Apply for Commonwealth Split-Site PhD Scholarships 2025/2026

The Commonwealth Split-Site PhD Scholarships provide a platform for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue advanced research in the UK.

This initiative offers fully-funded opportunities for 12 months of academic study and research at a UK university.

Overview of Commonwealth Split-Site PhD Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) administers this programme to foster international development.

It supports scholars to conduct research that contributes to sustainable growth in their home countries.

The scholarships align with the UK government’s commitment to building partnerships across the Commonwealth.

Benefits of the Scholarship

Successful applicants receive the following support:

• Return airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK.
• Full tuition fees, covered through agreements with UK universities.
• Living allowance of £1,378 per month, or £1,690 per month for students at universities in London.
• Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
• Study travel grant for research-related travel within the UK or overseas.
• Child allowance of £590 per month for the first child, and £146 per month for the second and third child under 16, if living with the scholar in the UK.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, candidates must meet the following conditions:

• Hold citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be enrolled in a PhD programme at a university in an eligible Commonwealth country by September 2025.
• Ensure a strong institutional link between the home and UK universities, supported by supervisors’ statements.
• Be available to begin studies in the UK by September 2025.
• Possess a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Demonstrate financial need for studying in the UK.
• Provide all required documents in the proper format.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• The academic merit of the candidate.
• The quality of the research proposal.
• The potential impact on development in the applicant’s home country.

Application Process

Applications for the 2025/2026 academic year are now open.

The submission deadline is 16:00 GMT on Monday, 16 December 2024.

To apply, visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Application Portal.

For additional details about this programme, visit the Commonwealth Split-Site PhD Scholarships official page.

This scholarship represents a chance to advance your research and contribute meaningfully to global development.