Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2023/2024 (Fully Funded)

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2023/2024 (Fully Funded)

Applications are currently open for the Commonwealth PhD scholarships for the 2023/24 academic year, with the scholarships intended for the commencement of studies in the UK in September/October 2024.

These Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are designed for candidates hailing from the least developed countries and fragile States within the Commonwealth, as categorized by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC). The scholarships facilitate full-time doctoral studies at a UK university.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) administers this scholarship scheme on behalf of the UK government, aligning it with international development goals. It operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), symbolizing the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. The CSC’s mission is to attract individuals of exceptional talent and potential from diverse backgrounds, supporting them in becoming leaders and innovators upon returning to their home countries. This endeavor combines sustainable development with the UK’s national interests, fostering opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration.

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Purpose:

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth PhD scholarships serve the development needs of Commonwealth countries by supporting research with a developmental impact. They also enhance individual teaching and research capabilities, thereby increasing institutional capacity in academic and other sectors within Commonwealth countries. Moreover, these scholarships contribute to UK higher education and research by attracting high-caliber international applicants and fostering links and collaboration. They are aimed at individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford studying in the UK.

Intended Beneficiaries:

Commonwealth PhD scholarships target high-quality graduates with the potential to engage in world-class research with a developmental focus. These scholarships aim to cultivate influential leaders, educators, or researchers in their home countries.

Applicant Eligibility:

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must:

• Be citizens of an eligible Commonwealth country or have been granted refugee status by one, or be a British Protected Person.
• Maintain permanent residency in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be available to commence academic studies in the UK at the start of the UK academic year in September 2024.
• By September 2024, possess a first-degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honors standard, or a lower second-class degree along with a relevant postgraduate qualification (typically a Master’s degree).
• Not be registered for a PhD or an MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university or in their home country before September/October 2024.
• Demonstrate financial need that necessitates this scholarship.
• Provide all required supporting documentation in the specified format.

Benefits:

Each scholarship includes:

• Airfare from the Scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award (costs for dependents or pre-award journeys are not reimbursed).
• Approved tuition fees, with full fees covered through an agreement between the CSC and the UK university, relieving scholars of any tuition fee obligations.
• A stipend (living allowance) at a monthly rate of £1,347, or £1,652 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area (at current rates).
• A warm clothing allowance where applicable.
• A study travel grant for study-related travel expenses within the UK or overseas.
• Provision for fieldwork conducted overseas (the cost of one economy class return airfare to the fieldwork location), when approved.
• A mid-term visit (airfare) to the Scholar’s home country, unless they have claimed or intend to claim spouse and/or child allowances during their scholarship or have received a return airfare to their home country for fieldwork.
• Family allowances, including spouse and child allowances, based on specific conditions (rates quoted at current levels).

Application Procedure:

There are three types of nominating agencies for PhD Scholarships:

1. National nominating agencies (main route of application)
2. Selected universities/university bodies, which can nominate their academic staff
3. Selected non-governmental organizations and charitable bodies

Nominating agencies put forward scholarship candidates to the CSC for consideration, and direct applications to the CSC are not accepted.

Each nominating agency oversees its selection process and may establish additional eligibility criteria. Applicants are advised to check with the nominating agency for specific guidance, application rules, and eligibility criteria.

Nominating agencies may set their own application closing dates. These agencies will nominate scholarship candidates to the CSC by December 2023.

The application deadline is October 17, 2023.