Overview

Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships are for candidates from low and middle income countries, as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), in the Commonwealth, to conduct research at a university in the UK for 12 months. 

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.

Who Can Apply?

• Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be registered for a PhD at a university in an eligible Commonwealth country by the time the scholarship starts in September 2025.
• Ensure that an institutional or departmental link exists between the home university and proposed UK university. This link must be greater than simply a collaboration between individuals – see section on ‘Tenure and placement’ below for further details. Both supervisors must provide a supporting statement with further details of the link to ensure the application is eligible.

Application Procedure

Applications for Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships for the 2025/26 academic year are now open. The deadline for submitting an application is 16:00 GMT on Monday 16 December. 

Applications to the CSC must be made using the application system, CSC Central.

What Financial Support is Available?

• Approved tuition fees: full fees are covered by agreement between the CSC and the UK university, and Scholars are not liable to pay for any part of the tuition fee.
• Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,378 per month, or £1,690 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area (rates quoted at current levels).
• If a Scholar is widowed, divorced, or a single parent, child allowance of £590 per month for the first child, and £146 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if their children are living with them at the same address in the UK.

For More Information

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Commonwealth Split-site (PhD) Scholarships