10 Fully Funded Distance Learning Scholarships for MSc in Global Development in Uganda

In a bid to enhance the capacity of development practitioners in Uganda, the UK Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) has announced the sponsorship of 10 scholarships for the UK Open University Master of Science (MSc) in Global Development. This three-year distance learning course, set to commence in November 2024, will focus on skills for managing development, with a particular emphasis on strengthening peace, security, and governance.

Empowering Development in Uganda

For Uganda, this initiative holds significant promise in advancing the skills of development professionals, particularly in the realms of peacebuilding, security enhancement, and governance improvement. The course, taught by the esteemed Open University (U.K.), will be locally managed by Kulika Uganda, a registered not-for-profit organization boasting over three decades of experience in scholarship administration.

Opportunities Offered by the Online MSc

This MSc program offers participants the opportunity to:

• Build skills to enhance their contributions to development initiatives.
• Study for 15-18 hours per week, allowing flexibility alongside professional commitments.
• Engage with a diverse cohort of students from around the globe.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must:

1. Be Ugandan nationals.
2. Be employed by a development agency—NGO, government, or private sector—with a minimum of two years’ experience working on development issues within Uganda.
3. Possess a good undergraduate degree with a score of at least 2.1, preferably in a field related to development.
4. Demonstrate strong motivation and a clear commitment to local and national development.

Application Process

Interested individuals are encouraged to carefully review the application requirements outlined by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). The MSc in Global Development falls under Group 4: Strengthening global peace, security, and governance, and applicants must select ‘The Open University, MSc Global Development (distance learning)’ within the CSC’s application system.

The application deadline is Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 16:00 (GMT). All sections of the application form should be completed thoroughly, with particular attention paid to describing how the MSc in Global Development will contribute to in-country benefits.

For further assistance or inquiries, applicants may reach out to Dr. Frangton Chiyemura, the Project Director of the DPP MSc Commonwealth Scholarship, via email at frangton.chiyemura@open.ac.uk.

This initiative stands as a beacon of hope, offering a transformative educational opportunity for Ugandan development practitioners eager to make a tangible impact in their communities and beyond. As the deadline approaches, aspiring scholars are encouraged to seize this chance to advance their skills and drive positive change in Uganda’s development landscape.