The Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships 2025-26 offer a unique, fully funded opportunity for talented doctoral candidates from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), these scholarships enable scholars to conduct high-quality research at a UK university for 12 months, fostering international collaboration and contributing to sustainable development. The program is designed to widen access to UK equipment and expertise, supporting outstanding individuals who have the potential to become influential leaders, teachers, or researchers in their home countries.
The fully funded scholarships are part of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK’s (CSC) commitment to international development and are aligned with six CSC Development themes. By facilitating partnerships and collaborations, the program not only benefits the scholars but also enhances UK and Commonwealth higher education and research sectors.
Quick Overview of Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships 2025-26
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Host Institutions: UK Universities with part-funding agreements with the CSC
- Scholarship Name: Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships
- Application Deadline: 16:00 GMT on Monday 16 December 2024
- Scholarship Duration: 12 months (can be taken as a single period or two six-month periods)
- Programs Covered: PhD research across various disciplines aligned with CSC Development themes
- Scholarship Coverage: Fully funded (tuition fees, airfare, stipend, allowances)
- Eligible Countries: Low and middle-income Commonwealth countries (see full list below)
- Eligibility: Must be registered for a PhD at a university in an eligible Commonwealth country
Applicable Programs and Development Themes for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
The scholarships are offered under six CSC Development themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting global prosperity
- Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion, and opportunity
Scholars can pursue research in various fields that contribute to these themes, including but not limited to:
- Engineering and Technology
- Health Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Education
- Economics and Finance
- Governance and Public Policy
Scholarship Coverage and Financial Assistance for the Fully Funded PhD Scholarships
The Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships provide comprehensive financial support:
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of approved tuition fees.
- Travel Costs:
- Approved airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK and returned at the end of the award.
- Stipend (Living Allowance):
- £1,378 per month for scholars outside London.
- £1,690 per month for scholars at universities in the London metropolitan area.
- Warm Clothing Allowance: Where applicable.
- Study Travel Grant: Contribution towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
- Family Allowance:
- If widowed, divorced, or a single parent, £590 per month for the first child, and £146 per month for the second and third child under 16, if accompanying the scholar in the UK.
- Disability Support: A full assessment and additional financial support for scholars with disabilities.
Benefits of PhD Research Scholarships in the UK
- Utilize advanced equipment and resources not available in home countries.
- Work alongside leading experts in your field.
- Enhance your research skills and methodologies.
- Increase your potential to become influential leaders, teachers, or researchers.
- Build international connections with academics and professionals.
- Strengthen your academic profile with UK research experience.
- Experience life in the UK and broaden your cultural horizons.
- Develop qualities essential for driving change and development.
- Apply new knowledge and skills to contribute to your country’s development.
Eligibility Criteria of Scholarships for International Students
To be eligible, applicants 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 registered for a PhD at a university in an eligible Commonwealth country by September 2025.
- Ensure an existing institutional or departmental link between their home university and the proposed UK university.
- Hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honors standard or a second-class degree (2:2) 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.
- Be available to start academic studies in the UK in September 2025.
- Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.
Eligible Countries for the Commonwealth Scholarships for Low and Middle Income Countries
Applicants must be from one of the following eligible Commonwealth countries:
- Bangladesh
- Belize
- Botswana
- Cameroon
- Dominica
- Eswatini
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guyana
- India
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Montserrat
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Papua New Guinea
- Rwanda
- Saint Helena
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Sierra Leone
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Zambia
Important Dates of Split-site Scholarships by the Commonwealth Commission
- Application Opening Date: Already open
- Application Deadline: 16:00 GMT on Monday 16 December 2024
- Supporting Documents Deadline: Same as the application deadline
- Notification of Outcome: By July 2025
- Scholarship Start Date: September 2025
How to Apply for the Scholarships for International Scholars
- Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria using the Eligibility Checklist provided.
- Confirm an institutional or departmental link between your home university and the proposed UK university.
- Select a UK university with a part-funding agreement with the CSC.
- Gather all required supporting documents (see Required Documents section).
- Visit the CSC Central Application Portal: Apply Now
- Register using a valid email address and mobile number (for the one-time password verification).
- Fill in all required sections carefully.
- Prepare answers outside the system before entering them online to avoid timeouts.
- Upload all required documents in PDF format.
- Ensure references and supporting statements are on institutional letterhead or official email.
- Double-check all entries and documents.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid system congestion.
- Monitor your email (including spam folders) for updates.
- You can expect to hear the outcome by July 2025.
Required Documents for Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships 2025-26
Applications must include the following supporting documents:
- Proof of Citizenship or Refugee Status: A copy of a valid passport or national ID card showing your photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship is required.
- Academic Transcripts: Full transcripts detailing all higher education qualifications, including current studies. Certified translations if not in English.
- References:
- At least two references from individuals on institutional letterhead or official email.
- References should address your capacity to benefit from the scholarship and the potential to deliver development impact.
- Supporting Statement from UK Supervisor:
- Confirmation of acceptance to supervise your research.
- Details on how your research fits within the department’s expertise.
- Supporting Statement from Home Supervisor: Confirmation of support for your research and details of the institutional link.
Note: All documents must be uploaded to the application system by the application deadline. Submissions must be completed on time to render the application eligible.
Country-Specific Criteria Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships 2025-26
- Applicants must ensure an existing institutional or departmental link between their home institution and the UK university.
- The CSC does not require an IELTS test; however, candidates must meet the English language proficiency requirements of their chosen UK university.
- Scholars must meet all UK immigration requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration.
Selection Process and Criteria for the Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships
Applications are assessed based on:
- Academic records, achievements, and references.
- Clarity, originality, and relevance to development issues.
- How the proposed research will contribute to the candidate’s home country and align with CSC Development themes?
Additional Information
Application Tips
- Submit your application early to avoid technical issues due to high traffic near the deadline.
- Draft your responses in a word processor before entering them into the online form.
- Reach out to your referees and supervisors early to ensure timely submission of supporting statements.
FAQs and Support
- Frequently Asked Questions: CSC FAQs
- Contact Email: info@cscuk.org.uk
Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to advance your research and contribute to your country’s development. Begin your application today and take the next step toward becoming a global leader in your field!
For More Information and to Apply visit the Commonwealth Scholarships website.
