Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

Applications for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for the 2023/24 academic year are now closed. The application information below is for reference only. 

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:

• academic merit of the candidate 
• quality of the plan of study 
• potential impact on the development of the candidate’s home country 

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
  • Togo
  • Tuvalu
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
• live permanently in one of the countries listed
• be available to start your studies in September 2023
• hold one of the following degrees by September 2023:
  • 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 2023
• 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

1. Apply through your local national nominating agency or non-governmental organisation.
2. 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.

Further Commonwealth Scholarship opportunities include:

Commonwealth Master's Scholarship
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
Commonwealth Split-site Scholarship