PhD Programs
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) is now accepting applications for the 2026 intake of its prestigious and fully funded Master’s and PhD Scholarships.
These awards are offered to talented individuals from eligible Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the United Kingdom.
The scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and support candidates who demonstrate the potential to contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries.
About the Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarships are among the most established and sought-after international scholarship opportunities in the world. Since their inception in 1959, more than 30,000 individuals have benefited from the opportunity to pursue graduate study in the UK and return home to make significant contributions across public service, education, health, science, governance, environment, and civil society.
Global Internships
Master’s Degrees
These scholarships aim to support students who:
- Are from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries
- Would not otherwise afford to study in the UK
- Demonstrate outstanding academic merit
- Show strong potential for leadership and impact
- Are committed to using their studies to advance sustainable development in their home communities
Scholarship Types and Eligibility
PhD Programs
1. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Designed for high-achieving individuals who wish to undertake full-time taught Master’s degrees at a UK university.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Must be available to begin academic studies in the UK by September 2026
- Must hold an undergraduate degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard by September 2026
- Must demonstrate financial need and inability to afford study in the UK without the scholarship
Master’s Degrees
Apply for Master’s Scholarships
2. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
Offered to candidates who wish to pursue full-time doctoral study at a UK university and are motivated to contribute to capacity-building in their home countries through research and academic engagement.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Must be available to begin academic studies in the UK by September 2026
- Must hold a Master’s degree or a qualification equivalent to a UK Master’s degree
- Must not be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, in the UK or elsewhere before September 2026
- Must demonstrate academic excellence and potential for research leadership
PhD Programs
Doctorate Degrees
What the Scholarships Cover
Both the Master’s and PhD Commonwealth Scholarships are fully funded, covering:
- Approved tuition fees
- Airfare to and from the UK at the beginning and end of the award
- Stipend (living allowance) of £1,347 per month, or £1,652 for those studying in the London metropolitan area (rates subject to annual review)
- Thesis grant for PhD scholars to cover the cost of writing a dissertation (where applicable)
- Warm clothing allowance, where applicable
- Study travel grants and allowances for fieldwork (for PhD scholars)
- Child allowance and spouse allowance (where applicable)
Master’s Degrees
PhD Programs
Additional benefits are available depending on the scholar’s personal circumstances and the nature of their program.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be assessed based on:
- Academic merit
- Quality of the study plan or research proposal
- Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country
- Alignment with one or more of the CSC’s six development themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems
- Promoting global prosperity
- Strengthening global peace, security and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion, and opportunity
Global Internships
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications for both Master’s and PhD Commonwealth Scholarships is:
14 October 2025 at 16:00 BST
Applicants are strongly encouraged to start early to gather required documents and consult with nominating agencies or universities if required.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s official portal:
- For Master’s Scholarships: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/masters
- For PhD Scholarships: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/phd
Master’s Degrees
PhD Programs
Please refer to the detailed application guidelines and eligibility criteria for your country before applying.
Build the Future You Envision
These scholarships offer more than just academic advancement. They provide a transformative platform for emerging leaders and researchers who are committed to building stronger, more equitable societies. By studying in the UK under the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme, scholars gain access not only to world-class education but also to global networks that extend far beyond the classroom.
If you are passionate about creating change in your community and want to lead sustainable development efforts in your home country, this is your opportunity to invest in your future and the future of others.
DATE . Sep/9/2025