The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026 are open to talented students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. These fully funded scholarships give outstanding candidates the chance to study full-time for a PhD at a UK university.
The program, offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), aims to support future leaders, researchers, and innovators who will use their knowledge to drive development in their home countries.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | United Kingdom (UK) |
| Level of Study | PhD (Doctoral Studies) |
| Eligible Applicants | Citizens of low and middle-income Commonwealth countries |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Benefits | Tuition, airfare, living stipend, family support, research allowance |
| Deadline | October 14, 2025 |
About the Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) runs the UK government’s main international scholarship program. It is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and works under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).
The aim is to attract bright minds from across the Commonwealth, provide them with advanced education in the UK, and equip them to return home as leaders in research, innovation, and development.
Benefits of the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
Each scholarship covers the full cost of study and living in the UK, including:
- Airfare: Return flight from home country to the UK
- Tuition Fees: Fully covered (no cost to the scholar)
- Living Stipend:
- £1,452 per month (outside London)
- £1,781 per month (London universities)
- Warm clothing allowance (if needed)
- Study travel grant for UK or overseas research trips
- Fieldwork support, including airfare for overseas research
- Paid mid-term visit to scholar’s home country (conditions apply)
- Family Support:
- Spouse allowance: £313 per month (up to 9 months)
- Child allowance: £313 per month for the first child, £154 for the second and third child
- For single parents: £622 per month for the first child, £154 for additional children
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country or hold refugee status
- Permanently reside in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Be ready to begin studies in September 2026
- Hold at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree or a 2:2 plus a Master’s degree
- Not be registered for a PhD in the UK or their home country before September 2026
- Unable to afford studying in the UK without this scholarship
- Provide all required supporting documents in the correct format
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following with their online application:
- Valid passport or national ID (showing photo, date of birth, and citizenship)
- Full academic transcripts (with English translations if necessary)
- Two academic references (signed, PDF, on official letterhead or with sender’s details)
- A supporting statement from a potential UK supervisor (signed and official)
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed based on:
- Academic merit and previous achievements
- Quality of the research proposal
- Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country
Application Deadline
- October 14, 2025
How to Apply
- Applications must be made online via the CSC Central application system.
- Select your proposed course and university in the UK.
- Submit all required documents before the deadline.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for further evaluation.
Apply for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026
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