University of Nottingham
Central England
Commonwealth PhD Scholarship
2 min read
12 October 2026
The University of Nottingham has excellent links with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and is a popular destination for Commonwealth scholarship holders.
What are Commonwealth PhD Scholarships?
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)-funded awards that enable students from least developed countries and fragile States to undertake full-time doctoral study at a UK university.
These awards are for high-calibre graduates with the potential to undertake world-class research of a developmental nature, and to become influential leaders, teachers, or researchers in their home countries. They cover approved tuition fees, approved airfare, and a living allowance stipend, amongst other financial assistance.
Subject areas
Scholarships are offered under six themes:
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Science and technology for development
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Strengthening health systems and capacity
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Promoting global prosperity
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Strengthening global peace, security and governance
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Strengthening resilience and response to crises
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Access, inclusion and opportunity
Eligibility
To apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship, you must:
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be a Commonwealth Citizen, refugee or British protected person
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be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
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be available to start your academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2027
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by September 2027, hold or be predicted to gain a first degree of at least 2:1 honours standard or a 2:2 degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a masters degree)
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be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship
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provide Commonwealth with all supporting documents in the required format
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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 2027
You must also ensure that you have an offer to study at the University of Nottingham on a relevant course. Please ensure that you make your academic application as early as possible to ensure there is time for your academic application to be considered. As a guide, we recommend that you allow at least 6 weeks for your academic application to be considered.
Application deadline: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at 16:00 (UK time).