If you are dreaming of pursuing a PhD in the United Kingdom but worried about finances, the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026-27, funded by the Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), are the perfect opportunity for you. These scholarships are fully funded and designed to support outstanding students from least developed countries and vulnerable states within the Commonwealth.

Through this program, you will gain access to world-class UK universities, collaborate with renowned researchers, and contribute to the sustainable development of your home country. Applications officially open on 2 September 2025, for studies starting in September/October 2026, making this your chance to secure one of the most prestigious awards offered globally.

About the Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

The FCDO plays a leading role in shaping the UK’s foreign policy, international partnerships, and development strategies.

• Strengthen academic collaboration between the UK and Commonwealth nations.
• Build future global leaders and researchers who can address key global challenges.
• Support higher education for development in least developed countries.

The CSC manages these awards by partnering with top UK universities and research institutions. This initiative is a symbol of the UK’s commitment to education, sustainable development, and international cooperation.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026-27 Overview

Feature	Details
Scholarship Name	Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026–2027
Funded by	Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Application Opens	2 September 2025
Application Deadline (via Nominators)	December 2025 (varies by country/agency)
Study Start Date	September/October 2026
Duration	36 months (3 years)
Funding	Fully funded
Number of Scholarships	Varies annually
Eligible Institutions	Any UK university with CSC partnership (Full List Here)
Application Form	PhD Template Application Form
Application Route	Through nominating agencies/organizations (not direct to CSC)

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship 2026–2027, you must meet the following:

• You must be residing as a citizen of any of the refugee countries, an eligible Commonwealth country or you can be a British Protected Person.
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be available to start academic studies in the UK by September 2026.
• Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree by September 2026, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant Master’s qualification.
• You must not have any kind of registrations for PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD. This includes a UK university or any of your home countries before September/October 2026.
• You have to show your status of being in need financially and being unable to study in the UK without the scholarship.
• Provide all required documents in the specified format.

📌 Note: There is no age limit, but you should confirm with your employer if workplace restrictions apply for leave.

Benefits of the Program

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship is fully funded and provides extensive benefits, including:

• Full tuition fees covered by the CSC and partner UK universities.
• Monthly stipend: £1,452 (outside London) or £1,781 (London area).
• Return airfare from home country to the UK at the start and end of the award.
• Warm clothing allowance (where applicable).
• Study travel grant for research-related travel within or outside the UK.
• Fieldwork allowance, including airfare for overseas research trips.
• Paid mid-term visit to your home country (one trip allowed).

Application Process

Follow these steps carefully to maximize your chances:

• All the applications are forwarded via the CSC Central Online System. Check out their application form template.
• Apply through a nominating agency (national agency, NGO, or charitable body) in your home country. Direct applications are not accepted.
• Nominating agencies set their own deadlines (before Dec 2025), so check locally.
• Submit the following required documents:

1. Passport/ID (proof of citizenship or refugee status).
2. Full transcripts of all higher education qualifications (with certified English translations if needed).
3. At least two academic references (PDF, signed, on letterhead).
4. A supporting statement from a UK supervisor at one of your chosen universities.
5. Research proposal & development impact statement.

• Shortlisted candidates will get their nominations to the CSC in December 2025.
• Final results are announced by July 2026.

Eligible Programs & Fields of Study

These scholarships cover PhD research across a wide range of disciplines. Students can apply to any CSC-approved UK university program. For the complete list of universities eligible, View Eligible UK Universities.

Comparison of Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026-27 

Scholarship	Host Country	Funding	Duration	Deadline
Commonwealth PhD Scholarship	UK	Fully funded	3 years	Dec 2025
Chevening Scholarships	UK	Fully funded	1 year (Master’s only)	Nov 2025
Fulbright PhD Scholarship	USA	Fully funded	3–5 years	Varies
DAAD Research Grants	Germany	Fully funded	3–4 years	Oct 2025

FAQs about Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026-27

1. Who can apply for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026?
   Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries with a master’s degree can apply.
2. What degree level does the scholarship cover?
   It funds full-time PhD studies in the UK.
3. Are there specific GPA or grade requirements?
   Yes, applicants must hold strong academic records, usually equivalent to a UK upper second-class degree or above.
4. Do I need an admission offer from a UK university before applying?
   Yes, you must apply to eligible UK universities alongside the scholarship.
5. Can I apply for any field of study?
   Yes, but priority is given to fields aligned with sustainable development goals.
6. Is the scholarship renewable each year?
   Yes, it is an annually renewable opportunityy based on satisfactory academic progress.
7. Can family members accompany me to the UK?
   Yes, but dependents are not fully funded; extra costs must be managed by the student.
8. What is the exact application deadline for the 2026-27 intake?
   Applications usually close in late 2025 (please check for exact dates on CSC portal).
9. How will I get the results? 
   Successful applicants will get notification via email and the CSC online portal.

Important Things to Remember

Key Requirement	Details
Application Open Date	2 September 2025
Nominator Deadline	Varies, but by December 2025
CSC Final Selection	July 2026
Start of Study	September/October 2026
Age Limit	None
Visa	UK student visa required after selection
Work Restriction	No other course of study or job allowed during scholarship

If you are passionate about research, leadership, and making an impact in your home country, the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship 2026–2027 is your chance. Don’t miss the deadline — check with your national nominating agency, prepare your documents, and apply early. APPLY NOW.

Stay updated with the latest scholarship, fellowship, and internship opportunities worldwide. Subscribe now and never miss a chance to boost your academic journey!