2025 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships For Developing Countries (Fully-Funded)

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are offered to applicants from least developed countries and vulnerable states who wish to pursue full-time doctoral study at a UK university. This scholarship, provided by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in partnership with UK universities, aims to support world-class research that will have a developmental impact.

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Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)

Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships

Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Countries

Scholarship Amount: Full Scholarship | £1,347 – £1,652 per month | Airfare Tickets

Application Deadline: October 15, 2024

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Overview of the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

This fully-funded opportunity covers tuition fees, living stipends, and travel costs for the duration of the candidate’s PhD program. The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship also enhances teaching and research capacity in Commonwealth countries, creating future leaders who will positively impact their home nations.

The UK Department for Education (DfE) funds this program to support research aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in fields that contribute to the development of the applicant’s home country.

For those eligible, this prestigious scholarship presents a life-changing opportunity to study and conduct research in the United Kingdom, alongside some of the brightest minds in academia.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarship Details

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is part of the UK’s long-standing commitment to supporting the development of the Commonwealth. Through the PhD program, successful applicants will have the chance to:

• Conduct cutting-edge research with leading academic institutions in the UK.
• Contribute to the growth of institutional capacity in Commonwealth countries by returning to their home countries equipped with skills and knowledge to drive progress.
• Build collaborative links between their home countries and UK institutions, fostering global partnerships.

Eligibility Requirements for the 2025 Commonwealth PhD Scholarship

To be eligible for the 2025 Commonwealth PhD Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Citizenship:
   • You must be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country or hold refugee status in a Commonwealth country.
   • You may also be a British Protected Person.
2. Residency:
   • Applicants must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
3. Academic Start Date:
   • You must be available to start your studies by the beginning of the UK academic year in September 2025.
4. Educational Qualifications:
   • By September 2025, applicants should hold a first-class degree of at least an upper second-class (2:1) honors standard. Alternatively, a lower second-class degree accompanied by a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree) may be considered.
5. PhD or MPhil Enrollment:
   • You should not be registered for a PhD or an MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university or in your home country before the start of the scholarship (September/October 2025).
6. Financial Need:
   • Applicants must demonstrate that they cannot afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
7. Required Documentation:
   • All supporting documentation must be submitted in the required format by the application deadline.

Benefits of the 2025 Commonwealth PhD Scholarship

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship provides extensive financial support for the duration of the doctoral study, including:

1. Airfare:
   • The scholarship covers approved airfare from your home country to the UK at the start of your studies and a return flight at the end of your award. This benefit does not extend to dependents or trips made before the confirmation of the scholarship.
2. Tuition Fees:
   • Full tuition fees are covered by the agreement between the CSC and the UK university, ensuring that scholars are not responsible for any tuition costs.
3. Living Allowance:
   • Scholars receive a monthly stipend of £1,347, or £1,652 for those studying at universities located in the London metropolitan area.

Scholarship Fully Funded -Baylor University Graduate (Deadline December 2024)

1. Additional Allowances:
   • Warm clothing allowance for scholars where applicable.
   • Study travel grant towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or abroad.
   • Fieldwork expenses, including the cost of one economy-class return airfare to an approved fieldwork location overseas.
2. Family Allowances:
   • Scholars with families may be eligible for spouse and child allowances, depending on whether they are accompanied by their family members:
     • If accompanied by a spouse: £290 per month for up to nine months.
     • If accompanied by a spouse and children: £290 per month for the spouse, £290 for the first child, and £143 for each additional child under the age of 16.
     • If accompanied by children only: £576.61 per month for the first child, £143 for each additional child.
3. Disability Support:
   • Scholars with disabilities will receive a full assessment of their needs and additional financial support based on eligibility.

Required Documents for Commonwealth PhD Scholarship

To apply for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship, you must upload the following documents:

1. Proof of Citizenship or Refugee Status:
   • A copy of your valid passport (or national ID card) showing your photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
2. Academic Transcripts:
   • Full transcripts of all higher education qualifications, including current courses, with certified translations if not in English. Incomplete or missing transcripts will result in ineligibility.
3. References:
   • At least two references from individuals in PDF format, signed and on institutional letterhead or an email showing the sender’s details clearly.
4. Supporting Statement from Proposed Supervisor:
   • A supporting statement from a proposed supervisor in the UK, signed and in PDF format.
5. Unconditional Offer:
   • An unconditional offer, or an offer conditional only on finance, for the 2023 UK academic year for all institutions named in your application form.

How to Apply for the 2025 Commonwealth PhD Scholarship (Step-by-Step)

1. Online Application:
   • All applications must be submitted through the CSC’s online application system. No applications or documentation will be accepted outside this system.
2. Apply to a Nominator:
   • In addition to applying to the CSC, candidates must apply to a nominator. There are three types of nominators for the PhD scholarship program:
     • National nominating agencies – the primary route of application.
     • Selected universities/university bodies – these can nominate their academic staff.
     • Selected non-governmental organizations and charitable bodies.
3. Submit Early:
   • To avoid issues, submit your application as early as possible since the system is expected to be very busy close to the deadline.

Deadline: October 15, 2024

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship is a transformative opportunity for scholars from developing Commonwealth nations to advance their research in the United Kingdom, ultimately helping them contribute to the development of their home countries.

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