Fully financed Commonwealth PhD scholarship in the UK for 2024–2025, along with information on how to apply online and the requirements, eligibility, interview, questions, sample, and application closing date.
Application Deadline: 15 October 2024.
Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships. Applications for full-time PhD study at a UK university are welcome from applicants from the Commonwealth’s least developed nations and vulnerable governments, as defined by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC). The UK government’s scholarship program, which is focused on international development goals, is offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). It is a striking illustration of the UK’s ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth, and functions within the parameters of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).
The Commonwealth PhD scholarship application details have been released in this publication. All qualified and interested candidates should submit an online application before the application deadline, which is the closing date of 2024.
We encourage international students to apply for this chance if they wish to complete their bachelor’s degree programme in the UK. The scholarship will be given out for the academic year 2024–2025.
Scholarship Overview:
Applications for full-time PhD study at a UK university are welcome from applicants from the Commonwealth’s least developed nations and fragile states, as defined by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC).
The UK government’s scholarship program, which is focused on international development goals, is offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). It is a striking illustration of the UK’s ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth, and functions within the parameters of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). The work of the CSC integrates sustainable development with the UK national interest and offers opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration by drawing individuals with exceptional talent and identifiable potential from all backgrounds and assisting them in becoming leaders and innovators upon their return home.
Purpose: Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth PhD scholarships contribute to the development needs of Commonwealth countries by supporting research that will have a developmental impact. They also enhance individual teaching and research capacity, leading to increased institutional capacity in academic and other sectors in Commonwealth countries, and will contribute to UK higher education and research by attracting high-ceilinged international applicants and encouraging links and collaboration. They are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
Intended beneficiaries: Commonwealth PhD scholarships are for high-quality graduates who have the potential to undertake world-class research of a developmental nature and to become influential leaders, teachers, or researchers in their home countries.
Commonwealth PhD Application Details 2024-2025
This scholarship is available for the academic session of 2024-2025.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2024–2025. The Commonwealth scholarships are for candidates from least-developed countries and fragile states in the Commonwealth for full-time doctoral study at a UK university.
Through funding research that will have an impact on development, Commonwealth PhD scholarships—funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO)—help Commonwealth nations meet their development needs.
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
To be considered for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2024-2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to start academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2024.
- By September 2024, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard, or a second class degree (2:2) and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).
- NOT be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at a UK university or in your home country before September or October 2024.
- You will be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
- I have provided all supporting documentation in the required format
- Scholarship Benefits
Scholarship benefits can vary widely depending on the sponsoring organization, the type of scholarship, and the specific criteria set by the scholarship provider. However, here are some of the common benefits that many scholarships offer:
- Financial Support: The most obvious benefit of a scholarship is financial assistance. Scholarships can cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other educational expenses. Additionally, some might offer a stipend to cover living costs.
- Reduced Financial Burden: Scholarships help reduce the overall financial burden on students and their families, making education more accessible to those who may not have the means to fund their studies independently.
- Merit Recognition: Many scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, or other merits. Receiving a scholarship is a recognition of a student’s accomplishments and capabilities.
- Enhanced Opportunities: Some scholarships come with additional opportunities, such as internships, mentorship programs, or networking events. These experiences can contribute to a student’s overall education and career development.
- Motivation: Knowing that one has earned a scholarship can serve as a motivational factor for students to excel academically and actively participate in various activities.
- Resume Enhancement: Scholarships can enhance a student’s resume, making them more competitive in the job market after graduation. It reflects a commitment to excellence and dedication to personal and academic growth.
- Community recognition: Scholarships often bring recognition not only to the recipient but also to the educational institution and the community. It’s a way of showcasing the talent and potential within a particular group or region.
- Access to Education: For many students, scholarships provide access to education that might otherwise be unattainable. This is particularly important for promoting diversity and inclusivity in educational institutions.
- Career Advancement: Some scholarships are specifically designed for certain fields of study or career paths. These scholarships can help students pursue education and training in areas that align with their career goals.
- Personal Development: Beyond academics, scholarships can contribute to a student’s personal development by fostering skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication.
It’s essential for students to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the scholarship they receive in order to fully grasp the benefits associated with it. Additionally, maintaining any specified eligibility criteria is crucial to continuing to receive the scholarship throughout the academic period.
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 up-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.
That being said, if you have any questions about Commonwealth PhD 2024/2025, kindly leave a comment below, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
