The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship 2026 offers high-achieving students from eligible Commonwealth countries a chance to pursue doctoral studies in the United Kingdom. Funded by the UK Department for Education (DfE) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), the program supports world-class research with global impact.

Scholarship Summary
Host Country: United Kingdom
Study Level: PhD (Doctoral)
Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Member States
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Benefits: Full tuition, airfare, and monthly stipends up to £1,781
Deadline: October 21, 2025

Scholarship Details
The CSC aims to strengthen research and leadership capacity in developing Commonwealth nations while building international collaboration. Recipients are expected to contribute to sustainable development and return home to apply their expertise in teaching, policy, or research.

The program is open to outstanding graduates capable of conducting development-focused, world-class research. Scholars benefit from academic supervision in UK universities and access to global research networks.

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:

• Be a citizen of, or hold refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be permanently resident in an eligible country.
• Begin study in the UK by September 2026.
• Hold a first-class or upper second-class degree (2:1), or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant master’s.
• Not be registered for a PhD or MPhil-to-PhD in the UK or home country.
• Be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship.
• Provide all supporting documents before the deadline.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fees covered by the CSC and host university.
• Approved return airfare to and from the UK.
• Monthly stipend: £1,452, or £1,781 for scholars in London.
• Warm clothing allowance where applicable.
• Study travel grant for academic-related travel.
• Fieldwork support, including one economy return airfare.
• Paid mid-term visit to the home country (under specific conditions).
• Child allowance of £622 per month for the first child, and £154 for the second and third (if applicable).
• Disability support based on assessed needs.

Required Documents
Applicants must submit:

• A valid passport or national ID showing citizenship.
• Certified academic transcripts (with English translations if necessary).
• Two references signed and on institutional letterhead.
• A supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor.
• An offer letter from the UK university (conditional on finance or unconditional).

How to Apply

1. Apply online via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s system.
2. Submit all required documents before the deadline.
3. Apply through an approved nominating body. Eligible nominators include:
   • National nominating agencies (main route).
   • Selected UK universities or university bodies.
   • Recognized NGOs or charitable organizations.
4. Complete both applications early, as the CSC portal experiences heavy traffic before the deadline.

Deadline: October 21, 2025