ACU Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth Studentships Program 2026/2027 for PhD Students

The ACU Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth Studentships Program 2026/2027 is now accepting applications from PhD students undertaking research in humanities and social sciences. The studentship supports research projects that explore Commonwealth-related themes and encourages scholars to examine issues affecting Commonwealth countries, institutions, and communities.

The program is offered through the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) in partnership with The Round Table Journal and Routledge.

Successful applicants will receive funding support for their research and will be expected to produce a research article for consideration by The Round Table journal, as well as contribute a podcast discussing their research.

ACU Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth Studentships Program Summary

• Host Organization: Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) / The Round Table Journal
• Study Level: PhD Students
• Research Areas: Humanities and Social Sciences
• Eligible Applicants: PhD students at eligible universities in Commonwealth countries
• Award Value: Up to GBP 5,500
• Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

Financial Benefits

The ACU Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth Studentships Program provides:

• Two studentships available, each worth up to GBP 5,500.
• One award for PhD students registered at universities in the UK.
• One award for PhD students registered at ACU member universities in Commonwealth countries outside the UK.
• Research support for projects related to Commonwealth themes.
• Mentorship from an academic expert based at a university in another Commonwealth country.
• Opportunity to publish research-related work through The Round Table journal platform.

Research Areas and Eligible Themes

Applicants from a broad range of humanities and social science disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Priority may be given to research areas commonly covered by The Round Table journal, including:

• Politics
• International relations
• Economics
• International history
• Geography
• Law
• Development studies
• Area studies

Applicants from STEM disciplines may apply only if their research proposal clearly addresses a policy-related theme.

The proposed research must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Focus on the Commonwealth as a whole or a Commonwealth institution/organization.
• Include a comparative Commonwealth perspective.
• Address issues relevant to multiple Commonwealth countries.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be currently registered as a PhD/DPhil student at an eligible university.
• Be conducting research within humanities or social sciences.
• Have a research project connected to Commonwealth-related themes.
• Demonstrate how the studentship will contribute to their research development.
• Be willing to work with an academic mentor from a Commonwealth country different from their own.

A Commonwealth focus is not required in the applicant’s existing PhD research. Applications are especially encouraged where the award will allow researchers to introduce a Commonwealth dimension into their work.

Mentorship Requirement

Successful applicants must identify and work with a mentor from a university in a Commonwealth country other than the country where they are based.

The mentor should:

• Have expertise related to the applicant’s research area.
• Provide academic guidance and support throughout the studentship period.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the official application guidance.
2. Download and complete the studentship application form.
3. Prepare a current CV.
4. Submit the completed application form and CV via email to: secretary@commonwealthroundtable.co.uk
5. Ensure the application is submitted before the deadline.

Successful applicants will later be required to submit a 4,000–6,000-word article based on their research and participate in creating a podcast for publication on The Round Table journal website.