Deadline: October 17, 2023
Apply for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are for candidates from least developed Commonwealth countries, for full-time doctoral study at a UK university. The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in conjunction with UK universities. These scholarships aim to support world class research and to contribute to UK higher education and research.
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are intended to candidates from least developed Commonwealth countries who have not already started their PhD study in the UK. Through this programme, the CSC aims to contribute to the development needs of Commonwealth countries by supporting research that will have a developmental impact.
Organization Profile: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) manages the main UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. The CSC is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for International Development (DFID). By supporting innovators and leaders of the future from across the Commonwealth, and by attracting outstanding talent to Britain’s universities, CSC engagements and works combine sustainable development with the UK national interest
Benefits
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits
- The scholarship offers selected candidates coverage for airfare from their home country to the UK and return at the end of their studies.
- You will receive full coverage for tuition fees for your selected study programme
- Students will receive a monthly stipend worth £1,347 and £1,652 for scholars at universities in the London metropolitan area.
- You will receive a Warm clothing allowance upon your arrival in the United kingdom
- The programme offers Study travel grant that are intended to cover the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas
- You will receive support to cover the cost of fieldwork undertaken overseas.
- Scholars will receive coverage for mid-term visit to their countries of origin.
- You will be eligible for a spouse allowance worth £290 per month in case you and your spouse are living together at the same address in the UK.
- Scholars will also receive a child allowance of £290 per month for the first child, and £143 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following conditions if they are to be selected for the programme
- You must be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Applicants must show evidence of permanently residence in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- You must be available to start your academic studies in the UK between September/October 2023 (to be agreed by the CSC).
- Applicants must hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard, or a second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree) by the time of submitting your scholarship application
- You must not be be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at a UK university before September 2023
- Candidates must not have commenced or be currently registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, in their home country or elsewhere.
Application
Applicants must apply through the nominating agency that have been designated by the The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. There are three categories of nominating bodies you ay apply through
- National nominating agencies in the applicant’s country of origin
- Selected universities/university bodies, which can nominate their own academic staff
- Non-governmental organizations and charitable bodies
A full list of nominating bodies is available on the programme website. In addition to the preliminary application for nomination, you must also complete your application through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission online portal.
You will need the following documents to complete your application, which must be uploaded direct via the online application portal.
- Proof of citizenship: A copy of your valid passport or national ID card
- Academic History: Your transcripts of records detailing all your higher education qualifications, past and present.
- Recommendations: Details of at least 2 referees to submit References on your behalf. Letters will be submitted directly by the referees to the online application system.
- Supervisor Support: A supporting statement from a proposed supervisor from at least one of the institutions named on your application form. This will be submitted directly by your proposed supervisor to the online application system
To apply, Click here
For more information, visit the official website here
