Fully Funded Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2025

Suitably qualified researchers and high-achieving graduates from Commonwealth countries, who have the potential to conduct groundbreaking research with a focus on development and aspire to become influential leaders, teachers, or researchers in their home countries, are encouraged to apply for the Fully Funded Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for 2025.

The incredible opportunity to pursue full-time PhD studies at a UK university during the 2025/2026 academic year is here for you. These scholarships are specifically designed for candidates from least developed countries and vulnerable states, as defined by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC).

Scholarship Summary:

Scholarship Sponsor(s): UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Host Institution(s): UK University

Scholarship Worth: Fully Funded

Number of Awards: Several

Study Level: PhD

Nationality: Commonwealth Countries

Requirements and eligibility criteria;

Must be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
Must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
Available to begin studies in the UK by September 2025.
Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).
Not registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university or in your home country before September/October 2025.
Must be unable to afford to study in the UK without a scholarship.
Submit all required supporting documentation.

Scholarship Benefits:

Airfare from home country to the UK and return at the end of the award.
Full coverage of tuition fees by agreement between the CSC and the UK university.
Monthly stipend: £1,378 (outside London) or £1,690 (within London).
Warm clothing allowance (if applicable).
Study travel grant for UK or overseas study-related travel.
Fieldwork funding (economy class return airfare to fieldwork location).
Paid mid-term visit to home country (if eligible).

Family allowances:

Spouse: £297 per month for up to nine months (conditions apply).
Children: £297 per month for the first child and £146 per month for the second and third child under 16 years.
Single parents: £590 per month for the first child and £146 per month for the second and third child under 16 years.

Application Procedures for Fully Funded Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2025 (How to apply);

To apply for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship, follow these steps:

Nominator Application:

Applicants must apply through a nominator in addition to applying to the CSC. There are three types of nominators:
National nominating agencies – the primary route for applications.
Selected universities/university bodies – which can nominate their own academic staff.
Non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies.

Documents Required:

Proof of citizenship or refugee status: A valid passport or national ID showing your photo, birth date, and citizenship.
Full academic transcripts: Including transcripts for any ongoing studies. Must be in English or include certified translations.
References: At least two, signed and in PDF format, on institutional letterhead or with clear sender details.
Supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor: In PDF format, signed, and on institutional letterhead or with clear sender details.

Application Deadline: October 15, 2024.

For more information visit the official website

Fully Funded Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2025