Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for high income countries

Please note the application deadline for this scholarship has now closed, the details on this webpage are for reference only.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides these scholarships jointly with UK universities to support world-class research. Funded by the UK Department for Education (DfE) these 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 country. 

This scholarship is for full time PhD study starting in September or October 2025. 

It covers: 

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

Deadline: 11 March 2025 at 16:00 UK time 

Eligibility

To get this scholarship you must:

  • be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible commonwealth country and live there permanently
  • be available to start your academic studies by September or October 2025
  • be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship
  • provide all supporting documentation in the required format 

Candidates will be chosen based on: 

  • their potential to impact the development of their home country
  • academic merit
  • the quality of research proposal 

By the start of our proposed scholarship, you must also hold either 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).

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 innovation and entrepreneurship
  • strengthening global peace, security and governance
  • strengthening resilience and response to crises
  • access, inclusion and opportunity 
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Bermuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Cyprus
  • Falkland Islands
  • Gibraltar
  • Malta
  • New Zealand
  • Seychelles
  • Singapore
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos Islands 

How to apply

To apply for this scholarship:

1. Complete an application using the CSC’s online application system. 

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

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission provides more information on this scholarship. 

Help and advice

Contact us

Have a question about this scholarship? Our friendly scholarships team can support and guide you.
international-scholarships@soton.ac.uk
We’re open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, UK time

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