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Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC)
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
About
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.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. It operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and offers a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. By attracting individuals with outstanding talent and identifiable potential from all backgrounds and supporting them to become leaders and innovators on returning to their home countries, the CSC’s work combines sustainable development with the UK national interest and provides opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth PhD scholarships contribute to the development needs of Commonwealth countries by supporting research that will have a developmental impact. They 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, and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
Commonwealth PhD scholarships are for 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.
These scholarships are offered under the six CSC Development themes.
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Details at a glance
United KingdomAll fields of studyNo deadline has been announcedDoctoral or PhDFull scholarship for the full period of studies70There is no age limit0.00 USDIn-person programme delivery -
Requirements
Targeted nationalitiesBangladesh, Cameroon, Gambia, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, ZambiaTargeted Country of AsylumBangladesh, Cameroon, Gambia, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, ZambiaAccepted status documentationRefugee certificateLanguage of InstructionEnglishLanguage Proficiency LevelNot applicableWhich certificate do you require to prove the required language proficiency?none -
More details about this opportunity
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Opportunity timingRecurring annual opportunity
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Duration of support providedOther
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What is covered in this programTuitionMonthly stipend (e.g. food allowance)Visa
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Type(s) of visa/residency permit granted upon arrivalStudent visa
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Is the student allowed to work while studying?As per visa restrictions
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Can the nuclear family accompany or join the main applicant?Yes
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Who is responsible for the cost of the family members?Scholars may be eligible for family allowance - see website for further details
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Are there options to stay after graduation?Other Commonwealth Scholars must return home following the end of their studies
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How to apply?
Candidates must apply to one of the below nominating agencies as well as to the CSC. Nominating agencies will then put forward candidates to the CSC. The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships.
- National nominating agencies – this is the main route of application
- Selected universities/university bodies – which can nominate their own academic staff
- Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies
Each nominating agency oversees its own selection process and may have additional eligibility criteria. Candidates must check with the nominating agency for their specific advice and rules for applying, and their own eligibility criteria. Nominating agencies may set their own closing date for applications.
Candidates must complete an application using the CSC’s online application system, in addition to any other application required to be completed by the nominating agency. The CSC is unable to accept any applications that are not submitted via the online application system.
Agencies will nominate candidates to the CSC by December 2022.
Candidates are advised to complete and submit applications as early as possible, as the online application system will be very busy in the days leading up to the application deadline.
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Application feeNo direct charges, but the academic institution may charge separate application fees
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Application periodSpecific date (annual opportunity)
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Opportunity annual timingOctober
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Release of the selection decisionJune
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For further questions contact the scholarship provider
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Disclaimer
The content presented on this site has originated from the third party providers. UNHCR is not responsible for the application process or oversight of the opportunities presented here. Questions on a particular opportunity should be directed to the relevant provider.