Table of Contents

Introduction

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are designed for candidates hailing from high-income Commonwealth countries, offering an opportunity for full-time doctoral study at a university in the United Kingdom.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) collaborates with UK universities to provide these scholarships, aiming to support exceptional research endeavors. Aligned with the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), these scholarships underscore the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. By attracting individuals with outstanding talent from diverse backgrounds and facilitating their development as leaders and innovators upon returning to their home countries, the CSC’s initiatives blend sustainable development with the UK’s national interest, fostering international partnerships and collaboration.

The primary aim of these scholarships is to assist scholars who might not afford UK-based studies without additional financial support. Priority is given to applicants from traditionally marginalized or under-represented groups and those who have overcome significant disadvantages or barriers in their educational journeys.

Purpose:

Funded by the UK Department for Education (DfE), Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for high-income countries are geared towards supporting research with a direct impact on sustainable development. These scholarships not only enhance individual teaching and research capacity but also contribute to increased institutional capacity in academic and other sectors within Commonwealth countries. Furthermore, they play a role in fostering collaboration and links in UK higher education and research.

Intended Beneficiaries:

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships target high-quality graduates with the potential to undertake world-class research of a developmental nature. The goal is to nurture individuals who will emerge as influential leaders, teachers, or researchers in their home countries. This initiative seeks to empower scholars to contribute significantly to their communities and fields of study, promoting positive change and sustainable development.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships – Supporting Documentation Guidelines

To ensure eligibility, applicants must include specific supporting documentation with their applications for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships.

Note: Applicants are responsible for collecting references and supporting statements from referees and proposed supervisors in the UK. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format to the application system along with other supporting documentation. References and supporting statements will only be accepted through the application system by the deadline. No other submission method or late submissions will be considered.

Applicants are required to upload the following documents:

Proof of Citizenship or Refugee Status:
- A copy of a valid passport (or national ID card) displaying a photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
Full Transcripts:
- Comprehensive transcripts of all higher education qualifications, including current course transcripts if applicable. Certified translations are required if the documents are not in English. Incomplete or missing transcripts will render the application ineligible.
References:
- References from at least two individuals in PDF format, signed, and on institutional letterhead or an email clearly displaying the sender’s details.
Supporting Statement from Proposed Supervisor:
- A supporting statement in PDF format, signed, and on institutional letterhead or an email clearly displaying the sender’s details. This statement should come from a proposed supervisor in the UK affiliated with at least one of the institutions listed on the application form.
Unconditional or Conditional Offer:
- An unconditional offer or an offer conditional only on finance for the 2023 UK academic year for all institutions listed on the application form.

Incomplete submission of any required documentation by the closing date will result in the application being deemed ineligible.

Important Points:

The CSC does not accept supporting documentation submitted outside the online application system.
Referees should provide detailed comments on the applicant, addressing their suitability for the scholarship, the importance of the proposed study subject in the UK, and various aspects of the applicant’s capabilities and potential impact on development in their home country.
Proposed supervisors should confirm their willingness to work with the applicant, outline their department’s expertise, and indicate their involvement in crafting the candidate’s Plan of Study.
The CSC does not charge applicants for applying to its scholarships or fellowships through the online application system.

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Commonwealth PhD Scholarships – Applicant Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Citizenship:
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country.
Permanent Residency:
- Show evidence of current permanent residency in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Have resided in an eligible Commonwealth country for at least two years before submitting the application.
PhD/MPhil Status:
- Not be registered for or have initiated a PhD or an MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university prior to the commencement of the Scholarship.
- Be available to start the Scholarship and academic studies in the UK in September/October 2024 (exact date to be agreed upon by the CSC). The Scholarship is not open to those who have already started their PhD in the UK before September 2024.
Academic Qualifications:
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree) at the time of applying. Evidence of the degree should be submitted with the application.
PhD/MPhil Registration:
- Not have commenced or be currently registered for a PhD or an MPhil leading to a PhD in their home country or elsewhere.
Offer of Admission:
- Hold an unconditional offer or an offer conditional only on finance for the 2024 UK academic year from all the UK universities listed on their application. This should be submitted as part of the application.
References:
- Provide references from at least two individuals in PDF format, signed, and on institutional letterhead or an email clearly displaying the sender’s details.
Supporting Statement from Proposed Supervisor:
- Provide a supporting statement from a proposed supervisor from at least one of the UK universities listed in the application, in PDF format, signed, and on institutional letterhead or an email clearly displaying the sender’s details.

Important Note: Provisional selection for a scholarship is contingent upon the agreement of the university for which candidates are selected, as part of the funding for the scholarship is provided by that university.

Candidates should ensure that they have contacted their chosen university/universities to confirm their ability to secure admission between September and October 2024. It’s important to be aware that some universities may not offer September-October admission for certain courses.

Eligible Countries for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

Citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships:

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Brunei Darussalam
Canada
Cayman Islands
Cyprus
Falkland Islands
Gibraltar
Malta
New Zealand
Seychelles
Singapore
St Kitts and Nevis
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands.

Completing the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships Application Form

In the application form for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, applicants are required to provide comprehensive information as follows:

Academic Qualifications:
- List all undergraduate and postgraduate university qualifications obtained.
Publications and Prizes:
- List up to 10 publications and prizes relevant to the field of study.
Employment History:
- Provide details of employment history, explaining the relevance of each job to the proposed programme in the UK.
Statement on Work Experience:
- Provide a statement highlighting the relevance of previous work experience to the proposed scholarship.
Referees:
- List names and positions of three referees qualified to comment on the applicant’s capacity to benefit from the scholarship and their ability to deliver development impact. One referee must be a current employer (if applicable).
Development Impact Statement:
- In four parts:
  - Explain how the proposed scholarship relates to global, national, and local development issues.
  - Describe how it connects to the chosen CSC development theme and the broader sector.
  - Outline how the new skills will be applied post-scholarship.
  - Detail the expected outcomes, implementation timeframe, beneficiaries, and methods for measuring and evidencing impact.
Award Objectives and Career Plans:
- Confirm award objectives and how each will be met by the scholarship program.
- Outline career plans for the 5 years following the scholarship.
- Provide details of long-term career plans.
Plan of Study:
- Present a detailed plan of study related to the chosen PhD program.
Personal Statement:
- Summarize how personal background has motivated a desire to make an impact in the home country.
- Highlight significant contributions, including overcoming barriers in accessing higher education or within their field.
Voluntary Activities and Leadership:
- Summarize engagement in voluntary activities and opportunities to demonstrate leadership.

Applicants should ensure that all information provided is clear, detailed, and directly addresses the specific points outlined in the application form. This thorough and well-articulated application will enhance the chances of securing the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship.

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