Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2025/26 are open. The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year are now open for applications. These scholarships, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), aim to support research that drives impactful development in Commonwealth countries, particularly for those from least developed countries and fragile states as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC). The scholarships offer full-time doctoral study at a UK university.
Key Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Commonwealth PhD Scholarships |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Deadline | 15th October 2024 |
| Focus | Research in Least Developed Countries |
| Funding | Tuition, stipend, travel costs covered |
| Study Start | September 2025 |
| Application | Apply online |
| Criteria | Academic merit, research proposal, impact |
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK, which operates under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). The CSC’s goal is to support international development through education by bringing together diverse individuals and fostering leadership, collaboration, and global partnerships.
What the Scholarship Offers
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship covers:
- Airfare: A return flight from your home country to the UK.
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees.
- Stipend: A monthly allowance of £1,378, or £1,690 for students in the London metropolitan area.
- Warm Clothing Allowance: If needed.
- Study Travel Grant: Assistance with travel related to study within the UK or abroad.
- Fieldwork Costs: Economy class return flight for overseas fieldwork.
- Mid-term Visit: A paid return trip to your home country.
- Family Allowances: Additional funds if your spouse and children live with you in the UK.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Be a citizen or refugee of a Commonwealth country or a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently residing in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be ready to begin your studies by September 2025.
- Have at least an upper second-class degree or a lower second-class degree with a relevant Master’s degree.
- Not be registered for a PhD at a UK university or in your home country before September/October 2025.
- Demonstrate financial need to study in the UK.
Selection Criteria
Selection is based on:
- Academic Merit: Strong academic record.
- Research Proposal Quality: Well-defined and relevant research.
- Impact Potential: Research should have a positive effect on your home country.
How to Apply
To apply, submit your application by 15th October 2024 at 16:00 BST (15:00 GMT). Be sure to apply early to avoid system delays. In addition to applying to the CSC, you must apply through a nominator. There are three types of nominators:
- National nominating agencies –view the list here.
- Selected universities/university bodies –view the list here.
- Non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies –find out more here.
Apply now for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships.
Visit the official Commonwealth PhD Scholarships webpage. for more details and to start your application.
Conclusion
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship offers a valuable opportunity to advance research that can drive development in your home country. Make sure to apply by the October 15, 2024 deadline!
