The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027–28 are fully funded doctoral scholarships offered by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).
The scholarships support talented candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries who cannot otherwise afford to study for a PhD in the UK. Successful scholars receive full tuition coverage, airfare, a monthly living allowance, study travel support, and, where applicable, family allowances.
The programme is designed to support research that contributes to the development priorities of Commonwealth countries, with emphasis on areas including science and technology, health systems, global prosperity, peace and governance, crisis resilience, and inclusion.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host Institutions: Participating UK universities
- Study Level: PhD
- Eligible Countries: Eligible Commonwealth countries
- Funding: Fully funded
- Tuition: Fully covered
- Living Stipend: £1,712 per month, or £2,000 per month where applicable
- Airfare: Return airfare
- Study Travel: Available
- Family Allowance: Available for eligible scholars
- Age Limit: No age limit
- Deadline: October 20, 2026
- Study Start: September/October 2027
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027 Details
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are intended for candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries who want to undertake doctoral study at a UK university.
The programme is administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK and is focused on developing research capacity in countries where advanced doctoral training can contribute to national development.
Applicants are expected to propose research that is relevant to development challenges and demonstrates how their proposed PhD can contribute to their home country after completion.
The scholarship is particularly relevant to candidates whose proposed research falls within one or more of the CSC’s development themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting global prosperity
- Strengthening peace, security and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships Benefits
Successful applicants receive a comprehensive funding package that includes:
- Full tuition fees at the approved UK university.
- Return airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK.
- Monthly living allowance of £1,712, or £2,000 per month where applicable.
- Warm clothing allowance, where required.
- Study travel grants for approved academic travel within or outside the UK.
- Family allowance for eligible scholars.
- Additional financial support may be available to scholars with disabilities following a needs assessment.
The family allowance includes:
- £313 per month for a spouse without children, for up to nine months.
- £313 per month for a spouse and £313 for the first child, plus £154 per month for each additional eligible child.
- £622 per month for a single parent with a first child, plus £154 per month for each additional eligible child.
Eligibility Requirements for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027
To be considered for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of, refugee in, or British Protected Person of an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to start their PhD in the UK by September 2027.
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, or a lower second-class (2:2) honours degree together with a relevant Master’s degree, by September 2027.
- Not already be registered for a PhD or MPhil/PhD at a UK university or a university in their home country before September/October 2026.
- Demonstrate that they could not otherwise afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
- Submit all required documents in the specified format.
- Meet any additional requirements set by their nominating agency or university.
There is no age limit for applications to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
How to Apply for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027
The application process involves both the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and a nominating body.
- Identify an eligible PhD programme and UK university that fits your proposed research.
- Prepare your research proposal, ensuring that it addresses a relevant development issue and demonstrates potential impact in your home country.
- Prepare the required academic and supporting documents, including transcripts, references and evidence of your qualifications.
- Apply through the CSC’s online application system.
- Apply through an approved nominator, which may be a national nominating agency, selected university or eligible NGO.
- Check the nominator’s own requirements and deadline, as these may differ from the CSC deadline.
- The nominating body will assess applications and forward its selected candidates to the CSC.
- The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission makes the final selection.
Being nominated does not guarantee that you will receive the scholarship.
📋 Required Documents
- Academic transcripts for their previous university studies
- References, where required by the application system or nominating body
- Personal statement explaining the applicant's background, motivation and career objectives
- Proof of citizenship or eligible status, where requested
- Degree certificates or evidence of qualifications
- Research proposal outlining the proposed PhD research
- Evidence of development impact, explaining how the proposed research and PhD will contribute to the applicant's home country
- Evidence of inability to afford UK study without the scholarship, as required by the CSC
- Admission or supporting documentation from a proposed UK university, where required
- Any additional documents required by the applicant's national nominating agency, selected university or NGO nominator