Bangor University - MSc Tropical Forestry – Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Distance Learning Scholarships

What the scholarship covers

You will receive a full scholarship worth a total of approximately 21,000 EUR (£18,000) for the distance-learning ‘MSc Tropical Forestry’ programme at Bangor University in the United Kingdom. This will cover your tuition fees in full. It also includes a grant towards the compulsory two-week tropical field trip abroad. In addition, you will receive a small annual study grant of around 1,223 EUR (£150) to help with the costs of the distance-learning programme, such as internet usage. The scholarship covers the entire two-year (24-month) part-time programme, which is taught online. It is funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in partnership with Bangor University. Bangor ranks first in the UK for agriculture and forestry (Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026), and the MSc programme is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters. A total of just five scholarships are available across two programmes: the MSc in Tropical Forestry and the MSc in Agroforestry & Food Security.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You must be a national of a developing Commonwealth country, such as Botswana, Ghana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania or Uganda.
• Degree: You hold a Bachelor’s degree with honours, with a grade of at least 2:1 (Upper Second Class) in a relevant subject area such as forestry, nature conservation, land management, natural sciences, economics, biology, ecology, law or development studies.
• Work experience route: A lower level of qualification (2:2) will be accepted if you have extensive relevant professional experience. If you do not have a university degree but can demonstrate at least two years’ relevant experience in a position of responsibility, you will also be considered.
• English: You need an IELTS score of 6.0, with no individual component scoring below 5.5.
• Equipment: You must have your own reliable access to a computer, the internet and a stable power supply. The university does not provide these.

How to apply

You apply via two channels simultaneously: to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission via its online system, and to Bangor University via its postgraduate application page. The application deadline is 16 May. Bangor University will shortlist candidates for an interview and put forward five names to the Commission, which will then make the final decision.

How realistic are your chances?

Each year, just five scholarships are allocated across two degree programmes, meaning competition for a single place is very fierce. Your chances will improve if you clearly meet the specific criteria: citizenship of an eligible Commonwealth country, an outstanding relevant university degree or substantial professional experience, as well as a convincing explanation of why a distance-learning programme suits your life and work. Please ensure that your contact details are correct and that you have reliable access to the necessary technical equipment, as applicants who cannot be contacted or who do not have a reliable power supply will not be shortlisted.