These scholarships are offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and funded by the UK Department for International Development. They are for students from least-developed Commonwealth countries and fragile states who want to study for a PhD in the UK.
Candidates will be chosen based on:
- their potential to impact the development of their home country
- academic merit
- the quality of their study plan
Level of study
This scholarship is for postgraduate PhD study.
Subject areas
This scholarship is for study across a range of subject areas. It is offered to students whose studies fall under one of these themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting global prosperity
- Strengthening global peace, security and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
What is covered
This scholarship covers:
- your tuition fees
- return travel costs
- a monthly stipend
- an allowances package
Who can apply
To apply for this scholarship you must:
- be a British Protected Person, a citizen of, or a refugee in, one of the following countries:
- Bangladesh
- Cameroon
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Rwanda
- Sierra Leone
- Solomon Islands
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Zambia
- live permanently in one of the countries listed
- be available to start your studies in September/October 2021
- hold one of the following degrees by September 2021:
- a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard
- a second class degree (2:2) and a relevant postgraduate qualification (a Master’s degree)
- not be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at a UK university before September 2021
- not have commenced and be currently registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at your home country or elsewhere
- have the support of a potential supervisor from at least one UK university listed in your application form
- be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship
- provide all supporting documentation in the required format
How to apply
- Apply through your local national nominating agency or non-governmental organisation.
- Apply for your PhD programme at Southampton, stating that you wish to be considered for Commonwealth Scholarship funding.
Further information
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission provides more information on this scholarship.