Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/28: United Kingdom (fully funded)

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/28 provide fully funded doctoral-study opportunities for candidates from eligible least-developed Commonwealth countries and vulnerable states.

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the scholarships support research that can address development challenges and strengthen research, teaching, and institutional capacity in participating countries.

Successful scholars undertake up to 36 months of full-time doctoral study at an approved university in the United Kingdom. Candidates should propose high-quality research with a clear connection to sustainable development and explain how they will use their expertise after returning home.

What It Covers

• Full approved tuition fees
• Economy-class airfare to the United Kingdom
• Return airfare after completing the scholarship
• Monthly living allowance
• Warm clothing allowance where applicable
• Approved study-related travel
• Fieldwork grant where applicable
• Family allowances under qualifying circumstances
• Disability-related support following a needs assessment
• Funding for up to 36 months of full-time doctoral study

The scholarship does not normally support four-year PhD programmes. The exact allowances and conditions are set by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

Who Can Apply

• Citizens of an eligible Commonwealth country
• Applicants with recognised refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country
• British Protected Persons
• Applicants permanently resident in an eligible country
• Applicants available to begin UK study in September 2027
• Applicants who hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper-second-class honours degree, or a lower-second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification
• Applicants who cannot afford doctoral study in the UK without the scholarship
• Applicants proposing research with clear developmental relevance
• Applicants who identify suitable UK universities and potential supervisors
• Applicants who provide a supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor
• Applicants who apply through an approved nominating organisation
• Applicants who commit to returning to their home country after the scholarship
• Applicants who are not already registered for a PhD or an MPhil leading to a PhD before the 2027 intake

Eligible African Countries

• The Gambia
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Mozambique
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• Sierra Leone
• Tanzania
• Togo
• Uganda
• Zambia

Applicants from other countries should consult the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission page rather than assume eligibility based only on Commonwealth membership.

Research Priorities

• Science and technology for development
• Strengthening health systems and capacity
• Promoting innovation and prosperity
• Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
• Strengthening resilience and responses to crises
• Access, inclusion, and opportunity

Applicants should explain the problem their research addresses, its beneficiaries, expected outcomes, and how the work will contribute to development after they return home.

Study Level: PhD
Host Country: United Kingdom
Funding Duration: Up to 36 months
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Deadline: October 20, 2026, at 16:00 BST

National agencies and other approved nominating organisations may use earlier internal deadlines. Applicants must meet both the nominator’s deadline and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission deadline.

Required Documents

• Valid passport or national identification
• Complete university transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Certified English translations where necessary
• References from at least two individuals
• Supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor
• Research proposal
• Development-impact statement
• Detailed study plan
• Employment and academic history
• Short-term and long-term career plans

The proposed supervisor’s statement must be signed and supplied on institutional letterhead or through an email that clearly identifies the sender. Missing supporting statements, incomplete transcripts, or documents uploaded after the deadline can make an application ineligible.

How to Apply

Candidates must submit an application through CSC Central and also apply through an approved national nominating agency. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission does not accept direct applications without nomination.

Before submitting, identify suitable UK universities, review their doctoral admission requirements, and contact potential supervisors. Applying for the Commonwealth Scholarship does not automatically constitute an application for admission to a UK university, so separate university applications may be required.

Applications are free. Candidates should prepare their written responses and supporting documents outside the portal before transferring them to CSC Central. All required references and supporting statements must be uploaded through the application system by the deadline.