Overview
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), offer talented individuals from least developed and vulnerable Commonwealth countries the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies at UK universities. These scholarships aim to address development needs by supporting research that has a significant developmental impact and enhancing teaching and research capacity in the home countries. By fostering global collaboration and attracting exceptional international talent, the program contributes to sustainable development, strengthens higher education, and builds long-term institutional capacity in both the UK and the Commonwealth. These scholarships are offered under the six CSC Development themes.
Eligible Countries
Bangladesh, Cameroon, The Gambia, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, and Zambia.
Applicant Eligibility
- Must be a citizen or refugee from an eligible Commonwealth country or a British Protected Person.
- Must be permanently residing in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Must be available to start studies in the UK by September 2025.
- By September 2025, must hold a first degree (at least an upper second-class or a lower second-class degree with a relevant Master’s degree).
- Cannot be registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD in the UK or home country before September/October 2025.
- Must demonstrate financial need and be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship.
- Must provide all required supporting documentation.
- Disabled applicants with a lower degree may be considered if they show potential for international development. For these applicants, a nomination through the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF) may be possible. For more information, please contact CDPF directly using the details on NGOs and charitable body nominators page.
Financial Assistance
Each scholarship provides the following support:
- Airfare: Approved airfare for travel from the Scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award.
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of approved tuition fees.
- Stipend: A living allowance of £1,378 per month (£1,690 for those in the London area).
- Warm Clothing Allowance: Provided if applicable.
- Study Travel Grant: For study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
- Fieldwork Costs: Contribution towards the cost of overseas fieldwork, including one economy-class return airfare.
- Mid-Term Visit: Paid airfare for a visit to the Scholar’s home country.
- Family Allowances:
- £297 per month for a spouse (up to 9 months).
- £297 per month for the first child and £146 for additional children under 16.
- Higher allowances for single parents.
- Disability Support: Additional financial support based on individual needs for Scholars with disabilities.
Family allowances are designed as contributions, and Scholars are expected to supplement them for higher living costs in the UK. For more information, see the current Handbook for Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows.
Eligibility and Required Documentation
Before applying, verify your eligibility by reviewing the “Candidate Eligibility” sections on the specific program pages. It is crucial to submit all necessary documentation with your application, as incomplete applications can lead to disqualification. Ensure you follow the checklist provided on each program page to meet all requirements. Scholarship on advice for applicants page.
Selection Process and criteria
Applications will be considered according to the following selection criteria:
- Academic merit
- Quality of research proposal
- Potential impact on the development of the candidate’s country.
For further details, see the Commonwealth Scholarship selection criteria.
How to apply
- Application Deadline: The scholarships are for study in the UK beginning in September/October 2025. Applications for the 2025/26 academic year are now closed.
- Application Process:
- Online Submission: All applications must be submitted via the CSC’s online application system.
- Nominator Requirement: Applicants must apply through a nominator. Nominators include:
- National nominating agencies – this is the main route of application.
- Selected universities/university bodies – which can nominate their own academic staff.
- Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies.
- Nominator’s Role: Nominators submit an agreed number of candidates to the CSC. They manage their own selection process and may have additional eligibility criteria. Applicants should check with their nominator for specific rules.
- Nominator Deadlines: Nominators may have their own closing dates, but they must submit nominations by December 2024.
- Selection Outcome: Selections are made from nominated candidates. A nomination does not guarantee selection. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by July 2025 via email. Candidates should monitor all email folders, including junk/spam. For more information, visit the official Commonwealth PhD Scholarships page.
Choosing a University/Course for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships:
When selecting a university and course, applicants can utilize the following resources:
- Study UK – British Council’s website with guidance for international students and a course/institution search.
- Steps to Postgraduate Study – A guide to asking the right questions about postgraduate study in the UK.
- Postgrad.com – Offers information for postgraduate students, including a course search.
- Prospects – Provides information on postgraduate study in the UK.
- UCAS Postgraduate – Guidance on finding and applying for postgraduate courses.
- Discover University – Official website for comparing UK higher education courses.
- UKCISA – Provides advice for international students on choosing a course.
Additionally, applicants can explore how Commonwealth alumni are impacting development through the Development impact stories page.
