Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027-28 in the UK
Apply for the fully funded Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027-28 in the UK, funded by the FCDO to support doctoral research aligned with sustainable development themes.
Overview
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027-28 are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Designed for candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries, the programme enables high-achieving individuals to pursue doctoral studies at renowned UK institutions. The initiative targets six global development themes: science and technology for development; strengthening health systems and capacity; promoting global prosperity; peace, security, and governance; resilience and response to crises; and access, inclusion, and opportunity.
Benefits
- Approved tuition fees fully covered.
- Monthly stipend ranging between £1,712 and £2,000.
- Approved airfare from the home country to the UK and return upon completion.
- Warm clothing allowance and study travel grants.
- Family allowances for eligible spouses and children.
- Additional financial support for disabled candidates following a needs assessment.
Eligibility
- Must be a citizen, refugee, or British Protected Person of an eligible Commonwealth country, and a permanent resident.
- Must be available to start studies in the UK by September 2027.
- Must hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class (2:2) degree alongside a relevant postgraduate qualification (such as a Master’s degree) by September 2027.
- Must not be currently registered for an MPhil leading to a PhD, or a direct PhD, at a UK university or home country university prior to September/October 2026.
- Must provide evidence of financial need indicating inability to otherwise afford studying in the UK.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's (CSC) online application system. Additionally, candidates are required to apply through an approved nominator, which may be a national nominating agency, a selected university, or a designated NGO. Nominators review candidates according to their own criteria and deadlines before forwarding applications to the CSC.
Deadline
Applications open on September 6, 2026, and the final submission deadline is October 20, 2026.