The application details for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships have been published. All eligible and interested applicants are required to apply online before the deadline, which is the closing date of 2024. International students who wish to pursue their Bachelor’s Degree in the UK are highly encouraged to apply for this scholarship. It is available for the academic session of 2024.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships Application Details
Suitably qualified candidates from the least developed countries and fragile states in the Commonwealth are invited to apply for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for the academic year 2024/2025. These scholarships are offered for full-time doctoral studies at a UK university, and they are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The Commonwealth PhD scholarships aim to contribute to the development needs of Commonwealth countries by supporting research that will have a positive impact on their development.
Scholarship Sponsor(s): UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Scholarship Type: Full Funding
Host Institution(s): UK Universities
Scholarship Worth: See Scholarship Benefits (below)
Number of Awards: Several
Study Level: Postgraduate (PhD)
Nationality: Commonwealth Countries
Eligibility Criteria
For the 2024/2025 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
– Must be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country or have been granted refugee status or be a British Protected Person.
– Must be a permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth country.
– Must be able to start their academic studies in the UK by September 2024.
– By September 2024, must have completed a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard, or hold a second class degree (2:2) along with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree.
– Should NOT be enrolled in a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university or in their home country before September/October 2024.
– Must be unable to finance their studies in the UK without the scholarship.
– Must have submitted all supporting documentation in the required format.
Scholarship Benefits
- The following are the details and benefits offered to scholars who are selected for the scholarship program:
1. The cost of the airfare from the home country to the UK and back will be covered by the scholarship. However, the cost of travel for dependents or any travel made before the confirmation of the award will not be reimbursed.
2. The scholarship will cover the full tuition fee, and the scholars will not be required to pay for any part of the tuition fee.
3. A stipend will be provided to the scholars to cover their living expenses. The stipend rate is £1,347 per month, and for scholars studying at universities in the London metropolitan area, the rate is £1,652 per month.
4. Scholars will be given a warm clothing allowance if applicable.
5. A study travel grant will be provided to cover the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
6. The scholarship will also provide financial assistance towards the cost of fieldwork undertaken overseas. This will cover the cost of one economy class return airfare to the fieldwork location, subject to approval.
7. A mid-term visit to the Scholar’s home country (airfare) will be paid, unless they have claimed or intend to claim spouse and/or child allowances during their scholarship or have received a return airfare to their home country for fieldwork.
8. Family allowances will be provided to scholars who are accompanied by their spouse or children. The following are the rates for the allowances:
– If a Scholar is accompanied by their spouse but no children: spouse allowance of £290 per month for a maximum period of nine months, if they and their spouse are living together at the same address in the UK (unless the spouse is also in receipt of a scholarship; other conditions also apply).
– If a Scholar is accompanied by their spouse and children: spouse allowance of £290 per month and child allowance of £290 per month for the first child, and £143 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if their spouse and children are living with them at the same address in the UK (unless their spouse is also in receipt of a scholarship; other conditions also apply).
– If a Scholar is accompanied by their children but no spouse: child allowance of £576.61 per month for the first child, and £143 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if their children are living with them at the same address in the UK.
Application Procedures
Interested applicants for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2024/2025 are to complete an online application using the CSC’s online application system. Candidates must apply to one of the below-nominating agencies as well as to the CSC. Nominating agencies will then put forward candidates to the CSC.
- National nominating agencies – this is the main route of application.
- Selected universities/university bodies – which can nominate their own academic staff
- Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies.
Each nominating agency oversees its own selection process and may have additional eligibility criteria. Candidates must check with the nominating agency for their specific advice and rules for applying, and their own eligibility criteria. Nominating agencies may set their own closing date for applications.
Supporting Documents:
- Proof that the applicant is a citizen or has refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country: a copy of a valid passport (or national ID card) showing a photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship
- Full transcripts detailing all higher education qualifications, including to-date transcripts for any courses currently being studied, with certified translations if not in English
- References from at least two individuals on institutional letterhead
- Supporting statement on institutional letterhead from a proposed supervisor in the UK from at least one of the institutions named on the application form.