Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are now accepting applications for the academic year 2025-2026. These scholarships are aimed at applicants from least developed countries and vulnerable states in the Commonwealth, providing an opportunity for full-time doctoral study at a UK university.

📜 About Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK administers this scholarship program, which is part of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). The program is designed to attract individuals with exceptional talent and potential, supporting them to become leaders and innovators upon returning to their home countries. It aligns with the UK’s commitment to sustainable development and international collaboration.

Key Details:

• Date Published: September 3, 2025
• Application Deadline: October 14, 2025
• Category: Postgraduate, PhD, Fully Funded
• Location: United Kingdom
• Sponsor Organisation: Commonwealth Scholarships

🎁 Benefits of Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

Each scholarship provides the following benefits:

• Airfare: Approved airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award.
• Tuition Fees: Full tuition fees covered by agreement between the CSC and the UK university.
• Stipend (Living Allowance):
  • £1,452 per month for universities outside London.
  • £1,781 per month for universities in the London metropolitan area.
• Warm Clothing Allowance: Where applicable.
• Study Travel Grant: Covers study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
• Fieldwork Costs: Includes one economy-class return airfare to the fieldwork location (if approved).
• Mid-term Visit: Paid airfare to the scholar’s home country (conditions apply).
• Family Allowances:
  • Spouse Allowance: £313 per month (if living together in the UK).
  • Child Allowance: £313 per month for the first child and £154 per month for the second and third child under 16.
  • Single Parent Allowance: £622 per month for the first child and £154 per month for the second and third child under 16.

Additional Support:

• Scholars with disabilities will receive a full assessment of their needs and eligibility for additional financial support.

Note: Family allowances are only a contribution towards the cost of maintaining a scholar’s family in the UK. Scholars must supplement these allowances to support accompanying family members.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this scholarship, applicants must:

1. Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
2. Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
3. Be available to start academic studies in the UK by September 2026.
4. Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honors standard, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g., Master’s degree) by September 2026.
5. Not be registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university or in their home country before September/October 2026.
6. Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
7. Provide all supporting documentation in the required format.

Special Considerations:

• Disabled applicants who do not meet the academic requirements but can demonstrate their potential to contribute to international development may be considered through contextualized nominations.
• The CSC encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination.

Note: Scholars must commit to returning to their home country after completing their studies to contribute to its development. Switching to a graduate or other visa to remain in the UK is not permitted.

📝 Application Process

Applicants are required to:

1. List Academic Qualifications: Include all undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
2. Provide Publications and Prizes: List up to 10 publications and prizes.
3. Detail Employment History: Explain how their experience supports their proposed program in the UK.
4. Provide References: Include names and positions of three referees, with at least two references submitted with the application.
5. Write a Development Impact Statement:
   • Explain how the scholarship relates to development issues at global, national, and local levels.
   • Describe how new skills will be applied after the scholarship.
   • Outline expected development outcomes, timeframe, and beneficiaries.
   • Detail how the impact of their work will be measured and evidenced.
6. Confirm Objectives and Career Plans:
   • Provide a detailed plan of study.
   • Summarize career plans for the next 5 years and long-term goals.
7. Write a Personal Statement: Highlight personal background, contributions to their home country, and leadership experience.

📅 Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is October 14, 2025.

🌐 Application Portal

• View Details: Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
• Apply Here: Commonwealth PhD Scholarships Application Portal

This is a prestigious opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD in the UK and make a meaningful impact in your home country. Don’t miss the chance to apply!

• Approved airfare from the Scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award.
• Approved tuition fees: full fees are covered by agreement between the CSC and the UK university.
• Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,452 per month, or £1,781 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area.
• Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
• Study travel grant towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
• Provision towards the cost of fieldwork undertaken overseas.
• Paid mid-term visit (airfare) to the Scholar’s home country.
• Family allowances for spouse and children, if applicable.