The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026-27 in the UK offer fully funded opportunities for students from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue their doctoral studies. These prestigious scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and other allowances, making them a significant opportunity for high-achieving students. Open to candidates across various disciplines, the scholarships aim to promote sustainable development and academic excellence.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026-27 are specifically designed for students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The scholarship supports full-time PhD programs at top UK universities, helping scholars enhance their research skills and academic networks. The selection process emphasizes academic qualifications, research objectives, and the potential impact of the candidate’s research on their home country. This fully funded scholarship ensures recipients can focus entirely on their research and professional development without financial concerns.
The scholarships are highly competitive, and applicants are encouraged to highlight their academic achievements, leadership potential, and future contributions to sustainable development. With a focus on global impact, this scholarship program not only helps students achieve their educational goals but also supports the development of research capacity in their home countries. You can also apply for the President’s PhD Scholarships 2026 at Imperial College London
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026-27 Details:
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Host University: UK Universities
- Funded by: Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- Study Level: PhD
- Program Duration: 3 Years
- Eligibility: International Students
Benefits of the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026:
- The scholarship covers airfare to and from the UK.
- Scholars receive a monthly stipend of £1,378 or £1,690 if studying in London.
- Full tuition fees are covered, with no cost to the scholars.
- A warm clothing allowance is provided where applicable.
- A study travel grant is available for UK or overseas travel related to studies.
Family Allowances:
- £297 per month for a spouse (conditions apply).
- £297 for the first child, £146 for each additional child.
- Single parents receive £590 for the first child and £146 for additional children under 16.
- Disability support is available after assessment.
- This fully funded scholarship is a valuable opportunity for international scholars.
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Eligibility Criteria of Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026-27:
- Must be a citizen, permanent resident, or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Must be available to start studies in the UK by September 2026.
- Must hold at least an upper second-class honors degree or a second-class degree with a Master’s by September 2026. Justification is required if applying for a second UK Master’s degree.
- Must not be registered for an MPhil or PhD in the UK or elsewhere before September/October 2026.
- Must demonstrate financial need for UK study.
- Must submit all required documents in the correct format.
- Disabled candidates may receive additional financial support after assessment.
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Selection Criteria:
- Academic Merit: Strong academic record.
- Research Proposal: Relevant and feasible.
- Impact: Benefits home country.
- Leadership: Demonstrated leadership skills.
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- CV or Resume
- Undergraduate and postgraduate degree certificates
- Up to 10 publications and prizes
- Statement of relevance on employment (up to 300 words)
- Letter of reference
- Scanned copy of passport or national identity card
Deadline:
The application deadline to apply for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026-27 in the UK is 14 October 2025.
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How to apply for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026-27?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria for the scholarship.
- Prepare Documents: Gather required documents including academic certificates, research proposals, and references.
- Submit Application: Apply through the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) online application system.
- Complete Research Proposal: Ensure your research proposal aligns with Commonwealth development goals.
- Obtain References: Secure and submit academic references as specified.
- Proof of Financial Need: Provide evidence demonstrating your inability to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
- Follow Deadlines: Adhere to application deadlines and ensure all documents are submitted in the correct format.
- Await Selection: After submission, wait for notification on selection and further instructions.
