2026 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for Developing Countries (Fully Funded)

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026 offer talented students from least developed countries and vulnerable states the opportunity to pursue full-time doctoral study at leading UK universities.

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the program aims to support high-quality research that contributes to sustainable development while empowering scholars to become influential leaders, researchers, and educators in their home countries.

This scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and additional allowances. It represents one of the most prestigious opportunities for international students from eligible Commonwealth nations.

2026 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for Developing Countries (Fully Funded) Summary

Scholarship Benefits

Successful candidates will receive comprehensive funding, including:

• Full tuition fees (covered by agreement between CSC and the UK university).
• Return airfare from home country to the UK.
• Monthly living allowance:
  • £1,452 per month (universities outside London).
  • £1,781 per month (London metropolitan area).
• Warm clothing allowance (where applicable).
• Study travel grant for UK or overseas academic-related travel.
• Fieldwork support, including airfare to approved research locations.
• Paid mid-term home visit (except if claiming spouse/child allowances).
• Family support:
  • £622 per month for the first child.
  • £154 per month for the second and third child (under 16).
• Special disability support, based on individual assessments.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth PhD Scholarship, applicants must:

1. Be a citizen, refugee, or British Protected Person from an eligible Commonwealth country.
2. Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
3. Be available to start studies in the UK by September 2026.
4. Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, or a lower second-class degree with a Master’s qualification.
5. Not be registered for a PhD (or an MPhil leading to a PhD) at a UK university or in their home country before September 2026.
6. Be unable to afford UK studies without this scholarship.
7. Provide all required supporting documents in the correct format.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents via the CSC application portal:

• Copy of a valid passport or national ID (showing citizenship and date of birth).
• Full academic transcripts, including certified English translations (if applicable).
• Two references on institutional letterhead, signed and in PDF format.
• Supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor at one of the listed institutions.
• Unconditional/conditional admission offer (conditional only on funding) from a UK university.

Note: Applications without complete documentation by the deadline will be considered ineligible.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Academic merit of the candidate.
• Research quality and feasibility of the proposed study.
• Potential impact on development in the candidate’s home country.

Duration of the Scholarship

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship supports candidates for the full duration of their doctoral study in the UK, typically three to four years depending on the program and research field.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Apply through the CSC Online Portal:
   • All applications must be submitted through the official CSC application system.
   • Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
2. Secure a Nominator:
   Applicants must be nominated by one of the following:
   • National Nominating Agencies (main route).
   • Selected universities/university bodies.
   • Approved NGOs and charitable organisations.
3. Upload Supporting Documents:
   Ensure all required academic transcripts, references, and supervisor statements are provided before submission.
4. Submit Before Deadline:
   The final application deadline is October 14, 2025.

Apply Here via the CSC Online Portal

FAQs

1. Who is eligible for this scholarship?

The scholarship is open to applicants from eligible Commonwealth developing countries, least developed countries, and vulnerable states, including refugees and British Protected Persons.

2. Can I apply without an admission offer from a UK university?

Yes, but you must have at least one supporting statement from a UK supervisor. Admission offers are highly recommended and may strengthen your application.

3. What costs are not covered by the scholarship?

The scholarship does not cover dependent travel costs or personal expenses outside of the allowances provided.

4. Can I bring my family with me?

Yes. The CSC provides child allowances for up to three children under 16, but spouse allowances may vary.

5. How competitive is this scholarship?

Highly competitive. Only candidates with outstanding academic merit, impactful research proposals, and strong references are selected.

6. When will the results be announced?

Applicants are typically notified by March–April 2026 about the outcome of their application.

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