Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2025/2026 for Full-time Doctoral Study

Applications for the 2025/2026 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are now open, with a deadline of 15 October 2024. The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are designed for individuals from least developed countries and vulnerable states within the Commonwealth, as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC). They provide opportunities for full-time doctoral study at UK universities, with a focus on international development.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), which administers the scholarships, is part of the UK government’s broader initiative to support the Commonwealth through education.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants of the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of or hold refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
• Be a permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be available to start their academic studies in the UK by September 2025.
• Hold a first degree with at least upper second-class (2:1) honours or a lower second-class degree alongside a relevant postgraduate qualification (typically a Master’s degree) by September 2025.
• Not be currently registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD, either in the UK or in their home country before September/October 2025.
• Demonstrate financial need, indicating that they would be unable to study in the UK without this scholarship.
• Provide all supporting documentation in the required format.

Financial Support

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship covers:

• Approved airfare from the Scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award (note: dependants’ fares are not included).
• Full tuition fees, paid by agreement between the CSC and the UK university.
• A monthly living allowance of £1,378, or £1,690 for those based in London.
• A warm clothing allowance, if applicable.
• A study travel grant for travel within the UK or abroad, related to the scholar’s studies.
• Costs for fieldwork, including one return economy-class airfare to the location.
• A paid mid-term visit to the Scholar’s home country, unless they claim family allowances.

Family allowances:

• £297 per month for a spouse (up to nine months) if living together in the UK.
• £297 per month for the first child, and £146 per month for each of the second and third children under 16, if living with the Scholar and their spouse in the UK.
• For single parents or widowed/divorced scholars, a child allowance of £590 per month for the first child and £146 per month for the second and third children under 16, if the children live with the Scholar in the UK.

Nomination Process

Applicants must be nominated through one of three pathways:

1. National nominating agencies – the primary route for applications.
2. Selected universities/university bodies – these institutions can nominate their academic staff.
3. Selected non-governmental and charitable organizations.

Applicants must apply for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship through a nominating body, as direct applications to the CSC are not accepted.

Required Documents

Applicants need to submit the following:

• Proof of citizenship or refugee status, such as a passport or national ID showing photo, date of birth, and nationality.
• Full academic transcripts for all higher education qualifications, including transcripts for current courses, with certified translations if applicable.
• At least two signed references on institutional letterhead or from an email showing the sender’s details.
• A signed supporting statement from a proposed supervisor at one of the UK institutions listed on the application, either on institutional letterhead or sent from an email clearly identifying the sender.

For more details, visit the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships official webpage.