Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/28: Study in the UK Fully Funded

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/28: Fully Funded Doctoral Study in the UK 🇬🇧

📅 Deadline: 20 October 2026 at 4:00 PM BST  |  Applications open: 8 September 2026

Apply for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/28 to study in the UK with fully covered funding. Managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), these scholarships fund 36 months of full-time doctoral study at a UK university. They target candidates from Commonwealth countries classified as least developed countries or vulnerable states (Togo, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, etc.). The funding covers a round-trip flight, full tuition fees, a monthly stipend of £1,712 (outside London) or £2,000 (London), study travel grants, family allowances, and support for students with disabilities. Applications are submitted exclusively through CSC Central with nomination by an approved body. Results expected in July 2027.

🇬🇧 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/28

36 months • Fully funded • Stipend up to £2,000/month

📑 Table of Contents

• Quick Overview
• About the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
• 💰 Financial Benefits
• Other Fully Funded Scholarships
• Eligibility
• Eligible Countries
• 🎯 How to Apply
• Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Overview

Criterion	Details
Scholarship	Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/28
Organizer	Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)
Funding	Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Study Country	United Kingdom
Level	Doctorate (PhD)
Duration	36 months full-time
Funding Type	Fully funded
Applications Open	September 8, 2026
Deadline	October 20, 2026 (4:00 PM BST)
Results	July 2027

About the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the United Kingdom. They aim to support talented researchers who would not have the financial means to pursue studies in the UK without assistance.

These scholarships cover 36 months of full-time doctoral study at a partner UK university, offering a unique opportunity for high-level research.

An Opportunity for Vulnerable Countries

These scholarships specifically target candidates from Commonwealth countries classified as least developed countries or vulnerable states according to the OECD Development Assistance Committee. The objective is to democratize access to quality doctoral education for talents from these nations.

For African students looking for other fully funded opportunities, the 1500 Fully Funded Chevening Scholarships from the UK government offer an excellent alternative for master's studies in the United Kingdom.

Financial Benefits

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships offer a complete financial package:

£1,712 / month

Outside London

£2,000 / month

In London

Benefit	Details
Flight	Round-trip between home country and the UK
Tuition Fees	Fully covered
Monthly Stipend (outside London)	£1,712 per month
Monthly Stipend (London)	£2,000 per month
Travel Grant	For study travel and fieldwork
Mid-term Visit	Covered flight to home country
Family Allowances	For spouse and children
Disability Support	Additional assistance for students with disabilities

Other Fully Funded Scholarships

The Commonwealth is not the only fully funded opportunity to study abroad. Discover other prestigious programs:

• 220 Fully Funded ARES Masters and Training Scholarships – A program offering numerous funding opportunities for postgraduate studies
• Wageningen University Scholarships in the Netherlands – Another opportunity to study in Europe with financial support

These alternatives allow you to increase your chances of securing funding for your international studies.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, you must meet the following conditions:

Criterion	Requirement
Citizenship	Citizen, refugee in an eligible country, or British protected person
Residence	Permanent residence in an eligible country
Availability	Ready to begin studies in September 2027
Required Degree	Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree
Degree Alternative	Lower degree + postgraduate qualification (master's)
No Doctoral Enrollment	Must not already be enrolled in a PhD in the UK or home country before Sept/Oct 2026
Financial Need	Inability to self-fund studies in the UK
Documents	Provide all required documents in the requested format

Special Case: Students with Disabilities

Candidates with disabilities who do not meet the 2:1 academic requirement may, under certain conditions, be considered through a contextualized nomination from the Commonwealth Disabled People's Forum.

Eligible Countries

Candidates must be citizens or refugees of a Commonwealth country classified as a least developed country or vulnerable state. Among the eligible countries:

Africa	Asia	Others
Gambia	Bangladesh	Sri Lanka
Lesotho	Pakistan	Vanuatu
Malawi		Kiribati
Mozambique
Nigeria
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
Tanzania
Togo
Uganda
Zambia

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Check the official website for the complete list of eligible countries, and confirm your country is included before preparing your application.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted exclusively through CSC Central, with a nomination by an approved body. Check the official CSC website to identify the nominating body in your country.

Resource	URL
Apply (CSC Central)	portal.csccentralonline.org.uk/application
Official CSC Website	cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk

📅 Deadline: October 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM BST

🎯 Apply on CSC Central

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/28?

Applications open on 8 September 2026 and close on 20 October 2026 at 4:00 PM BST. Results are expected in July 2027.

How much is the monthly stipend?

£1,712 per month for universities outside London, and £2,000 per month for universities in London.

Which countries are eligible?

Commonwealth countries classified as least developed countries or vulnerable states according to the OECD Development Assistance Committee, including Gambia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu and Kiribati. This list is not exhaustive.

What degree is required to apply?

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree. A lower degree is accepted if combined with a postgraduate qualification (master's).

Can I apply directly to the CSC?

No. Applications are submitted exclusively through CSC Central and require a nomination by an approved body.

How long does the scholarship last?

36 months of full-time doctoral study at a partner UK university, with studies starting in September 2027.

Is there a specific pathway for candidates with disabilities?

Yes. Candidates with disabilities who do not meet the 2:1 academic requirement may, under certain conditions, be considered through a contextualized nomination from the Commonwealth Disabled People's Forum.

Don't miss any scholarship 🇬🇧

Join our WhatsApp channel Accès Bourses Afrique to receive PhD scholarships, master's opportunities and UK funding news in real time.

Join the WhatsApp Channel