Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are for candidates from least developed countries and fragile states in the Commonwealth, for full-time doctoral study at a UK university. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth PhD Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. These scholarships are offered under six themes:
Eligible Commonwealth countries are: Bangladesh, Cameroon, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, The Gambia, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia.
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria set out by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission (CSC) and should also meet our entry requirements.
Applicants must first apply for our PhD programme following our usual application procedures. Successful candidates will be made an offer conditional on obtaining funding for their PhD programme.
Applicants must then also apply for the scholarship. Applications will need to be submitted through a nominating body. Applicants must check with the nominating body for their specific advice and rules for applying, their own eligibility criteria, and their own closing date for applications.
In addition, applicants must make their application using the CSC's online application system. Applications for 2023/24 academic year are now closed.
Please refer to the Commonwealth Scholarships website for full details on the scholarships and application process.