Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/2028

Applications are now open for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/2028, a fully funded doctoral scholarship programme supporting talented candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries to undertake full time PhD study at universities in the United Kingdom. The scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK.

The programme is designed for high quality graduates with the potential to undertake research that contributes to the development of their home countries. It particularly supports candidates whose proposed research addresses important development challenges and who may not otherwise be able to afford doctoral study in the UK.

Successful scholars will have the opportunity to undertake doctoral research in a world class academic environment while developing advanced research and professional skills. The programme also aims to strengthen teaching and research capacity in Commonwealth countries and build long term academic and institutional partnerships.

About the Scholarship

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are offered under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan and are intended for applicants from least developed countries and vulnerable states classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee within the Commonwealth.

The programme focuses on doctoral research with clear developmental relevance. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their proposed research can contribute to development at global, national, and local levels and how the knowledge and skills gained through the scholarship will be applied after returning home.

The scholarships support full time doctoral study at a UK university. Candidates are expected to return to their home countries after completing their scholarships and contribute to the development of their communities, institutions, and countries.

The CSC offers these scholarships across six development themes:

• Science and technology for development.

• Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

• Strengthening resilience and response to crises.

• Improving population health, health systems and capacity.

• Strengthening global peace, security and governance.

• Access, inclusion and opportunity.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful Commonwealth PhD Scholars will receive:

• Full approved tuition fees at the UK university.

• Approved return airfare between the scholar’s home country and the UK.

• A monthly living allowance of £1,712.

• A monthly living allowance of £2,000 for scholars studying at universities in the London metropolitan area.

• A study travel grant for approved study related travel within the UK or overseas.

• Support towards approved overseas fieldwork, including an economy class return airfare to the fieldwork location.

• A paid mid term visit to the scholar’s home country, subject to the applicable conditions.

• Eligible family allowances for scholars who are accompanied by their spouse or children.

• Support for eligible scholars with disabilities following an assessment of their needs.

• The opportunity to conduct high quality doctoral research in the United Kingdom.

• Opportunities to develop advanced research, academic, and professional skills.

• International academic networking and collaboration opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/2028, 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 the beginning of the UK academic year in September 2027.

• By September 2027, hold a first degree of at least upper second class honours standard, normally equivalent to a UK 2:1.

• Applicants with a lower second class degree may be considered if they also hold a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree.

• Not already be registered for a PhD or an MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university or in their home country before September or October 2026.

• Demonstrate that they would be unable to afford doctoral study in the UK without the scholarship.

• Provide all required supporting documentation in the specified format.

• Demonstrate the potential to undertake research that can contribute to development in their home country.

Required Application Information

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Details of all undergraduate and postgraduate university qualifications obtained.

• Information about employment history and the relevance of previous experience to the proposed doctoral programme.

• Details of up to 10 publications and prizes, where applicable.

• Details of three suitable referees.

• At least two completed references in the required format.

• A Development Impact statement.

• A detailed study plan.

• Information explaining the development relevance of the proposed research.

• Information explaining how the skills gained through the scholarship will be applied after completing the PhD.

• Supporting documentation required by the CSC.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on factors including:

• Academic merit.

• Quality and potential of the proposed research.

• Development impact of the proposed study.

• Potential contribution to the development of the applicant’s home country.

• The relevance of the proposed research to the CSC development themes.

• The applicant’s potential to benefit from doctoral study in the UK.

• The applicant’s ability to contribute to development after completing the scholarship.

• The strength and relevance of the applicant’s academic and professional experience.

How to Apply

To apply for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/2028:

1. Check the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission eligibility requirements and confirm that your country is included in the eligible country list.
2. Identify suitable UK universities and doctoral programmes that align with your academic background and proposed research.
3. Develop a strong research proposal that clearly demonstrates the developmental relevance of your proposed PhD.
4. Prepare your academic qualifications, employment information, publication and prize details, referee information, and other required documentation.
5. Prepare the Development Impact statement, explaining the global, national, and local relevance of your research and how you will use your skills after completing the scholarship.
6. Apply to an eligible Commonwealth nominating agency. The CSC does not accept direct applications without nomination.
7. Complete the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission application through CSC Central.
8. Upload all required supporting documents in the specified format.
9. Review the completed application carefully before submitting it, as applications cannot be edited after submission.