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Commonwealth Split-site (PhD) Scholarships 2025/2026: A Fully Funded Research Opportunity in the UK

Table of Content

  1. Overview of Commonwealth Split-site (PhD) Scholarships
  2. Benefits of Commonwealth Split-site (PhD) Scholarships
  3. Eligibility Requirements
  4. Scholarship Purpose
  5. Duration of Scholarship
  6. Application Process and Important Dates

The Commonwealth Split-site (PhD) Scholarships 2025/2026 present an exceptional opportunity for doctoral candidates from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to enhance their research capabilities. Fully funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), this program allows scholars to conduct research at a UK university for up to 12 months.

This scholarship not only provides access to the UK’s world-class research facilities but also fosters academic collaboration between UK and Commonwealth institutions.

Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

  • Travel Support: Approved airfare to and from the UK.
  • Tuition Coverage: Full tuition fees covered under agreements between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and UK universities.
  • Monthly Stipend:
    • £1,378 per month for most UK universities.
    • £1,690 per month for universities in the London metropolitan area.
  • Additional Allowances:
    • Warm clothing allowance, if applicable.
    • Study travel grant for academic-related travel within the UK or overseas.
    • Child allowance for single parents or widowed/divorced scholars (£590 for the first child and £146 for each additional child under 16).

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Nationality & Residency:

    • Be a citizen of, or hold refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country.
    • Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.

  2. Academic Requirements:

    • Be registered for a PhD at a university in an eligible Commonwealth country.
    • Hold at least a first degree with upper second-class (2:1) honours or a lower second-class degree alongside a relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g., Master’s degree).

  3. Institutional Link:

    • Ensure a strong institutional or departmental link exists between their home university and the proposed UK university. Both supervisors must provide statements detailing the collaboration.

  4. Financial Need:

    • Demonstrate an inability to afford UK study without the scholarship.

  5. Supporting Documentation:

    • Submit all required documents in the specified format.

  6. Availability:

    • Be available to begin academic study in the UK in September 2025.

Scholarship Purpose

The Commonwealth Split-site (PhD) Scholarships aim to:

  • Provide access to world-class UK facilities and expertise.
  • Foster collaboration between UK and Commonwealth universities.
  • Support emerging leaders, teachers, and researchers from Commonwealth nations.

This program is targeted at individuals who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions in their home countries, particularly in areas of leadership and development.

Duration of the Scholarship

The scholarship covers 12 months of research, which can be taken either as a single continuous period or split into two six-month periods.

Application Process and Important Dates

Applications must be submitted through the CSC Central application system by 16:00 GMT on Monday, 16 December 2024.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply

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