Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027-28 in the UK | Fully Funded

Overview

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for 2027-28 are funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. They allow graduates from eligible Commonwealth countries to complete a three-year doctorate at a UK university. The scheme is aimed at research that supports development in the candidate's home country, and it is open to people who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.

Awards fall under six development themes: tailoring science and technology for development, strengthening health systems and capacity, promoting global prosperity, strengthening international peace, security and governance, strengthening resilience and response to crises, and access, inclusion and opportunity.

What you get

The award covers approved tuition fees and a monthly stipend of either £1,712 or £2,000. It also pays for approved return airfare between the home country and the UK, a warm clothing allowance if needed, and study travel grants inside or outside the UK. Extra support may be offered to students with a disability after a full assessment.

Family allowances are available subject to conditions. A scholar with a spouse and no children can receive £313 per month for up to nine months. A scholar with a spouse and children receives £313 for the spouse and £313 for the first child, plus £154 for each of the second and third children under 16. A widowed, divorced or single parent receives £622 for the first child and £154 for the second and third children under 16.

Who can apply

Applicants must be citizens or refugees of an eligible Commonwealth country, or British Protected Persons, and must live permanently in an eligible Commonwealth country. They need a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) standard, or a lower second-class (2:2) degree plus a relevant postgraduate qualification, by September 2027, and must be able to begin study in the UK at that time. Anyone already registered for an MPhil leading to a PhD, or for a PhD, before September or October 2026 is not eligible. There is no age limit.

How to apply

Applications are made through the Commission's online system and also through a nominating body, which may be a national nominating agency, a selected university or an NGO. Each nominator sets its own criteria and may have additional deadlines. Nominators send candidates to the Commission, which chooses from the nominated pool; a nomination does not guarantee selection. Selection is based on academic merit, the quality of the study plan and the expected effect on the development of the applicant's home country.

Key dates

Applications opened on 6 September 2026 and close on 20 October 2026.