Applications are now open for the highly regarded Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships in the UK.
The Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarship is renowned opportunity for high-quality doctoral candidates from low- and middle-income countries within the Commonwealth. These scholarships are designed to widen access to UK equipment and expertise, fostering collaboration and partnerships in higher education and research. Here are the details you need to know.
Purpose and Objectives
The primary aim of the Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships is to attract individuals with outstanding talent and identifiable potential from all backgrounds. By supporting these candidates to become leaders and innovators upon returning to their home countries, the program emphasizes sustainable development and international partnerships. The scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and operate within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).
Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships Summary
• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Host Institution(s): Various UK universities
• Study Level: PhD.
• Intended beneficiaries: High-quality graduates from Least Developed and middle- income countries (including fragile and conflict affected states) who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK but who have the potential to become influential leaders, teachers, or researchers in their home countries, and whose proposed research has a developmental and leadership focus
• Funding: Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel costs, and other allowances
• Eligible Countries: The eligible countries for the Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships 2025/2026 are those classified as low- and middle-income countries by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC). See the list of Eligible Countries here.
• Application Deadline: December 16, 2024
Fields of Research
The Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships 2025/2026 support research in a wide range of fields. Eligible fields of study include, but are not limited to:
Natural Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, etc.
Engineering and Technology: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, etc.
Medical and Health Sciences: Medicine, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, etc.
Social Sciences: Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Economics, etc.
Humanities and Arts: History, Literature, Fine Arts, Music, etc.
Agricultural Sciences: Agronomy, Forestry, Animal Science, etc.
Education: Curriculum Development, Educational Psychology, etc.
Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships, candidates must meet the following criteria:
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 the proposed UK university. Both supervisors must provide a supporting statement with further details of the link to ensure the application is eligible.
Be available to start academic study in the UK in September 2025.
Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree) by September 2025.
Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.
Financial Support
The Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships provide comprehensive financial support to cover various expenses:
Approved Airfare: The scholarship covers the cost of airfare from the Scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award.
Tuition Fees: Full tuition fees are covered by agreement between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) and the UK university.
Stipend (Living Allowance): Scholars receive a stipend of £1,378 per month, or £1,690 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area.
Warm Clothing Allowance: A warm clothing allowance is provided where applicable.
Study Travel Grant: A study travel grant is available towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
Child Allowance: If a Scholar is widowed, divorced, or a single parent, a 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.
Choosing a university/course
Before starting their applications, students are advised to refere to this webpage and click on 'Choosing a university/course', there you can find useful resources when researching your choices of institution and course of study in the UK
Application Process
The application process for the Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships involves several steps:
1. Choose a UK University: Candidates must ensure that an institutional or departmental link exists between their home university and the proposed UK university. Additionally, Candidates must apply to study at a UK university which has a part funding agreement with the CSC. Part funding agreements are at the discretion of individual universities. For a list of universities that have agreed to part fund Commonwealth Scholarships, visit the UK universities with part funding agreements page on the CSC website.
2. Obtain Supporting Statements: Both supervisors must provide a supporting statement with further details of the link to ensure the application is eligible.
3. Prepare Supporting Documentation: Candidates must provide all necessary supporting documentation in the required format. You will need the following documents:
Proof of citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country.
Full transcripts detailing all higher education qualifications.
References from at least two individuals, on institutional letterhead or an email, clearly showing the sender’s details.
Supporting statement on institutional letterhead from a proposed supervisor in the UK.
Supporting statement on institutional letterhead from the current supervisor at the home university.
4. Online Application: Applications to the CSC must be made using the application system, CSC Central.
ℹ️ Make sure you read all of the information and conditions on this webpage carefully.
A template application form including all questions is available here and technical guidance is here.
5. Submit the Application: Applications must be submitted by December 16, 2024.
Commonwealth Split-site Scholarship Results and Selection Process
The selection process for the Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships is highly competitive and involves a thorough review of the candidate’s academic achievements, research proposal, and potential to contribute to their home country’s development. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
Candidates can expect to hear the outcome by July 2025
Information And Resources
ℹ️ Applicants can find general information about applying for a Commonwealth Scholarship on the advice for applicants page.
ℹ️ Make sure to read and complete the Split-site Scholarships eligibility checklist before submitting your application.
🌐 To read more about the Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships 2025/2026 and to submit your application, click button below.
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