Applications are open for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/28. This fully funded UK doctoral award covers approved tuition fees, return airfare and a monthly living allowance for eligible applicants from 17 least developed and vulnerable Commonwealth countries. The CSC deadline is 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST, while nominators may close earlier.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarship 2027/28 at a glance
- Level: Full-time PhD
- Country: United Kingdom
- Duration: 36 months
- Funding: Full tuition, airfare, stipend and approved additional support
- Deadline: 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST
- Start: September/October 2027
- Application fee: No CSC fee
Funding and benefits
The official award covers approved UK university tuition fees, return airfare between the scholar’s home country and the UK, and a living allowance at the current published rate of £1,712 per month or £2,000 per month for universities in the London metropolitan area. It also includes a study-travel grant, approved overseas fieldwork travel, and normally a paid mid-term visit home. Additional disability support and specified family allowances may apply after assessment.
Eligible countries
Applicants must meet the citizenship or refugee-status and permanent-residence rules for one of these countries: Bangladesh, The Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda or Zambia.
Core eligibility
- Be available to begin UK study in September/October 2027.
- By September 2027, hold at least a UK-equivalent 2:1 first degree, or a 2:2 plus a relevant postgraduate qualification, normally a Master’s.
- Not be registered for a PhD or an MPhil leading to a PhD before September/October 2026.
- Be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship.
- Propose research with clear development relevance under a CSC development theme.
- Commit to returning home after the award.
Required documents
- Passport or national ID showing eligible citizenship, or qualifying refugee-status evidence
- Complete higher-education transcripts, with certified English translations where necessary
- At least two signed PDF references on institutional letterhead or in an email clearly showing the referee’s details
- A supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor at one of the universities named in the application
- Research proposal and detailed study plan
- Development-impact statement, career plans, personal statement, and leadership/volunteering evidence
The supervisor statement should confirm willingness to supervise and that the proposed project can be completed within the 36-month funding period. Missing documents make an application ineligible.
How to apply
- Check your nominator first. Apply through a participating national nominating agency or approved NGO/charitable body and note its own deadline.
- Identify universities and supervisors. Select three appropriate UK universities and supervisors in genuine preference order, then contact a potential supervisor early.
- Apply for PhD admission. University deadlines and admission requirements vary; do not assume the CSC deadline also applies to the course.
- Prepare documents. Secure compliant references, full transcripts and the supervisor statement.
- Submit in CSC Central. Upload every required item before 16:00 BST on 20 October 2026. The CSC does not accept documents outside the system.
Language tests, fees and university deadlines
The CSC does not charge a scholarship application fee and does not set one universal English-test score. A selected university may require IELTS, TOEFL or another test and may have its own admission fee. Check each official course page rather than assuming one common rule.
Frequently asked questions
Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers approved tuition, return airfare, a monthly stipend and specified research, travel and family support.
Can I apply directly?
No. Applicants must use CSC Central and also apply through an approved nominator. A CSC form without nomination cannot proceed.
How long is the funding?
The CSC funds 36 months of full-time doctoral study; it does not fund a four-year PhD through this scheme.
Is a supervisor statement required?
Yes. It must come from a proposed supervisor at one of the universities listed in the application.
What is the deadline?
The CSC deadline is 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST. A nominator may set an earlier cutoff.
Related opportunities
- Cambridge International Scholarship 2027/28
- Oxford Clarendon Scholarship 2027–28
- Oxford Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships 2027/28
Official sources
Last verified 25 September 2026. Always recheck the official call and your nominator’s instructions before submitting.
