Study in UK: Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for Developing Countries (Fully Funded)

The 2027 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are open to eligible applicants from the least developed countries and vulnerable nations to undertake a full-time doctoral degree programme at a university in the UK with full financial support.

The scholarship will pay for approved tuition fees and return overseas flights, as well as a monthly living stipend and other assistance to cover qualified study-related costs. It targets individuals with a good academic record, excellent research ideas, and the ability to become significant academics, educators, and development leaders.

Eligible Countries for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for Developing Countries

Bangladesh
The Gambia
Kiribati
Lesotho
Malawi
Mozambique
Nigeria
Pakistan
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
Togo
Tuvalu
Uganda
Zambia

Programmes Available for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for Developing Countries

Science and technology for development:

Research on technology, engineering, scientific innovation and practical solutions for development concerns.

Improving population health, health systems and capacity:

Public health; building health systems; delivering health care; preventing disease; health policy.

Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship:

Research to promote sustainable enterprises, innovation, jobs and economic opportunity.
Strengthening peace, security and governance:
Governance, public administration, institutional development, conflict prevention and justice

Strengthening resilience and response to crises:

Climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, food security, environmental resilience and crisis response.

Access, inclusion and opportunity:

Education
social inclusion
gender equality
access and equity.

Requirements for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for Developing Countries

1. Citizenship or qualifying status

You must be a citizen of (or have been given refugee status by) an eligible Commonwealth country or a British Protected Person.

2. Permanent residence in an eligible country

Candidates must be permanent residents of an eligible Commonwealth country. If you have unusual residency or immigration circumstances, you should refer to the CSC guidance and nominator requirements.

3. Relevant academic qualifications

Applicants must hold one of the following qualifications by September 2027:

A first degree of at least upper second-class honours quality (2:1); or
A good second-class honours degree, often with a relevant postgraduate qualification such as a master’s degree.

4. Availability to begin doctoral study in 2027

Successful applicants will need to be able to start their studies in the UK at the start of the academic year in September 2027 or in the corresponding September/October entry period.

5. Not already registered for a PhD

Applicants must not have been enrolled in a PhD or an MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university or in their home country before September/October 2026, in accordance with the established eligibility criteria for the programme.

6. Demonstrated financial need

This fellowship is aimed at candidates who would not be able to afford to study for a doctorate in the UK without this financial support. Applicants should be prepared to furnish any information needed to prove eligibility.

7. Complete supporting documentation

All essential documentation must be supplied in the correct format by the deadline. Incomplete or missing papers can render an application ineligible.

Benefits of Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for Developing Countries

Firstly, the CSC will pay approved tuition fees according to its agreements with participating universities in the UK.
Secondly, the scholarship also includes a monthly stipend at the amounts listed below:

£1,712 per month for students attending universities outside of the London metropolitan area.
£2,000 per month for scholars at universities in Greater London.

Scholars will also receive approved airfare from their home country to the UK and return travel at the end of the grant.
Finally, eligible scholars with dependants living with them in the UK may be entitled to additional allowances.