The 2026 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships offer a fully funded doctoral study opportunity at top UK universities for talented candidates from least developed and vulnerable Commonwealth countries.
The scholarships are jointly funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and UK universities, supporting world-class research and leadership development. The award covers tuition fees, travel costs, and provides a monthly living stipend of up to £1,781.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | £1,781 per month | Airfare Tickets
- Deadline: October 21, 2025
Scholarship Details
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026, funded by the UK Department for Education (DfE), aim to support high-quality graduates from low-income and vulnerable Commonwealth nations in pursuing impactful research related to sustainable development.
Operating under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), this program reaffirms the UK’s long-standing commitment to educational collaboration within the Commonwealth. It seeks to strengthen teaching, research, and institutional capacity in participating countries, while fostering academic partnerships that benefit both the UK and developing nations.
The scholarship is intended for graduates who demonstrate exceptional academic merit and leadership potential, and who are committed to conducting development-oriented research with long-term benefits for their home countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to begin academic studies in the UK by September 2026.
- Hold by September 2026 a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant Master’s qualification.
- Not be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at a UK university or in their home country prior to September/October 2026.
- Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
- Have submitted all supporting documents in the required format before the deadline.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful candidates will receive a comprehensive financial package that includes:
- Approved airfare from their home country to the UK and return at the end of the program.
- Full tuition coverage, agreed upon by the CSC and the host university.
- Monthly stipend (living allowance) of £1,452, or £1,781 for students based in London.
- Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
- Study travel grant for approved research-related travel within or outside the UK.
- Fieldwork allowance, covering the cost of one economy return flight to the fieldwork location.
- Paid mid-term visit airfare to the scholar’s home country (conditions apply).
- Child allowance for single parents or widowed/divorced scholars: £622 per month for the first child, and £154 per month for the second and third children under 16 living with them in the UK.
- Additional financial support for scholars with disabilities, following an assessment by the CSC.
Required Documents
Applicants must upload the following documents to the online application system:
- Proof of citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country (e.g., valid passport or national ID).
- Full academic transcripts for all higher education qualifications (certified English translations required if applicable).
- References from at least two individuals, signed and on institutional letterhead (or sent via official institutional email).
- Supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor, signed and on institutional letterhead or official email.
- Unconditional or conditional offer letter (conditional only on funding) for the 2026 UK academic year from at least one of the institutions listed on the application.
How to Apply
To apply for the 2026 Commonwealth PhD Scholarship, applicants must:
- Submit their applications via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s (CSC) online application system.
- Note that the CSC will not accept applications or documents submitted outside the online system.
- Apply as early as possible, as the system experiences heavy traffic near the deadline.
- Apply through an official nominator, as direct applications are not accepted.
There are three types of approved nominators:
- National nominating agencies – the main route of application.
- Selected universities or university bodies – which may nominate their own academic staff.
- Approved non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and charitable bodies.
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