Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for least developed countries and fragile states)

Award details

These Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are for candidates from least developed countries and fragile States in the Commonwealth, for full-time doctoral study at a UK university.

Purpose: To contribute to the development needs of Commonwealth countries by supporting research that will have a developmental impact. These awards will also enhance individual teaching and research capacity leading to increase institutional capacity in academic and other sectors in Commonwealth countries, and will contribute to UK higher education and research by attracting high-calibre international candidates and encouraging links and collaboration.

Intended beneficiaries: High-quality graduates who have the potential to undertake world-class research of a developmental nature and to become influential leaders, teachers, or researchers in their home countries.

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth PhD Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.

These scholarships are offered under six CSC Development themes.

As part of a partnership agreement between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and King’s College London, scholars who are funded on this scholarship receive support towards their tuition fees from King’s.

Eligibility criteria

To apply for these scholarships, candidates must:

• Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
• Be available to start academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2023
• By September 2023, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard, or a second class degree (2:2) and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree)*.
• NOT be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at a UK university or in your home country before September/October 2023
• Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship
• Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format

The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination and encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. For further information on the support available to candidates with a disability, see the CSC disability support statement.

Application process

Applications for Commonwealth PhD scholarships for the 2023/24 academic year are now closed.

For full details, please visit the Commonwealth Scholarships website.

Student Testimonial

Ishrat Shahnaz, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Research PhD

“As one of the UK’s oldest and top-ranked universities, King’s College London has always been a top preference for an international student like me. Its internationally acclaimed teaching, excellent research group, and groundbreaking research have attracted me the most. I found this world-leading university a perfect match for me to produce new knowledge. 

I always wanted to contribute more to the field of psychology and psychiatry. I have looked at plenty of chances in this area, and I feel this program is the best one of its kind. It is much related to my prior work knowledge and will be the best platform to expand and extend my research skills to a higher level. I am willing to continue my teaching, conduct more research and pursue my postdoctoral studies after my PhD to broaden my horizon further.

This fully-funded scholarship has helped me to fulfill my dream of a PhD researcher by removing the financial barrier and provided me ample opportunities to meet and network with fellow scholars to create a community.

If you want to empower yourself by developing skills and deepening your knowledge in your desired field without any financial burden, this scholarship is the perfect opportunity to apply for. Studying at King’s College London with the support of a Commonwealth Scholarship will enhance your confidence to attain your academic and career dreams.”