Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

These scholarships are offered by the and funded by the UK Department for International Development. They are for students from least-developed Commonwealth countries and vulnerable states who want to study for a PhD in the UK. 

This scholarship covers: 

  • your tuition fees
  • return travel costs
  • a monthly stipend
  • an allowances package 

Candidates will be chosen based on: 

  • academic merit of the candidate 
  • quality of the plan of study 
  • potential impact on the development of the candidate’s home country 

 

Eligibility 

You must:  

  • be a , a citizen, or a refugee in, one of the eligible countries and live there
  • be available to start your studies in September 2026
  • not be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at either a UK university, in your home country or elsewhere before September 2026
  • have the support of a potential supervisor from at least one UK university listed in your application form
  • be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship
  • provide all supporting documentation in the required format 

You must also have either a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours or a second class degree (2:2) and a relevant postgraduate qualification (a master’s degree) by September 2026. 

 

Eligible courses 

This scholarship is for study across a range of subject areas. It is offered to students whose studies fall under one of these 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 

 

Eligible countries 

  • Bangladesh
  • Cameroon
  • Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • Lesotho
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Rwanda
  • Sierra Leone
  • Solomon Islands
  • Sri Lanka
  • Tanzania
  • The Gambia
  • Togo
  • Tuvalu
  • Uganda
  • Zambia 

 

Deadline for applying 

14 October 2025 at 4pm UK time

How to apply  

1. Applications to the CSC must be made using the application system, .  As well as applying to the CSC, applicant must apply through your local or . 

2. Apply for your PhD programme at Southampton, stating that you wish to be considered for Commonwealth Scholarship funding. 

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission provides .