The 2026 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are now open for applications. This fully-funded UK scholarship is designed for talented students from least developed countries and vulnerable states within the Commonwealth, offering them the opportunity to pursue full-time doctoral research at leading UK universities.
Funded by the UK Department for Education (DfE) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), this programme supports high-quality research that contributes to sustainable development while building academic capacity across Commonwealth nations.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Study Level: PhD / Doctoral Research
- Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Countries
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Benefits: Tuition, airfare, living allowance (£1,452 – £1,781/month), family support
- Deadline: October 14, 2025
Benefits of the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship 2026
Successful candidates will receive a comprehensive funding package that includes:
✅ Full tuition fees (covered in partnership with UK universities)
✅ Round-trip airfare from home country to the UK
✅ Monthly living stipend: £1,452 (outside London) / £1,781 (London)
✅ Warm clothing allowance (where applicable)
✅ Study travel grant for research-related trips in the UK or overseas
✅ Fieldwork allowance (including one return economy ticket)
✅ Mid-term home visit (airfare) for eligible scholars
✅ Family support: child allowance and disability-related support, where applicable
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship 2026, candidates must:
- Be a citizen (or refugee/permanent resident) of an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Hold a minimum of an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree, or a lower second-class with a Master’s degree by September 2026.
- Not be registered for a PhD in the UK or their home country before September/October 2026.
- Be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship.
- Provide all required supporting documents in the correct format.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- Copy of a valid passport/national ID (with photo, DOB, and citizenship).
- Full academic transcripts (including ongoing studies).
- Two signed references on institutional letterhead (PDF format).
- A supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor (signed, institutional letterhead).
- An unconditional (or conditional on finance) admission offer from a UK university.
Note: Incomplete applications or missing documents will be deemed ineligible.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the CSC application system.
In addition to applying directly to the CSC, applicants are also required to apply through a nominating body. Nominators fall into three categories:
- National nominating agencies – the main application route.
- Selected UK universities/university bodies – may nominate their own staff.
- Approved NGOs and charitable organisations – invited to nominate candidates.
Early submission is strongly advised, as the CSC portal gets very busy closer to the deadline.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2026 Commonwealth PhD Scholarship is:
🗓 October 14, 2025
Final Thoughts
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship 2026 is one of the most competitive and prestigious opportunities for researchers from developing countries. Beyond funding, it opens doors to world-class supervision, international collaboration, and impactful research that benefits communities back home.
👉 Click here to apply now and take the first step toward your fully-funded PhD in the UK.