Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2025/2026 for full-time doctoral study at a UK university (Fully Funded)

Application Deadline: 15 October 2024

The 2025/2026 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are now accepting applications. These prestigious UK government scholarships, offered through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), support students from least developed and vulnerable states within the Commonwealth, as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC). Eligible applicants can pursue full-time doctoral studies at a UK university, showcasing the UK’s ongoing commitment to international development and Commonwealth collaboration.

Eligibility Requirements for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

To apply for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a citizen, granted refugee status, or be a British Protected Person from an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be permanently residing in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Start academic studies in the UK by September 2025.
• Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree) by September 2025.
• Not be registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD before September 2025, either in the UK or home country.
• Be unable to afford study in the UK without this scholarship.
• Provide all required supporting documentation in the correct format.

Financial Benefits of the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship

Recipients of the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship receive comprehensive financial support, including:

• Approved airfare to and from the UK.
• Full coverage of tuition fees.
• A monthly stipend of £1,378 (or £1,690 for London-based universities).
• Warm clothing allowance (if applicable).
• Study travel grant for academic-related travel within the UK or overseas.
• Fieldwork grant for overseas research.
• Paid mid-term visit (airfare) to the home country.
• Family allowances for spouse and children, based on specific conditions.

How to Apply for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship

Applicants must apply through a nominator, such as:

1. National nominating agencies – the main route for application.
2. Selected universities or university bodies.
3. Non-governmental organizations or charitable bodies.

The nominating institutions will recommend candidates to the CSC for final selection. Direct applications to the CSC are not accepted.

Required Documentation for Application

Applicants must provide:

• Proof of citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country (passport or national ID).
• Complete transcripts for all higher education qualifications, including any courses currently being pursued.
• References from at least two individuals, signed and on institutional letterhead.
• A supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor, signed and on institutional letterhead.

Apply for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2025/2026 by 15 October 2024 and secure your opportunity to study at a leading UK university with full financial support.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships