The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2025, initiated by the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), present an outstanding opportunity for passionate and talented individuals. This scholarship is specifically designed for candidates from high-income Commonwealth countries, enabling them to pursue doctoral studies at prestigious UK institutions. It equips scholars with the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet sustainable development goals, driving top-tier graduates towards quality-focused research.
The 2024 Commonwealth Scholarship seeks to foster inclusivity, welcoming candidates from various cultural, racial, and economic backgrounds through a non-discriminatory policy. As a fully-funded scholarship, it encourages collaboration and cooperation among international participants, ensuring that even those with limited financial means can access this opportunity through a merit-based selection process. The scholarship’s mission is to address the development needs of Commonwealth nations by supporting research that can significantly impact their progress.
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship is available across six key development themes: science and technology for development, health systems and capacity building, global prosperity, peace, security, and governance, crisis resilience, and ensuring access, inclusion, and opportunity. This UK-based scholarship enhances candidates’ academic careers, refining their skills and adding substantial value to their professional trajectories.
In addition to financial support, the scholarship provides a monthly stipend and family allowances, allowing scholars to focus on their studies while also engaging with world-class mentors. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission aligns this initiative with international development goals, promoting British national interests and supporting future leaders and innovators.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2025-26:
Host Country: United Kingdom
Host Universities: UK Universities
Funded by: UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Degree Level: PhD
Duration: 3 years
Benefits:
- Full financial support for scholars
- Coverage of airfare from the home country to the UK and return
- Approved tuition fees and a monthly stipend (£1,378 or £1,690)
- Warm clothing allowance (if needed)
- Study travel grants within or outside the UK
- Family allowances for dependents
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen, refugee, or permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth country
- Available to begin studies by September 2025
- Must hold at least a second-class upper degree or a combination of a second-class degree and a Master’s
- Must not be registered for a PhD before September/October 2025
- Demonstrate financial need to study in the UK
- Provide all required documents in the proper format
- Disabled applicants may receive additional financial support
Application Process:
- Apply via the CSC online system.
- Also apply through a nominating agency, university, or NGO.
- Each nominator may have additional requirements and deadlines.
- Nominations are forwarded to CSC, but selection is not guaranteed.
- Results will be announced by July 2025.
Selection Criteria:
- Academic merit
- Quality of the study plan
- Potential impact on home country development
Required Documents:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
- Up to 10 publications or awards
- Employment relevance statement (up to 300 words)
- Reference letters
- Passport or national ID
Application Deadline:
5 October 2024.
