The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, a transformative study in UK initiative funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), invites international students from Commonwealth countries to pursue fully funded PhD programs at top UK universities. Managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), this fully funded PhD UK program engages 200+ scholars annually, fostering global development trailblazers who drive sustainable innovation through a transformative research odyssey. Operating under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) since 1959, it supports doctoral research in fields like Science and Technology, Global Health, and Public Policy, aligning with international development goals.

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships empower scholars to address global challenges across six CSC development themes: Science and Technology for Development, Strengthening Health Systems, Promoting Global Prosperity, Strengthening Peace and Governance, Enhancing Crisis Resilience, and Promoting Access and Inclusion. Scholars conduct impact-driven research at institutions like University of Oxford, Imperial College London, and University College London, collaborating with world-class mentors on projects tackling climate change, healthcare access, and economic equity. Since 1960, over 30,000 scholars have benefited, with 27% leading development initiatives in their home countries post-graduation.

The program promotes cross-cultural synergy and inclusivity. Scholars connect with peers, faculty, and global experts from over 50 Commonwealth nations, engaging in research symposiums, policy workshops, and cultural exchanges through CSC networks. The non-discriminatory framework encourages diverse perspectives, with 52% of 2021 scholars being female and 72 disabled scholars supported since 2018. Campus events, like London Science Festival, Edinburgh Fringe, or Oxford’s Encaenia, enrich the dynamic academic experience, with 34% of scholars forming global professional networks. Partnerships with 60+ UK universities and 200+ international institutions enhance research collaborations.

Studying in London, Oxford, Cambridge, or Manchester, scholars embark on a transformative research odyssey, exploring landmarks like Tower Bridge, Radcliffe Camera, or Whitworth Art Gallery, immersing in the UK’s cultural vibrancy. Events such as Notting Hill Carnival, Glastonbury Festival, or Birmingham Literature Festival deepen engagement. UK campuses, with advanced labs, libraries, and innovation hubs, support a global academic immersion, enhanced by connectivity to Paris and Amsterdam. The UK’s safe, cosmopolitan environment (QS Best Student Cities 2025) complements academic pursuits.

Join a global cohort to champion research excellence, embrace UK cultural diversity, and shape a sustainable future with the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships!

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships:

Host Country:

•United Kingdom

Host University:

•UK Universities

Funded by:

•The UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Degree Level:

•PhD

Program Duration:

•The duration of the UK Commonwealth Scholarship for PhD students is 3 years.

Eligible Courses:

•Water Management for Development.
•Online Teaching.
•Human Rights.
•Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion.
•Educational Leadership in Practice.
•Gerontology.
•Global Ageing and Policy.

Benefits of the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships in UK:

•It is a globally extensive scholarship program catering to multiple development themes.

•It provides complete financial assistance to those who cannot otherwise afford to study in the UK.

•It provides approved airfare from the home country to the UK and then the UK to the hometown after the award.

•It provides approved tuition fees and a stipend of £1,378 per month, or £1,690 per month.

•It facilitates students with a warm clothing allowance if required.

•It provides students with study travel grants within or outside the UK.

Family Allowances:
•If you’re living with your spouse (no children), you can get £297 per month for up to nine months. (If your spouse also has a scholarship, this doesn’t apply, and
other conditions may apply.)

•If you’re living with your spouse and children, you get £297 per month for your spouse, £297 for your first child, and £146 for each additional child under 16. (If your spouse also has a scholarship, other conditions apply.)

•If you’re a single parent, widowed, or divorced, you can receive £590 per month for your first child and £146 for each additional child under 16, as long as they live with you in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria of Commonwealth PhD Scholarships:

1. An applicant must be a native or a refugee of eligible Commonwealth countries.

2. An applicant must be a permanent resident of eligible Commonwealth countries.

3. An applicant must be available for study in the UK by the beginning of the UK academic calendar.

4. A candidate must possess a first degree of at least upper second-class honors standard, or a second-class degree and a master’s degree. If an applicant is applying for a second UK Master’s degree, he must provide a reasonable justification because CSC does not fund such degrees.

5. A candidate must not be registered for an MPhil or Ph.D. degree at UK University or any other native university.

6. An applicant must provide evidence that he might not otherwise afford to study in the UK.

7. An applicant must have provided all the necessary documents in the required format.

8. If a candidate is declared disabled, additional financial support will be provided after a thorough assessment.

9. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.

Selection Criteria of the UK Commonwealth Scholarship:

•An applicant will be selected based on the following criteria:
•Academic merit.
•Quality of the Study Plan.
•Prospective Effect on the development of the home country.

Documents Required for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships:

1. Recommendation letter (if available).

2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of master’s degree.

3. Academic transcript of master’s program (if required).

4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).

5. CV (if required).

6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).

7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.

8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).

9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).

10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).

11. Up to 10 publications and prizes.

12. Statement of relevance on employment (up to 300 words).

Scholarship Deadline:

• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.

• The registration for 2026 is open with a tentative deadline in October 2025.

Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.