The 2026 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are fully funded opportunities for applicants from the least developed and vulnerable Commonwealth countries to pursue full-time doctoral studies at UK universities. Funded by the UK Department for Education (DfE) and managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), these scholarships aim to support research with a developmental impact, fostering leadership and institutional capacity in scholars’ home countries.
When is the Application Deadline:
October 21, 2025
Tell Me About The Award:
The 2026 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, funded by the UK Department for Education (DfE) and managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), support full-time doctoral study at UK universities for applicants from least developed and vulnerable Commonwealth countries. The scholarships aim to foster world-class research with developmental impact, enhance teaching and research capacity, and build institutional links in Commonwealth countries.
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Research must align with one of the six CSC Development Themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting global prosperity
- Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion, and opportunity
Type:
Fully-funded PhD scholarship
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to start studies in the UK by September 2026.
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s) by September 2026.
- Not be registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD in the UK or home country before September/October 2026.
- Be unable to afford UK study without this scholarship.
- Provide all required documentation in the specified format.
- Note: Disabled applicants without a 2:1 degree may be considered via the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF) nominator.
How are Applicants Selected?
- Applicants apply through the CSC’s online system and a nominator (national nominating agency, selected university/university body, or non-governmental/charitable organization).
- Nominators select candidates based on their own criteria and forward nominations to the CSC by December 2025.
- The CSC evaluates nominations based on academic merit, research quality, and potential developmental impact.
- Outcomes are communicated by July 2026.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Bangladesh, Cameroon, The Gambia, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Zambia
Where will the Award be Taken?
United Kingdom (at a UK university)
How Many Awards?
The number of awards is not specified but is subject to the CSC’s selection from nominations.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend: £1,452 (or £1,781 in London metropolitan area)
- Approved airfare to/from the UK
- Warm clothing allowance
- Study travel grant
- Fieldwork provision (economy class return airfare)
- Paid mid-term visit to home country
- Child allowances (£622/month for first child, £154/month for second/third child under 16, if applicable)
- Disability support (after assessment, if applicable)
How Long Will the Award Last?
Typically up to 3-4 years, covering the duration of the PhD program.
How to Apply:
- Apply via the CSC’s online application system (CSC Central) using two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Prepare answers offline and submit early to avoid system congestion.
- Apply to a nominator (national nominating agency, selected university/university body, or non-governmental/charitable organization) and check their specific eligibility and deadlines.
- Submit required documents: proof of citizenship/refugee status, full transcripts, two references, a supporting statement from a UK supervisor, and an unconditional (or finance-conditional) offer for 2026.
- Save the Application Reference Number and passcode from the confirmation email.
- Note: Direct applications to the CSC are not accepted; nomination is required.
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
CSC Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
