Commonwealth Scholarships Scheme - Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships for the MSc Responsible Tourism Management

You will receive a fully funded place for the Master’s programme in ‘Responsible Tourism Management’ at Leeds Beckett University in the UK. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees. In addition, the costs of the annual field trip are fully covered: transport, accommodation, meals and guided tours. You will study part-time via distance learning from your home country over a period of three years (36 months), with on-campus periods each year. Previous field trips have taken place in Kenya and The Gambia; Ghana is planned for the 2026 cohort. The scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in collaboration with Leeds Beckett University. Five scholarships are available for the programme starting in September 2026. There is no separate living allowance, as you will continue to work whilst studying.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You would like to study a full-time Master’s programme, the MSc in ‘Responsible Tourism Management’.
• Field of study: This is the only course worth considering. It is aimed at people working in the tourism sector.
• Your job: You work in the tourism sector and are at an early or mid-stage of your career; furthermore, you are able to balance your studies with your current job.
• Country: To enter the 2026 round, you must be a citizen or resident of The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zanzibar or Sierra Leone.
• Access gap: You cannot undertake this specific training in your own country.

How to apply

You are submitting two applications at the same time. One is via the Commonwealth’s online application system. The other is your application for a place on the degree programme via the Leeds Beckett University applicant portal. The application deadline for the 2026 round is on 31 March 2026 at 16:00 BST. The university will then select its scholarship recipients in accordance with the Commission’s guidelines.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding scheme is very narrowly defined. It applies to a single course, is aimed exclusively at people already working in the tourism sector, and is only open to applicants from a limited number of countries. The target group is therefore small. If you clearly meet these criteria, apply early and can explain why this training course is not offered in your home country, your chances are good. However, as there are only five places available in 2026, the final selection process is highly competitive, which is why a convincing, well-reasoned application is crucial.