This is to inform the general public and the academic community that the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are now open for applications for the 2025/2026 academic year.
These scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
They aim to help Commonwealth countries develop by supporting research with real impact.
This opportunity is 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.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| š Scholarship | Commonwealth PhD Scholarships |
| š Country | United Kingdom |
| šļø Deadline | 15th October 2024 |
| šÆ Focus | Research in Least Developed Countries |
| š° Funding | Tuition, stipend, travel costs covered |
| š Study Start | September 2025 |
| š Application | Apply online |
| š Criteria | Academic merit, research proposal, impact |
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are provided by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK.
The CSC runs the UK governmentās scholarship programme, which supports international development goals.
It works under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).
The CSC plays a key role in showing the UKās ongoing support for the Commonwealth.
This scheme brings together talented people from different backgrounds and supports them to become leaders when they return home.
It also creates opportunities for international cooperation and partnerships.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2024
The scholarship covers the following:
- Airfare:Ā An approved flight from your home country to the UK and back once the award ends.
- Tuition Fees:Ā Full fees are covered, and you wonāt have to pay any part of the tuition fee.
- Stipend:Ā A monthly allowance of Ā£1,378, or Ā£1,690 if you are studying in the London metropolitan area.
- Warm Clothing Allowance:Ā If needed.
- Study Travel Grant:Ā This helps with the costs of travel related to your study within the UK or abroad.
- Fieldwork Costs:Ā If your fieldwork takes place overseas, an economy class return flight to the location will be provided.
- Mid-term Visit:Ā A paid return trip to your home country, unless you claim family allowances during your scholarship.
- Family Allowances:Ā If your spouse and children live with you in the UK, you can get extra funds to help cover living costs.
Eligibility Requirements for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2024
To apply for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen or refugee of a Commonwealth country or a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently living in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be ready to start your studies in the UK by September 2025.
- Have at least an upper second-class degree or a lower second-class degree with a relevant Masterās degree by September 2025.
- Not be registered for a PhD at a UK university or in your home country before September/October 2025.
- Prove that you cannot afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
- Provide all required supporting documents.
Selection Criteria
The selection of candidates is based on:
- Academic merit.
- The quality of the research proposal.
- The potential impact of the research on the candidateās home country.
How to Apply for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2024
Applications for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year are now open.
The deadline for submitting applications isĀ 15 October 2024Ā at 16:00 BST (15:00 GMT).
Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible to avoid issues with the online system as the deadline approaches.
In addition to applying to the CSC, you must also apply through aĀ nominator.
There are three types of nominators:
- National nominating agenciesĀ āĀ view the list here.
- Selected universities/university bodiesĀ āĀ view the list here.
- Non-governmental organisations and charitable bodiesĀ āĀ find out more here.
Apply now for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships.
For further details, visit the officialĀ Commonwealth PhD Scholarships webpage.
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements and submit your application byĀ October 15, 2024.
You can also check out other ongoing scholarships here
Sources:
cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/ngos
myschoolgist.com