Applications are now open for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/2028, offering fully funded opportunities for eligible candidates from least developed countries and vulnerable states in the Commonwealth to pursue doctoral studies at universities in the United Kingdom. Interested applicants can take advantage of the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships to advance their research careers.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these Commonwealth scholarships support talented researchers whose work can contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. The awards cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel and other approved study-related costs.
SUMMARY:
- Scholarship Sponsor: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Host Institutions: Approved UK Universities
- Scholarship Worth: Full Tuition + £1,712–£2,000 Monthly Stipend
- Number of Awards: Several
- Study Level: Postgraduate (PhD)
- Eligible Countries: Selected Commonwealth Countries
- Study Destination: United Kingdom
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Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/2028 | Programme Overview
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) to support outstanding graduates undertaking research with the potential to improve development outcomes in their home countries.
The scholarships provide funding for 36 months of full-time doctoral study, beginning in September or October 2027, at approved UK universities.
Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, a strong research proposal and the potential to contribute to sustainable development after completing their studies.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/2028, applicants must:
- Be citizens of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, or be British Protected Persons.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to commence studies in the UK in September/October 2027.
- Hold at least a second-class upper (2:1) undergraduate degree or a second-class lower (2:2) degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a master’s degree, by September 2027.
- Not have been registered for a PhD or an MPhil leading to a PhD before September/October 2026.
- Demonstrate that they cannot afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
- Submit all required supporting documents before the application deadline.
Eligible Countries
The scholarships are available to applicants from the following countries:
Bangladesh, The Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda and Zambia.
Applicants must also satisfy any additional requirements established by their nominating agency.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive:
- Full tuition fees at an approved UK university.
- Monthly living stipend of £1,712, or £2,000 for students studying in London, at current published rates.
- Approved return airfare between their home country and the United Kingdom.
- Study travel grants for approved academic activities.
- Financial support for approved overseas fieldwork.
- Mid-term return airfare to their home country, subject to conditions.
- Family allowances for eligible scholars with accompanying dependants.
- Additional support for scholars with disabilities, where applicable.
Family Allowances
Depending on their circumstances, eligible scholars may receive:
- Spouse allowance of £313 per month for up to nine months.
- Child allowance of £313 per month for the first child and £154 per month for the second and third children, subject to eligibility.
- Higher first-child allowances for qualifying single-parent scholars.
Family allowances are subject to specific conditions and may not cover the full cost of supporting dependants in the UK.
See Also: Top 15 Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Students
Application Procedures
How to Apply: Interested and eligible applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official Commonwealth PhD Scholarships portal.
- Review the scholarship requirements and identify suitable UK universities and potential research supervisors.
- Access the CSC Central application portal and complete the online application.
- Apply separately through an eligible nominating agency, such as the national nominating agencies or selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies.
- Upload all required academic documents, references and the supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor.
- Review and submit the completed application before the deadline.
Applicants must complete both the CSC application and the relevant nominating agency’s requirements. Nominating agencies may have earlier deadlines.
Application Documents
Applicants must provide:
- Valid passport or national identity card showing proof of citizenship.
- Complete academic transcripts for all higher education qualifications.
- At least two academic or professional references.
- Supporting statement from a proposed UK research supervisor.
- Research proposal and detailed study plan.
- Development Impact Statement explaining how the proposed research will benefit the applicant’s home country.
- Personal statement, academic achievements and career information.
References and supervisor statements must be uploaded through CSC Central in the required PDF format.
Applicants should note that missing documents or late submissions may result in disqualification.
Application Deadline
October 20, 2026 (at 16:00 BST)
