Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (FCDO)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Citizens (or refugees) of Bangladesh, The Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda or Zambia, living there; a good master's degree; unable to afford UK study otherwise. You must apply through a nominating agency, not directly to the CSC.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK, Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (and Commonwealth Split-Site PhD Scholarships for candidates registered at home-country universities in countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan) fund 3-year doctoral research (or 12-month split-site UK lab residencies) across six CSC development themes: Science & Technology for Development, Health Systems, Global Prosperity, Peace & Governance, Resilience/Climate Crisis, and Inclusion.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Citizens (or refugees) of Bangladesh, The Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda or Zambia, living there; a good master's degree; unable to afford UK study otherwise. You must apply through a nominating agency, not directly to the CSC.
2. Note the deadline. Oct (annual; the 2027/28 round closed on 20 Oct 2026 at 16:00 BST - nominating agencies set earlier dates; the next round is expected to open around Aug – Sep 2027) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Supervisor Support Statement: Mandatory supporting statement from a prospective PhD supervisor at at least one UK university confirming research fit.; Development Impact Statement (4-Part): Detailed explanation of how the doctoral research addresses global/national development goals at local, national, and global scales, and how impact will be measured.; Research Proposal & Methodology: Rigorous doctoral research plan written for both specialist and non-specialist reviewers.; Academic Transcripts & 2 References: Certified Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts plus 2 academic reference letters submitted via the CSC Central Application System, alongside National Nominating Agency application (e.g., UGC/MoE in Bangladesh, HEC in Pakistan, MoE in India)..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Academic Merit of the Candidate (30%) + Quality of Research Proposal & UK Supervisor Alignment (30%) + Potential Development Impact on the Home Country (40%), vetted jointly by the Home Country Nominating Agency and UK CSC Advisers.

Profile of past winners

Doctoral researchers who secure early backing from a UK professor before September and frame their PhD thesis around solving a concrete agricultural, climate, public health, or engineering bottleneck in their home Commonwealth nation.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
4. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
5. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
6. Support your financial-need statement with clear documents and keep the numbers consistent across forms.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships?

Citizens (or refugees) of Bangladesh, The Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda or Zambia, living there; a good master's degree; unable to afford UK study otherwise. You must apply through a nominating agency, not directly to the CSC.

What does Commonwealth PhD Scholarships cover?

Full tuition fees, return airfare, monthly stipend (GBP 1,712; GBP 2,000 in London), study travel grant, fieldwork airfare and a paid mid-term home visit; 36 months of full-time study

When is the deadline for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships?

Oct (annual; the 2027/28 round closed on 20 Oct 2026 at 16:00 BST - nominating agencies set earlier dates; the next round is expected to open around Aug – Sep 2027) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Commonwealth PhD Scholarships?

Host countries: United Kingdom.

What documents do I need for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships?

Supervisor Support Statement: Mandatory supporting statement from a prospective PhD supervisor at at least one UK university confirming research fit.; Development Impact Statement (4-Part): Detailed explanation of how the doctoral research addresses global/national development goals at local, national, and global scales, and how impact will be measured.; Research Proposal & Methodology: Rigorous doctoral research plan written for both specialist and non-specialist reviewers.; Academic Transcripts & 2 References: Certified Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts plus 2 academic reference letters submitted via the CSC Central Application System, alongside National Nominating Agency application (e.g., UGC/MoE in Bangladesh, HEC in Pakistan, MoE in India)..

How are applicants selected for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships?

Academic Merit of the Candidate (30%) + Quality of Research Proposal & UK Supervisor Alignment (30%) + Potential Development Impact on the Home Country (40%), vetted jointly by the Home Country Nominating Agency and UK CSC Advisers.

How much work is the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships application?

Very High: UK Doctoral Supervisor Support Statement + Development Impact Statement + CSC Application + National Agency Nomination