth countries.
Who Should Apply?
This scholarship is targeted at applicants who:
- Have a demonstrated commitment to promoting human rights, especially for marginalized groups
- Are residents and citizens of eligible Low and Middle Income Commonwealth countries
- Are unable to study in the UK due to financial or other constraints
- Have received an offer of admission to the MA in Human Rights at ICwS
Candidates with experience in civil society, public service, advocacy, legal practice, research, or grassroots activism are particularly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply?
The application process involves two stages:
Step 1: Apply for Admission: Submit your application for the MA in Human Rights (Distance Learning) directly to the Institute of Commonwealth Studies.
Recommended deadline for MA application: 16 March 2026
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
Once you have received an offer, submit your application through the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission’s official online application portal.
Scholarship application deadline: 31 March 2026
Late submissions are not typically accepted, and applicants should allow time for document preparation and institutional confirmations.
Why This Opportunity Matters in 2026?
Human rights professionals are increasingly required to navigate complex global challenges including:
- Environmental justice
- Minority rights protection
- Criminal justice reform
- Governance and accountability
- Sustainable development implementation
This scholarship enables professionals from eligible Commonwealth countries to gain structured, UK-accredited training without leaving their employment or home country.
With only five awards available, the selection process is expected to be competitive. Applicants with a clear track record of rights-based engagement and a strong academic background are likely to be prioritized.
Application Dates for 2026 Intake
Applicants must carefully note that the recommended deadline to submit the MA in Human Rights (Distance Learning) application to the Institute of Commonwealth Studies is 16 March 2026, as candidates must first secure an offer of admission before applying for the scholarship.
The final deadline to submit the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship application through the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission portal is 31 March 2026, and late applications are not expected to be considered for the September 2026 intake.