Description
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships have been designed for applicants from the least developed countries and vulnerable states in the Commonwealth. These awards are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and are administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). Through this programme, outstanding graduates are provided with the opportunity to pursue full-time doctoral study at a UK university, with research that delivers developmental impact in their home countries. By offering this support, the CSC ensures that talented individuals are empowered to become future leaders, researchers, and educators while strengthening partnerships between the UK and Commonwealth nations.
What the Scholarship Covers
During the tenure of the award (36 months), the following financial support is provided:
- Approved airfare from the Scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award.
- Full tuition fees, covered by an agreement between the CSC and the UK university.
- Stipend (living allowance): £1,452 per month, or £1,781 for those based at universities in the London metropolitan area.
- Warm clothing allowance, where required.
- Study travel grant for research-related travel.
- Fieldwork allowance, including one economy-class airfare to the location.
- Paid mid-term visit to the home country, under specific conditions.
- Family allowances, including contributions for spouse and/or children.
- Additional support for Scholars with disabilities, following a needs assessment.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of, or hold refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in one of the eligible countries.
- Be available to begin academic study in the UK by September/October 2026.
- Hold, by September 2026, a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours; or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (normally a Master’s degree).
- Not be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, in the UK or their home country before September/October 2026.
- Demonstrate that studying in the UK would not be possible without this financial support.
- Provide all required supporting documentation in the specified format.
Note: Applicants with disabilities who do not meet the academic requirements may be considered under the contextualised nomination route through the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF).
Eligible Countries
Applications are accepted from the following Commonwealth countries:
Bangladesh, Cameroon, The Gambia, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Zambia.
Application Process
The following steps must be followed to apply:
- Prepare documents: All academic transcripts, proof of citizenship, references, and the supervisor’s supporting statement must be collected. These must be uploaded in PDF format.
- Submit online application: Applications must be completed through CSC Central. No external submissions will be accepted.
- Nomination: Applications must also be submitted to a nominating agency (national nominating body or approved NGO/charitable body). Each nominator has its own selection process and may set earlier deadlines.
- Supporting documents: Two references and one supervisor’s supporting statement must be uploaded before the closing date.
- Development Impact Statement: Applicants are required to describe how their research will address development challenges and contribute to their home country after completion of the PhD.
Deadlines
- Applications close at 16:00 (UK time) on 14 October 2025.
- Nominators will forward their selected candidates to the CSC in December 2025.
- Results will be announced by July 2026.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed against three main criteria:
- Academic merit of the candidate.
- Quality of the research proposal.
- Potential impact of the research on the development of the applicant’s home country.
Key Notes
- No application fee is charged for CSC scholarships.
- Applications submitted without complete supporting documentation will be deemed ineligible.
- Placement decisions will ultimately be made by the CSC, even if university preferences are indicated.
- All selected scholars must return to their home countries after the scholarship to contribute to development.
Final Remark
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship is a highly competitive and prestigious programme. By applying, talented individuals are allowed to transform their academic journey and contribute directly to the advancement of their nations through impactful research.
🔗 Apply now via CSC Central
🔗 Official Scholarship Details
Website URL
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-phd-scholarships-for-least-developed-countries-and-vulnerable-states/